Kashmir India

Kashmir
Division in India

Kashmir is a division in Jammu and Kashmir union territory of India.

Kashmir division is bordered by the Pakistan to the west, north and northeast, Ladakh to the southeast, Jammu division to the south.

Kashmir divided into 10 districts - Anantnag, Shopian, Budgam, Srinagar, Baramulla, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Kulgam, Kupwara, Pulwama. Srinagar is the capital of Kashmir division. So we will start from Srinagar.

How to Reach Kashmir

You can easily go to Srinagar by air from any airport in India.

Buy cheap air tickets with your credit card from the comfort of your home from the app below, or find out the ticket price in Indian Rupee. Or check airfares in other currencies - USD, Canadian Dollar, Euro, Russian Ruble, Bangladeshi Taka.

Type your destination "Srinagar" and select it from drop down menu. Enter your Depart date and Return date. If one-way then cross the Return date. If more than 1 passenger, enter. If you want business class click on "Business class" and click on search.

By road From Kolkata: You have to come to Srinagar only via Jammu. There are 3 trains from Kolkata to Jammu.

* Jammu Tawi Express (Daily)
11:45 AM - 8:50 AM = 45 Hours
2A 2 Tier AC - 2915 Rupees
3A 3 Tier AC - 2005 Rupees
3E 3rd Economy AC - 1890 Rupees
SL Sleeper Class Non AC - 766 Rupees

* Himgiri Express (Tues, Fri, Sat)
Howrah 23.55 PM - 1 PM = 37 Hour
1A 1st AC = 5080 Rupees
2A 2 Tier AC = 2980 Rupees
3A 3 Tier AC - 2065 Rupees
3E 3rd Economy AC - 1960 Rupees
SL Sleeper Non AC - 790 Rupees

* Jammu Tawi Hamsafar Express (Monday)
Sealdah 1:10 PM - 11:25 PM = 34 hours
3A 3 Tier AC - 2305 Rupees

By road From Jammu: 1. Shared Taxi: 1500 Rupees per person.
2. Bus: 7/8 hour journey, starts around 8/9 AM. Non AC bus - 550 Rupees, Mini AC bus 830 Rupees.
3. By Train: Jammu - Udhampur - Ramban - Banihal - Srinagar
Udhampur to Banihal train route is not complete. So you have to go by the below way-
Jammu to Udhampur by train 50 Rupees (70 km by bus and 53 km by train).
Udhampur to Ramban by bus (53km ).
Ramban to Banihal by bus (35km).
Banihal to Srinagar by train 45 Rupees (80 km by train).

There are several shared taxis that operate between Airport and various places of Srinagar. The charge is very nominal of 100 Rupees. In fact, if you want to reach the airport, then you can take an airport shuttle that runs from TRC. There are 3 airport shuttles – 9 AM, 10 AM and 11 AM and takes 90 Rupees.

Another way by road, you can come to Srinagar from Leh via Manali. But this route is open only from mid June to mid of September/ October.

Hotels in Kashmir

There are many hotels in Srinagar but There is another option to stay in the boat house of Dal Lake. Isn't it nice? Different from other tourist area.

Book your hotel online now and pay at the hotel later.

Write "Srinagar" in box and select Srinagar, India from drop down menu. Enter your Check in and Check out date and click on Search.

Tourist Places in Kashmir

I have described 144 Best Places to Visit in Srinagar. Those are Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Srinagar. Among them some are Must-Visit Attractions in Srinagar. Also described The Best Things to Do in Srinagar and Fun Things to Do in Srinagar.
So that you can able to know the Famous Srinagar Tourist sights and Attractions and make your itinerary for Srinagar Attractions & Sightseeing.
You need approximately US$ 192 to visit all the places listed below. With that amount of money, you have to add Food cost, Transport cost, Hotel rent and air fare to travel in Srinagar.

Day-1:
We will set this tour only on Sunday, as the Sunday market is held on this day. Avoid Friday.

