Book nothing that depends on Sonamarg or Gurez without a backup you would still be glad to do. May rewards people who like the classic valleys and punishes people who stacked the itinerary with roads that open “around then”.
Usually open
- Gulmarg meadow and phase 1
- Pahalgam and usually Aru
- Doodhpathri on a dry week
- Gardens
Usually shut or a bad bet
- Gurez until the pass is clearly open, often later
- Sonamarg until the last snow is cut, some years late May, some years June
Weather
Warm days, cool nights, the odd hard shower. Snowline retreating, not gone from the highest ridges.
What to wear
Light layers, a rain shell, shoes for damp grass.
Where to base yourself
Srinagar plus Pahalgam if you have five days or more. The first-timer plan fits this month well.