A 5-day Kashmir itinerary that actually works

This is the itinerary we book most often. Five days, four nights, starting and ending at Srinagar airport.

Day 1 - Srinagar and Dal Lake

Land, transfer to a houseboat, and take an evening shikara ride past the floating gardens. Easy first day to settle in.

Day 2 - Gulmarg

Drive up to Gulmarg (about two hours), ride the gondola to Kongdoori for the views, and walk the meadow. Back to Srinagar or on towards Pahalgam.

Day 3 - Pahalgam valleys

A full day in the Betaab, Aru and Chandanwari valleys along the Lidder river. Local taxi only past Pahalgam town - your driver arranges it.

Day 4 - back to Srinagar, Mughal Gardens

Return to the city, visit Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi, and keep the evening free for the Boulevard and Polo View markets.

Day 5 - departure

Transfer to the airport.

Want it slower, or with Sonamarg added? See the 6-day version or the full Classic Kashmir package.