Zero Bridge

Wooden Bridge

Zero Bridge is an old wooden arch bridge. It crosses the Jhelum River in a roughly north-south direction connecting Sonwar in the north with Rajbagh in the south. Originally built in the late 1950s. The bridge was closed to vehicular traffic in the late 1980s due to weakening of the wooden structure. Officially its name is Zero Bridge.
In Srinagar, originally seven wooden bridges were built over the river Jhelum - Amira (1777), Habba (1550), Fateh (1499), Zaina (1426), Aali (1417), Nawa (1666) and Safa (1670). These bridges are officially named as 1st Bridge, 2nd Bridge to 7th Bridge respectively according to their position from east to west. This number remained unchanged for at least five centuries. These bridges are called Kadal in Kashmiri language. Among the 7 bridges, Amira Kadal or the 1st bridge was the newest but the easternmost of the other 6 bridges.
Since the zero bridge is built before the 7 bridges and was built about 2 km east of the Amira Kadal or 1st bridge, its official name is Zero Bridge.
A bridge called "Abdullah Bridge" was built in 1990 just 200 meters west of the Zero Bridge. Which you can see from Zero Bridge. Currently, the old wooden structure of the Zero bridge is being replaced by a new one, preserving the original architecture and the bridge will continue as a pedestrian crossing. Vehicular traffic is currently managed by Abdullah Bridge.

How to go: It is located at about 350 meters from TRC bus stand towards south.

Sunday Market

Market

These bustling markets, stretching from TRC ground ground , Poloview to Lal Chowk. On the way you will see few restaurants - Chai Jaai, Mughal Darbar, Creme Bakery Cafe, Ahdoos Restaurant.

Visiting Time: Sunday only. Restaurants are all day open.
How to go: It stars from TRC ground (east end) to Lal Chowk (west end).

Lal Chowk

Square

Lal Chowk is a town square. The square was given its name by left-wing activists who were inspired by the Russian Revolution when they fought the Maharaja of the royal kingdom, Hari Singh. It has traditionally served as a venue for political meetings with Jawaharlal Nehru (India's first Prime Minister), and Sheikh Abdullah addressing the public as well as other prominent political leaders of Jammu and Kashmir. The clock tower (Ghanta Ghar) at Lal Chowk was built in 1980.
India's first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru hoisted the Indian national flag at Lal Chowk shortly after independence from the British Empire in 1948. After the Indo-Pakistani War of 1947-1948, Nehru stood at Lal Chowk and promised to give the Kashmiri people a chance to vote in a referendum that would enable them to choose their political future. In this square, the first elected Prime Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Sheikh Abdullah expressed his loyalty to Nehru and India.

How to go: It is located west end of Sunday Market or east of Amira Kadal Bridge.

Shri Pratap Singh (SPS) Museum

Museum

Museum of history and traditions of Kashmir.

Visiting Time: Tuesday to Sunday - 10 AM to 5 PM. Monday remains closed.
Entry Fee: 10 Rupee for local and 50 Rupee for foreigner.
How to go: It is located about 450 meters south Lal Chowk.

Amira Kadal

Bridge

Srinagar has seven historic bridges. These are Amira (1777), Habba (1551), Fateh (1499), Zaina (1426), Aali (1417), Nawa (1666) and Safa (1670). These bridges are officially named as 1st Bridge, 2nd Bridge to 7th Bridge respectively according to their position from east to west. This number remained unchanged for at least five centuries. Bridge is called Kadal in Kashmiri language. The Amira Kadal Bridge is also referred to as the "First Bridge", as it is relatively new if compared to the other six bridges.
It was built by the Afghan governor Amir Khan Sher Jawan in 1774-77. It is 400 feet long and 20 feet wide. The old seven bridges are of similar construction and made of cedrus cedar. The entire bridge is made of wood apart from the heavy stones used to increase the weight of the foundation. They have been reconstructed many times. In 1841, 3 to 7 bridges were washed away. In 1893, 2 to 7 bridges were swept away.
How to go: It is located west of Lal Chowk.

