I'm currently planning a trip with my wife, and we've been spending the last few evenings comparing different Kashmir itineraries. We don't travel very often, so we'd rather get it right the first time instead of regretting missing important places. The more I research, the more I realize that every travel company offers something slightly different, which makes the decision surprisingly difficult.

Initially, we thought every package was almost identical, but after reading the day-wise itineraries, we noticed big differences. Some focus only on Srinagar and Gulmarg, while others include Pahalgam or Sonmarg. A few even leave enough free time for local sightseeing, which I personally think is important. We don't want a vacation where we're constantly rushing from one destination to another.

I recently came across this page while comparing options for Kashmir Honeymoon Tour Packages from Delhi:
https://www.mintoholidays.com/package-details/kashmir-honeymoon-package
The itinerary looked quite balanced, and it made me realize how important it is to compare what's actually included rather than just looking at the final price.

For those who have already visited, is a Srinagar Gulmarg Tour Package from Delhi enough for a first trip, or do you feel Pahalgam should always be included? Here's the itinerary I was reading:
https://www.mintoholidays.com/package-details/srinagar-gulmarg-tour-package

I'm also trying to prepare a sightseeing list before finalizing anything. I found this guide on the Best Places to visit in Kashmir, and it helped me discover a few attractions that I hadn't heard about before:
https://www.mintoholidays.com/blog/best-places-to-visit-in-kashmir

My biggest concern is balancing sightseeing with relaxation. Since it's a honeymoon, we don't want every day packed with activities. Spending an evening on Dal Lake, exploring local markets, trying authentic Kashmiri food, and enjoying the scenery are just as important to us as visiting famous tourist attractions.

Unfortunately, getting a full week off from work isn't always easy. If our leave gets reduced, we're considering switching to a Weekend Special Kashmir Trip Package from Delhi instead:
https://www.mintoholidays.com/package-details/weekend-special-kashmir-trip-package

Has anyone here taken a short Kashmir trip like that? Did you feel it was enough to enjoy the destination, or did you wish you had planned a longer holiday?

I've also noticed that many experienced travelers recommend checking hotel locations, travel time between destinations, and what's excluded from the package before booking. Those small details seem to make a bigger difference than I initially expected.

I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have already been to Kashmir. If you were planning your honeymoon again, what would you change in your itinerary? Are there any experiences that you think every first-time visitor should include?