Things to do in

Kashmir

Experience a peaceful, iconic boat ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar — glide past houseboats, floating gardens and the lively floating market aboard a traditional wooden shikara steered by a local boatman. The ride is a gentle mix of sightseeing, cultural immersion and superb photography opportunities, particularly at sunrise and sunset.

Experience a quintessential Kashmiri stay aboard a traditional, wooden houseboat moored on Dal Lake or the quieter Nigeen Lake. Houseboats offer ornate carved interiors, cozy bedrooms, and private verandahs overlooking placid waters framed by the Zabarwan Range. Guests enjoy shikara rides, floating markets and gardens, Kashmiri cuisine, and the slow, reflective rhythm of lake life.

Shalimar Bagh (Shalimar Mughal Garden) is one of Srinagar's most celebrated Mughal gardens, laid out in the 17th century by Emperor Jahangir for his wife Noor Jahan. The garden is set on a natural terraced hillside, fed by springs and canals from Dal Lake, and is known for its formal terraces, cascading fountains, chinar and cypress trees, and a central water cascade that reflects Mughal landscape architecture. A leisurely stroll through Shalimar offers a blend of history, horticulture, and panoramic views of Dal Lake and the Zabarwan mountain range.

Nishat Bagh is the second-largest of Srinagar's Mughal gardens, terraced on the eastern side of Dal Lake beneath the Zabarwan Range. Created in 1633 by Asif Khan, it is known for its formal Persian-style terraces, flowing water channels, fountains, chinar trees and sweeping views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains. The garden offers a peaceful blend of horticulture, history and panoramic vistas.

Chashme Shahi (also spelled Chashma Shahi) is a small, historic Mughal garden in Srinagar known for its natural spring, formal terraces, fountains and classical Mughal layout. Laid out in the 17th century, it sits on a hillside with well-maintained flowerbeds, chinar and cypress trees, carved stone channels and a central spring believed to have medicinal and sacred value. The garden offers clear views of the Zabarwan Range and nearby Dal Lake area.

Watch a stunning alpine sunset from Pari Mahal (The Fairies' Abode), a historic terraced garden on the Zabarwan Range overlooking Srinagar, Dal Lake and the old city. The viewpoint offers panoramic vistas as the sun dips behind the Himalaya, bathing Mughal-era terraces, chinar trees and Dal Lake in warm golden and pink hues. The experience combines history, landscape photography opportunities and calming mountain air.

Asia’s largest tulip garden, located on the foothills of the Zabarwan Range overlooking Dal Lake. The garden is managed by Jammu & Kashmir Department of Floriculture and opens briefly each spring when over a million tulip bulbs bloom, creating layered terraces of color with views of Srinagar and the surrounding mountains.

Badamwari Garden in Srinagar is famous for its almond (badam) trees that burst into fragrant pale-pink and white blossoms in late winter and early spring. The Badamwari Almond Blossom Walk is a gentle, scenic stroll through the park and nearby lanes, celebrating the short but spectacular bloom season. Visitors enjoy photography, local snacks, cultural interaction, and a relaxed immersion in Kashmiri springtime.

Climb or drive to the Shankaracharya Temple (also called Takht-e-Sulaiman) — a short cultural pilgrimage and viewpoint on a prominent hill overlooking Srinagar and Dal Lake. The site is an ancient temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, set on a rocky outcrop that offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Himalayan foothills. The visit combines light trekking (stone steps/trails) with cultural and photographic opportunities.

Hazratbal Shrine (Dargah Sharif) is a revered Muslim shrine in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, housing the Moi-e-Muqqadas (a relic believed to be a hair of Prophet Muhammad). Located on the northern shores of Dal Lake, the shrine is an important place of pilgrimage and local devotion, notable for its white marble façade and serene lakeside setting.

A cultural and historical walk exploring the 14th-century Jamia Masjid — a large, columned mosque in the heart of Nowhatta — and the surrounding Nowhatta square, a lively old-city hub of bazaars, Sufi shrines, and traditional Kashmiri life. The visit combines architecture, religious history, local markets, and street food tasting in Srinagar’s historic quarter.

Khanqah-e-Moula (Shah-e-Hamdan) is one of Srinagar's oldest and most respected Sufi shrines. Situated on the banks of the River Jhelum near Fateh Kadal, it combines religious, historical and architectural significance. The khanqah is associated with Shah-e-Hamdan (Mir Syed Ali Hamdani), a 14th-century Persian Sufi saint who played a key role in spreading Islam and Kashmiri cultural arts.

Dastgeer Sahib is a historic Sufi shrine located in the Khanyar area of Srinagar, Kashmir. Dedicated to Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani (often spelled Jilani), the shrine is an important religious and cultural landmark in the old city. Visitors come to see the shrine's distinctive architecture, the relic associated with the saint, and to experience the devotional atmosphere of a centuries-old Sufi center. The site blends spiritual significance with local Kashmiri craftsmanship and traditional wooden architectural details.

A guided walking tour through Downtown Srinagar (Old Srinagar City) exploring centuries-old Islamic architecture, narrow bazaars, wooden carved houses, historic mosques, shrines, and living crafts traditions. The walk highlights the social and cultural life of Srinagar’s old quarter, with stops at Jamia Masjid, Khanqah-e-Moula, wooden residential façades, artisan workshops (papier-mâché, pashmina/shawl weaving), traditional food stalls, and riverfront views along the Jhelum.

Experience the living market of Dal Lake at first light. Local farmers and traders gather on shikaras (wooden boats) to sell fresh vegetables, flowers and household items while navigating the calm waters. The scene—boats clustered with colorful produce against a backdrop of pink-blue dawn and mirrored reflections of the Himalayas and houseboats—offers a window into Kashmiri daily life and excellent photography opportunities.

Shop for authentic Kashmiri pashmina shawls, hand-knotted carpets and colourful papier-mâché ware in two of Srinagar’s best-known shopping areas — Polo View Market and Lal Chowk. These adjoining market zones combine long-established family workshops, small street stalls and a few government and cooperative emporia where you can see artisans at work and buy directly from makers or experienced traders. Expect a sensory experience of soft fibres, intricate motifs and vivid painted finish-work.

Hands-on cultural visit to family-run workshops in Srinagar's Old City to watch and learn traditional Kashmiri papier-mâché painting and walnut wood carving. Meet master artisans, see the full craft process from raw material to finished product, try basic techniques under guidance, and buy authentic souvenirs directly from makers.

Experience a culinary and cultural institution of Kashmir — the Wazwan, a ceremonial multi-course meal prepared by expert chefs (Wazas). Typically centered on rich mutton preparations and aromatic spices, a Wazwan is as much about community and ritual as it is about food. Guests sit together, often on the floor, and share dishes served course-by-course. This experience includes an introduction to the history of Wazwan, guided tasting of signature dishes, and insight into Kashmiri dining customs.

A short, sensory food-walking experience through Srinagar's traditional bakeries to taste authentic Kashmiri Kahwa (spiced green tea) and Noon Chai (pink salted tea), paired with freshly baked local breads such as Girda, Lavasa, Sheermal, and Baqerkhani. This activity focuses on authentic flavors, bakery culture, and watching artisans at work in small, family-run shops around the old city and Lal Chowk area.

Pampore, often called the 'Saffron Town' of Kashmir, is famous for its autumnal carpets of purple crocus flowers (Crocus sativus) and the hand-harvested crimson stigmas that become premium Kashmiri saffron. This activity lets you walk through the fields during harvest season, watch demonstration of picking and processing, meet local growers and buy authentic saffron directly from cooperatives and trusted vendors.