Sher Garhi Palace

Palace

In the second half of the 18th century, Kashmir was part of the Durrani Empire, also known as the Afghan Empire. Its second ruler Timur Shah Durrani appointed Amir Khan Sher Jawan as the governor. He was responsible for pulling down the palace and other buildings around Dal Lake. In 1772, construction of a palace began at the site where Lohara king Ananta built his royal palace in 1062-63. The stone for the construction is said to have come from the "Pathar Masjid".
The Amira Bridge was also designed by him, which was built between 1774 and 1777. Besides, the governor also built Amirabad Gardens on the western side of Dal Lake. Under all Amir Khan Jawansh's successors, both Afghans and Dogras, and including the present Government of India, the palace and its immediate vicinity were the main centers of power in Kashmir. After four centuries of Muslim rule, Kashmir fell to Ranjit Singh of Punjab after the Battle of Shopian in 1819. Sikh governors continued to use Sher's car palace.
In 1846, after the defeat of the Sikhs in the First Anglo-Sikh War and the purchase of the region from the British under the Treaty of Amritsar, the Maharaja of Jammu, Gulab Singh (1792–1857), became the new ruler of Kashmir. This was the beginning of the Dogra dynasty, which controlled Jammu and Kashmir until India's independence in 1947. Gulab Singh and his successors, Ranbir Singh (1830–1885), and Pratap Singh (1848–1925) renovated and expanded Sher Garhi palace several times. Around 1900, the front of the palace was of Jhelum river side reconstructed with Corinthian columns.
In the 1930s, Maharaja Hari Singh (1895–1961) built the Gulab Bhavan Palace as a new residence in the eastern part of Srinagar, overlooking the Dal Lake. Since then, the palace was used by the civil services of the state. After the accession of Kashmir to India, the palace acquired the name "Old Secretariat". It contained various administrative divisions of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Also, the royal palace housed the state assembly and legislative council. Therefore, it is sometimes called the "Old Assembly" complex. The complex was gradually abandoned.
In the 1970s and the beginning of the 21st century, the palace was gutted by fire, destroying major parts such as the Jhelum river frontage. In 2015, Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed announced that the complex would be restored to its original glory to preserve the heritage monuments and attract heritage tourists to Kashmir. In one of the remaining and restored 18th-century buildings, the so-called Old Council Building, an art museum gallery opened in 2020.
The SPS aims to display around 1,500 miniatures on various themes from the Museum and other allied departments. Also, the Archival Reference Library of the Kashmir Division of the Archives Archeology and Museum is housed in the palace.

Visiting Time: Saturday to Thursday - 10 AM to 5 PM. Friday remains closed.
How to go: It is located about 370 meters from the west end of Amira Kadal Bridge towards north.

Habba Kadal

Bridge

Srinagar has seven historic bridges. These are Amira (1777), Habba (1551), Fateh (1499), Zaina (1426), Aali (1417), Nawa (1666) and Safa (1670). Bridge is called Kadal in Kashmiri language. Habba Kadal was first built in 1551 by Sultan Habib Shah of the Shah Miri dynasty. The old seven bridges are of similar construction and made of cedrus cedar. The entire bridge is made of wood apart from the heavy stones used to increase the weight of the foundation.
Later Habba Kadal is officially called "2nd Bridge". This number remained unchanged for at least five centuries. It had to be rebuilt during the Dogra regime after a severe flood in 1893. Although New Habba Kadal was initially slated to be demolished as it became redundant, the government, as part of its heritage conservation policy, undertook to renovate the bridge. It was started in 2013 and took two years to complete. Finally, the bridge was reopened to the public in 2015.
The new Habba Kadal Bridge is a few meters away from its original location. It is 289 feet long and 24 feet wide. Rows of shops along the second bridge.

How to go: It is located 850 meters from Sher Garhi Palace towards north.

Fateh Kadal

Bridge

Srinagar has seven historic bridges. These are Amira (1777), Habba (1551), Fateh (1499), Zaina (1426), Aali (1417), Nawa (1666) and Safa (1670). Bridge is called Kadal in Kashmiri language. Fateh Kadal was first built in 1499. The old seven bridges are of similar construction and made of cedrus cedar. The entire bridge is made of wood apart from the heavy stones used to increase the weight of the foundation.
Later Fateh Kadal is officially called "3rd Bridge". This number remained unchanged for at least five centuries. It is 260 feet long and 17 feet wide.

How to go: It is located about 650 meters from Habba bridge towards north.

