Dal Lake Shikara Ride
A slow glide across Dal Lake in a cushioned wooden shikara, past floating gardens, lotus beds, houseboats and the Zabarwan hills, the signature experience of Srinagar.
Jammu and Kashmir, India
Srinagar & Kashmir
Srinagar is the summer capital of Kashmir, a lake-and-river city in a high Himalayan valley where carved cedar houseboats rest on Dal and Nigeen lakes, Mughal gardens climb in terraces toward the Zabarwan hills, and old wooden shrines and mosques stand beside the Jhelum.
Around the city, the valley opens to alpine meadows at Gulmarg and Sonamarg, the pine-fringed Lidder River at Pahalgam, and some of the finest high-lake treks in India. This guide covers 22 experiences, 8 hotels and houseboats, and 6 practical guides. Conditions in the region can change, so check your government's current travel advice before you book and again before you travel.
Don't miss
Dal Lake Shikara Ride
A slow glide across Dal Lake in a cushioned wooden shikara, past floating gardens, lotus beds, houseboats and the Zabarwan hills, the signature experience of Srinagar.
Dal Lake Houseboat Stay
Sleep on the water in a carved cedar houseboat with a veranda, kahwa tea and views of the Zabarwan hills, the most distinctive way to stay in Kashmir.
Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh
Terraced seventeenth-century gardens on the shore of Dal Lake, with chinar trees, water channels, flower beds and pavilions set against the Zabarwan hills.
Gulmarg Gondola and Meadows
A day trip to the alpine meadow of Gulmarg and its cable car, one of the highest in the world, rising toward Apharwat with views of the Himalaya.
Things to do in Srinagar & Kashmir
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Dal Lake Houseboat Stay
Sleep on the water in a carved cedar houseboat with a veranda, kahwa tea and views of the Zabarwan hills, the most distinctive way to stay in Kashmir.
Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh
Terraced seventeenth-century gardens on the shore of Dal Lake, with chinar trees, water channels, flower beds and pavilions set against the Zabarwan hills.
Old Srinagar Walking Tour
A guided walk through the downtown lanes beside the Jhelum, with wooden shrines, artisan workshops, bakeries and the daily life of the old city.
Jama Masjid and Shah Hamdan Shrine
Two landmarks of Kashmir's wooden architecture: the pillared congregational mosque of Nowhatta and the painted timber shrine on the banks of the Jhelum.
Hazratbal Shrine
The white marble shrine on the western shore of Dal Lake, one of the most revered Muslim sites in Kashmir, set against the Zabarwan hills.
Hari Parbat Fort
The fort-crowned hill above Srinagar, with long walls, a temple, a shrine and a gurdwara, and wide views over the city and Dal Lake.
Shankaracharya Temple
An ancient hilltop Shiva temple above Dal Lake, reached by a stepped climb, with one of the best panoramic views over Srinagar.
Chashme Shahi and Pari Mahal
A small spring-fed Mughal garden and a ruined terraced palace of arches high on the Zabarwan slope, with some of the best lake views in town.
Tulip Garden and Spring Festival
A terraced hillside garden on the Zabarwan foothills that bursts into more than a million tulips each spring, the colourful start of Kashmir's season.
Srinagar Cycling Tour: Mughal Gardens and Lakeside
A guided bike ride along the Dal Lake shore to the Mughal gardens and back lanes, a lively way to see Srinagar at a human pace.
Gulmarg Gondola and Meadows
A day trip to the alpine meadow of Gulmarg and its cable car, one of the highest in the world, rising toward Apharwat with views of the Himalaya.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
Shabrose Heritage Houseboats Nigeen Lake
Nigeen Lake
A group of heritage houseboats on the calmer, greener Nigeen Lake, with carved wood interiors, lake-facing verandas and a quiet setting away from the busiest part of Dal.
Check rates →Houseboat Zaindari Palace
Srinagar Lakes
A traditional Srinagar houseboat with carved wooden rooms, a veranda over the water and home-cooked Kashmiri meals, a simple, atmospheric base for a lake stay.
Check rates →Badyari Palace Houseboat
Srinagar Lakes
A houseboat stay on the Srinagar lakes with carved interiors, a sun deck or veranda and Kashmiri hospitality, suited to couples and small groups.
Check rates →WelcomHeritage Gurkha Houseboats
Srinagar Lakes
Houseboats run under a heritage hotel brand, with carved interiors, more organised service and the classic Kashmir stay on the water.
Check rates →Hotel Pine Spring Gulmarg
Gulmarg
A mountain hotel in the Gulmarg meadow, close to the snow in winter and the pony tracks in summer, a practical base for the gondola and the slopes.
Check rates →The Khyber Himalayan Resort and Spa
Gulmarg
Gulmarg's best-known luxury resort, a large mountain property with spa, restaurants and wide views of the meadow and snow peaks.
Check rates →Hotel Heevan Pahalgam
Pahalgam
A comfortable hotel in the Lidder valley at Pahalgam, a convenient base for river walks, Aru and Betaab valleys and the start of high-country treks.
Check rates →Radisson Blu Golf View Resort Pahalgam
Pahalgam
A larger, full-service resort beside the Pahalgam golf course, with mountain-view rooms, two restaurants and a short drive to Betaab Valley and Chandanwari.
Check rates →Tour + stay
Ready-made pairings: a top sight and a hotel that suits it. Add both to your trip and book each when you are ready.
Do
Dal Lake Shikara RideStay
Shabrose Heritage Houseboats Nigeen LakeNigeen Lake
Do
Dal Lake Houseboat StayStay
Houseboat Zaindari PalaceSrinagar Lakes
Do
Mughal Gardens: Nishat Bagh and Shalimar BaghStay
WelcomHeritage Gurkha HouseboatsSrinagar Lakes
Srinagar & Kashmir guides
Srinagar and Kashmir in Three Days
A practical three-day plan covering Dal Lake, the Mughal gardens, the old city and a mountain day trip to Gulmarg or Pahalgam.
Where to Stay in Srinagar and Kashmir: Houseboats, Gulmarg and Pahalgam
How to choose between a houseboat, a city hotel and a mountain base, with notes on Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, Gulmarg and Pahalgam.
The Best Time to Visit Kashmir: Season by Season
What each season looks like in the valley, from tulips and almond blossom to red chinar leaves, snow and skiing, with tips for each.
Eating and Drinking in Kashmir: Wazwan, Kahwa and Fresh Bread
A guide to Kashmiri food, from the ceremonial wazwan feast and rogan josh to kahwa, noon chai, bakeries and dry fruit.
Day Trips from Srinagar: Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg
How to choose and plan the three classic mountain excursions from Srinagar, with distances, seasons and practical tips.
Trekking in Kashmir: Lakes, Glaciers and High Meadows
An introduction to Kashmir's best-known treks, including the Great Lakes, Tarsar Marsar, Kolahoi and Gangabal, with season, fitness and safety notes.
