Shikara Ride on Dal Lake, Srinagar

The shikara is the covered wooden boat of Srinagar's lakes. An hour on Dal Lake or Nigeen is the quietest part of most Kashmir trips, and one ride is part of most of our Srinagar packages.

What an hour on Dal Lake looks like

Rides leave from the numbered ghats along Boulevard Road. Our own office is at Ghat No. 7, so this is the lake we see every day. The boatman paddles out past the rows of houseboats, towards Char Chinar island and the lotus beds, with the Zabarwan hills behind. Small boats come alongside selling kahwa, saffron, shawls and silver. You can wave them off with a smile if you are not buying.

Late afternoon is the favourite slot. The light turns gold, the water goes still, and the hills change colour as the sun drops. In July and August the lotus fields are in flower.

The dawn floating market

Early in the morning, farmers from the lake gardens trade vegetables from their boats on the old city side of Dal. It is over soon after sunrise, so the ride starts in the dark and needs a warm layer. It is worth it for photographers and early risers. Tell us in advance if you want it, so the early start is built into the plan.

Dal Lake or Nigeen?

Dal is livelier, with more boats, vendors and views of the Boulevard. Nigeen, further north, is calmer and greener, with fewer sellers. Families who find the vendors tiring often enjoy Nigeen more. Couples on a Kashmir honeymoon often do one of each.

With children and older parents

The boat is flat and stable, but stepping in and out at the ghat can be awkward. Let the boatman hold the boat steady.
Ask for life jackets for small children before you set off.
An hour is plenty for young kids. A long ride with a bored toddler is nobody's holiday.
Evenings are cold outside summer. Take a shawl, even in May.

Ask our Srinagar team to add Shikara Ride to any Kashmir package. Some activities are seasonal, so tell us your month.