Shah-e-Hamadan Masjid and Khanqah

Mosque

In 1395 AD, Sultan Sikandar Butshikan commissioned the mosque in memory of the Islamic preacher Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, a central figure involved in mass conversion to Islam in Kashmir. Also known as Shah-i-Hamadan (King of Hamadan), the preacher came to Kashmir from the Persian city of Hamadan in the 14th century. He is credited with spreading Islam in Kashmir. In 1480 AD, the shrine was destroyed by fire. The then ruler Sultan Hasan Shah expanded and rebuilt its premises.
In 1731 AD, the Khanqah was again destroyed by fire and then rebuilt by Abdul Barkat Khan. On 15 November 2017, the shrine caught fire which damaged the top of the building. Restoration work was started immediately and on 30 March 2018, a renovated crown was successfully installed atop the shrine.

Visiting Time: Saturday to Thrusday - 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Friday - 2 PM to 5:30 PM.
How to go: It is located about 450 meters from the east side of Fateh bridge towards north.

Pathar Mosque

Mosque

Pathar Masjid is a Mughal-era stone mosque built in 1623 by Mughal empress Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir, for the Shia Muslim population. Soon after its construction, the mosque was declared unfit for prayer and used for non-religious purposes instead. The structure was converted into a mosque in the early 1930s.
It is said that the Dogra king Gulab Singh (1792-1857 AD) built the steps leading up to the hill from the Durga Nag temple. Stairs existed up to the river Jhelum and it is also said that Nur Jahan built the 'Stone Mosque' using the stones of the stairs. But this is not true, because the stone mosque was built in 1623. And Nur Jahan died about 147 years before the birth of Gulab Singh. It is said that the stone used for the construction of the Sher Car Palace in the second half of the 18th century came from the "Stone Mosque".

Visiting Time: 9 AM to 9 PM every day.
How to go: is located on the left bank of the River Jhelum, just opposite the shrine of Khanqah-e-Moula.

Zaina Kadal

Bridge

Srinagar has seven historic bridges. These are Amira (1777), Habba (1551), Fateh (1499), Zaina (1426), Aali (1417), Nawa (1666) and Safa (1670). Bridge is called Kadal in Kashmiri language. Zaina Kadal was first built in 1426. The old seven bridges are of similar construction and made of cedrus cedar. The entire bridge is made of wood apart from the heavy stones used to increase the weight of the foundation.
Later Zaina Kadal is officially called "4th Bridge". This number remained unchanged for at least five centuries. It is 285 feet long and 24 feet wide.

How to go: It is located about 150 meters from Pathar Mosque towards north.

Tomb of Zain ul Abidin’s Mother

Tomb

Ghiyasu'd-Din Zainu'l-Abidin (25 November 1395 – 5 April 1470; born Shahrukh Shahi Khan) or simply Zainul-Abidin was the ninth Sultan of Kashmir, who reigned first from 1418 to 1419 and then from 1420 to 1470. He was popularly known as Badshah (Great King) by his subjects. Zain-ul-Abidin's mother's tomb was built by him in the 15th century (1465 AD). Reportedly, the tomb was built in the basement of an ancient Hindu temple.

Visiting Time: 8 AM to 6 PM every day.
How to go: It is located about 100 meters from east end of Zaina Kadal bridge toards north.

Aali Kadal

Bridge

Srinagar has seven historic bridges. These are Amira (1777), Habba (1551), Fateh (1499), Zaina (1426), Aali (1417), Nawa (1666) and Safa (1670). Bridge is called Kadal in Kashmiri language. Aali Kadal was first built in 1417. The old seven bridges are of similar construction and made of cedrus cedar. The entire bridge is made of wood apart from the heavy stones used to increase the weight of the foundation.
Later Aali Kadal is officially called "5th Bridge". This number remained unchanged for at least five centuries. It is 243 feet long and 17 feet wide.

How to go: It is located about 300 meters from Tomb of Zain ul Abidin’s Mother towards northwest.

Nawa Kadal

Bridge

Srinagar has seven historic bridges. These are Amira (1777), Habba (1551), Fateh (1499), Zaina (1426), Aali (1417), Nawa (1666) and Safa (1670). Bridge is called Kadal in Kashmiri language. Nawa Kadal was first built in 1666. The old seven bridges are of similar construction and made of cedrus cedar. The entire bridge is made of wood apart from the heavy stones used to increase the weight of the foundation.
Later, Nawa Kadal is officially called "6th Bridge". This number remained unchanged for at least five centuries. It is 223 feet long and 18 feet wide.

