Srinagar
Kashmir’s summer capital, and where most trips begin. Dal Lake, houseboats, Mughal gardens and the old city are all here.
- Altitude
- About 1,585 m
- Best time
- March to October
- Getting there
- Srinagar Airport, or by road from Jammu
- Stay
- 2 to 3 nights
Srinagar sits on the Jhelum River in the middle of the Kashmir Valley. Most visitors spend their first and last nights here, because it has the airport and is the base for day trips to Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg.
If you only do one thing, take a shikara on Dal Lake around sunset. Staying a night on a houseboat is the classic Srinagar experience, and many of our trips include one.
Choosing dates? Read our month-by-month guide to the best time to visit Kashmir.
Things to Do in Srinagar
Dal Lake and shikara rides
Ride a shikara past the floating gardens and markets. Early morning and sunset are the calmest times.
Houseboat stay
Sleep on a carved cedar houseboat moored on the lake. One night is enough for most travellers.
Mughal gardens
Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh and Chashme Shahi are terraced gardens on the slopes above the lake.
Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
Open for a few weeks in spring, usually around late March and April. Dates change each year.
Shankaracharya Temple
A hilltop temple with wide views over the city and lake.
Old city and local crafts
Walk the old quarter for its wooden architecture, shrines, pashmina and papier-mâché.
Tours That Visit Srinagar
See every Srinagar tour package, from 2 to 9 nights.
Srinagar FAQs
How many days are enough for Srinagar?
Two to three nights covers Dal Lake, the gardens and the old city. Add more if you are using Srinagar as a base for day trips.
Is a houseboat better than a hotel?
They offer different things. A houseboat gives you the lake experience, while a hotel is more practical for early starts. Many guests do one night on the lake and the rest in a hotel.
When is Srinagar at its best?
Spring brings the tulips and blossoms, summer is pleasant, autumn has golden chinar trees, and winter can bring snow. See our guide to the best time to visit Kashmir.