A 5-day Kashmir itinerary is the most requested length for first-time visitors because it covers the three signature stops without feeling packed.
Day 1: Arrival and Srinagar Pickup, houseboat check-in on Dal Lake, and an evening shikara ride to ease into the trip.
Day 2: Srinagar sightseeing Mughal Gardens, old city lanes, and local markets, kept to a single relaxed day rather than split across the trip.
Day 3: Gulmarg Gondola ride, snow or meadow activities depending on season, and return to Srinagar or an overnight stay in Gulmarg.
Day 4: Pahalgam Betaab Valley and Aru Valley by local jeep, with time for a riverside lunch.
Day 5: Departure A free morning for shopping or a slower houseboat breakfast before the transfer out.
This plan leaves out Sonamarg and Jammu deliberately -- trying to add them usually turns day 3 or day 4 into a rushed double-destination day instead of a comfortable one.