Five days is a good length for a first look at Kashmir if you are flying into Srinagar. It gives you two Srinagar days, one hill excursion and one night in Pahalgam, with time to breathe.
Who it suits: first-time visitors, couples and families who want the highlights at an easy pace. What it leaves out: Sonamarg, Doodhpathri and the slower stretches. For those, see the 7-day itinerary.
Seasonal tweaks: in spring add the Tulip Garden to Day 2; in winter swap Pahalgam for a night in Gulmarg; in July and August, book Pahalgam early because of Amarnath Yatra crowds. Want a version priced for your dates? See the family holiday package or ask for a custom plan.
How the days are balanced. Day 3 is the long day, with about four hours of driving and a lot of walking at altitude, so Day 2 is kept deliberately light. Day 4 is a transfer plus easy valley sightseeing, which gives your legs a rest before the return. If you would rather not change hotels, Pahalgam can be done as a long day trip from Srinagar, but it makes for an early start and a late return.
Booking notes. The Gulmarg Gondola and any special houseboat should be booked as soon as your dates are fixed. Local cabs in Pahalgam and ponies are paid directly on the day.
