If it's your first trip to the valley, these are the places we build almost every itinerary around.
1. Dal Lake, Srinagar
Stay on a houseboat, take a shikara ride at sunrise, and visit the floating vegetable market.
2. Gulmarg
A meadow in summer and a ski resort in winter, with one of the world's highest cable cars.
3. Pahalgam
Set on the Lidder river, all pine forests and open valleys.
4. Sonmarg
The 'meadow of gold' and gateway to Himalayan treks and glaciers.
5. The Mughal Gardens
Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi, framed by the Zabarwan mountains.