How to go: It is located about 400 meters from the south end of Aali Kadal.

Safa Kadal

Brige

Srinagar has seven historic bridges. These are Amira (1777), Habba (1551), Fateh (1499), Zaina (1426), Aali (1417), Nawa (1666) and Safa (1670). Bridge is called Kadal in Kashmiri language. Safa Kadal was constructed by Saif Khan in 1670 during the reign of Mughal emperor Aurangzeb. An important Hindu temple in the locale, the Ram Mandir, was set to be renovated in January of 2022. It was vandalised in 1990. The old seven bridges are of similar construction and made of cedrus cedar. The entire bridge is made of wood apart from the heavy stones used to increase the weight of the foundation.
Later, Safa Kadal is officially called "7th Bridge". This number remained unchanged for at least five centuries. It is 330 feet long and 19 feet wide.

How to go: It is located about 750 meters from the north end of Nawa Kadal Bridge towards southwest.

Jamia Masjid

Mosque

Sultan Sikandar commissioned the construction of the mosque in 1394 AD and it was completed in 1402 AD under the direction of Mir Mohammad Hamadani, son of Mir Syed Ali Hamadani. During his reign, Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin (reign: 1420-1470 CE) expanded the mosque and built a turret on the original structure. It was damaged by the first fire in 1479, and the then ruler Sultan Hasan Shah immediately began rebuilding it.
He died before the repairs were completed, and the work was taken over by Ibrahim Magre, commander-in-chief of the Kashmir forces under Muhammad Shah and Fateh Shah, and completed by 1503 AD. After facing another severe destruction due to fire during the reign of Mughal emperor Jahangir, the mosque was rebuilt in 1620 AD under an architect-historian based in Kashmir, namely, Malik Haider of Tsodur. The entire repair took 17 years to complete.
A third fire during Aurangzeb's reign that disfigured the structure. He gathered all the bricklayers and masons of the city and within three years in 1672 AD the Jami Masjid was restored. The existing structure was built by Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb. For 21 years, the mosque remained closed during the Sikh rule of Maharaja Ranjit Singh beginning in 1819 AD, when the then governor of Srinagar, Moti Ram, banned prayers in the Jama Masjid.
In 1843 Governor Ghulam Muhi-uddin repaired the mosque and reopened it. But for 11 years the rulers have allowed only Friday prayers. The mosque will be opened and closed again on Friday for just a few hours. The last restoration work was carried out during the reign of Maharaja Pratap Singh (reign: 1885-1925 CE). Singh enthusiastically encouraged the rebuilding of the mosque many times and even provided financial assistance.
The mosque can hold 33,333 persons in addition to the imam in a single prayer congregation. The structure is quadrangular and has a square garden in the center. There is a tank in the middle of this garden. The mosque has three large entrances on the north, south and east facing three towers standing on lofty pillars of cedar wood. On the eastern side is a large entrance called the Shah Gate topped by a square open pavilion covered by a pyramidal roof.
A total of 378 wooden columns support the roof. Each tower is 48 feet high and supported by eight tall pillars 6 feet in circumference. The Mihrab also has a similar turret. The remaining interior of the mosque has 346 columns 21 feet high and 5 feet in circumference. On the western wall of the cloister is a mihrab made of black Kashmiri marble adorned with beautiful calligraphic work and inscribed with ninety-nine attributes of Almighty Allah.
To reach the roof of the mosque, the walls of the four turrets have internal staircases in a circular shape that terminate in the lounge of each turret. Srinagar city can be seen from these high towers. The inner courtyard of the mosque has a water fountain, used for ablution, surrounded by four lawns decorated with Chinese trees (Platanus orientalis).
The main source of revenue comes from the rent of 278 shops around the mosque and other sources of public funds.

How to go: It is located about 1.25 km from Sangeen Darwaza towards south, and about 1 km from Makdhoom Shahib Cable Car Station towards southwest at Nowhatta. About 700 meters from Aali Kadal towards northeast.

