Days 1–2 — Srinagar. Houseboat stay, Dal Lake, old city, Mughal gardens. Use day 2’s afternoon to rest — the rest of the week moves.
Day 3 — Gulmarg. Day trip or overnight; gondola to Kongdoori and, weather permitting, Apharwat.
Days 4–5 — Pahalgam. Base here for two nights. Day trip to Aru and Betaab Valley on day 4; a longer day toward Chandanwari on day 5.
Day 6 — Sonamarg. Drive from Pahalgam back through Srinagar and on to Sonamarg — long day on the road, worth it for Thajiwas Glacier and the meadow.
Day 7 — Return to Srinagar. Slow morning, depart.
Good to know: this route covers roughly 350km total by road across the week — comfortable, not rushed, but confirm road conditions to Sonamarg if you’re travelling in shoulder season.