Most people use Srinagar as a base and rush out to the hill stations every morning. That's a shame: the city has enough for two or three unhurried days. Here's a Srinagar itinerary that shows its best side.
- Two days covers the lake, gardens and old city; three adds Nigeen Lake and shopping.
- Do the Mughal gardens in the late afternoon, when the light is best.
- Spend at least one night on a houseboat.
- The old city is best explored on foot with a local guide.
Day 1: the lake
Arrive, check into a houseboat and let the afternoon go slowly. Take a Shikara at sunset past the floating gardens and Char Chinar. Have dinner on board.
Day 2: gardens and views
- Early morning (optional): the floating vegetable market by Shikara, around dawn.
- Late morning: Shankaracharya temple for views over the city (security check, then a few hundred steps).
- Afternoon: the Mughal gardens in order: Chashme Shahi, Pari Mahal, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, ending as the light softens.
Day 3: the old city and Hazratbal
Walk downtown Srinagar: Jamia Masjid's wooden pillars, the Khanqah-e-Moula on the Jhelum, and lanes of copper, papier-mâché and spice shops. After lunch, visit Hazratbal shrine and Nigeen Lake for a quieter Shikara ride.
Where to eat and shop
Try a Wazwan meal at least once, Harissa for breakfast in winter, and Kahwa anywhere. For pashmina, saffron and walnut wood, read our shopping in Srinagar guide.
Turn it into a trip
Add day trips to Gulmarg and Sonamarg and you have our Srinagar 4 nights package. See all Srinagar tour packages, or the Srinagar places guide. Garden timings and fees change; check the J&K Department of Tourism.
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.
