Gliding across Dal Lake in a Shikara, a slim, canopied wooden boat, is the image most people have of Kashmir before they arrive. It lives up to it.
- One hour covers the nearby sights; two to three reach Char Chinar and the inner lake.
- Sunset and dawn are the most beautiful times.
- Agree the price, route and duration before boarding.
- Vendors in boats will approach; a polite no is fine.
Routes
- One hour: along the Boulevard side, past houseboats and floating gardens.
- Two hours: add Char Chinar island and Nehru Park.
- Three hours or more: deeper into the lake's channels, lotus gardens and the area around Hazratbal and Nigeen.
When to go
- Sunset: the classic ride, with golden light on the water and the Zabarwan hills.
- Dawn: quiet, misty and the time to see the floating vegetable market.
- Spring and autumn: the most comfortable weather; summer middays can be hot on the water.
Prices
Shikaras leave from numbered ghats along the Boulevard, where official rate cards are usually displayed. Agree the price, duration and route before you board. Most of our packages include a one-hour ride.
On the water
Boats selling flowers, kahwa, jewellery and saffron will come alongside. Buy if you like; a polite "no thank you" is enough. Photographers offer costume photos; agree prices first.
Make it special
Book a private Shikara for a picnic, a sunrise ride or a candle-lit evening on honeymoon trips. Read our Dal Lake guide and houseboat stay guide. Official visitor information is on the J&K Department of Tourism site.
Last updated:
About the author: Written and checked by the Travel Wiki planning team, who arrange Kashmir and Ladakh trips every week from Srinagar and Bijbihara.