Masjid Dastgeer Sahib

Mosque and Shrine

The mosque and shrine Dastgir Sahib are dedicated to the revered Sufi saint Sheikh Abdul Qadir Gilani, also known as Ghaus-e-Azam Dastgeer. Dastgeer Sahib is a 200 year old shrine located in Khanyar. A relic of Abdul Qadir Gilani, a strand of hair, locally known as "Mouia Pak", is believed to be located here. It also contains an old Quran written by Ali Ibn Abi Talib. It was built in 1806 and expanded in 1877 by Khwaja Sanaullah Shawl.
On the Urs or birth date of Abdul Qadir Gilani, thousands of people from all over Kashmir go there to pray to Allah and pay pilgrimage. There are five graves inside it. It is said to be one of the students of Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Gilani's Qadiri silsilla. The shrine was badly damaged in a fire on 25 June 2012. The relics of the saint inside a fireproof vault were not damaged. The shrine has been restored to its original state.

Visiting Time: 4:45 AM to 10 PM every day.
How to go: It is located about 880 meters from Jamia Masjid towards southeast.

Day-2: Srinagar
Today we will start for our journey at 7 AM. So that we can reach to our first destination just at 8 AM. So complete your breakfast before 7 AM from nearby your hotel.

Shankaracharya Temple

Temple

Shankaracharya Temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. There is no exact date of construction of the temple. The structure is believed to be the oldest temple in Kashmir. The earliest reference to the hill is from Kalhana. Kalhana was the author of "Rajatarangini", an account of the history of Kashmir. He wrote the work in Sanskrit between 1148 and 1149. Kalhan notes that King Gopaditya (400 BC-340 BC) built the hilltop temple as the Jyesthesvara Temple around 371 BC.
Alchon Hun king, Mihirakula (reign: 515-540 CE) is said to be the founder of the temple dedicated to Shiva. Kashmiri Hindus strongly believe that the temple was visited by Adi Shankara (700-750 AD) and has been associated with him ever since, hence the name Shankaracharya of the temple and hill. The literary work "Saundarya Lahari" was written here by Adi Shankara.
It is said that the Dogra king Gulab Singh (1792-1857 AD) built the steps leading up to the hill from the Durga Nag temple. Stairs existed up to the river Jhelum and it is also said that Nur Jahan built the 'Patthar Mosque' using the stones of the stairs. But this is not true, because the stone mosque was built in 1623. And Nur Jahan died about 147 years before the birth of Gulab Singh.
The Maharaja of Mysore came to Kashmir in 1925 and installed electric search lights in the temple, five around it and one at the top. In 1961 he installed the idol of Adi Shankaracharya in the Shankaracharya Temple at Dwarkapeetham. A 5.6 km road was constructed in 1969 to reach the temple. There are about 243 steps to reach the main deity. The beautiful view covers major landmarks like Dal Lake, Jhelum and Hari Parbat. For that many tourists of all religions visit the temple.
The temple is regularly used for worship and pilgrims visit the temple during the Amarnath Yatra. The temple is illuminated on occasions like Maha Shivratri, Herath.

Visiting Time: 8 AM to 5 PM every day. But the temple remain open till 8 PM. You cannot take mobile, camera inside the temple. So you should leave that in your cab, then you can enter the main gate.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: You have to go by taxi from opposite Ghat 17 of Dal Lake, next to a police station to up on the hill parking. Then by stairway of 243 steps. Then will reach to the main gate. Taxi fare around 250 Rupee for return trip. They may demand more, just bargain.

Zeashta Devi Shrine

Hindu Temple

Legend has it that the gods gifted Goddess Lakshmi to Lord Visnu. The Asuras got angry at this. In their anger they took her away from Lord Vishnu and imprisoned her in a cave called "Guptagara" (now Gupkar). This action of the Asuras aroused the anger of Lord Shiva and with his divine power he created Goddess Zeashta and Vira Vaitala with the power to destroy all the Asuras and free Goddess Lakshmi from their clutches.
After completing the task, Lord Shiva by his grace gave both the power to protect and prosper mankind. A stone's throw away from a place called "Gupkar" in Srinagar city is the abode of Mata Zeashtais. It is a tradition to offer 'cooked yellow rice' (Kashmiri "tehar") every Thursday during the Bengali month (around 14th May to 14th June).

How to go: It is located about 1 km from The LaLiT Grand Palace Srinagar and 9-Hole Golf Cours towards south up hill..

Pari Mahal

Palace

The Pari Mahal was built in the mid-1600s by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan. Dara Shikoh is said to have lived in the region in 1640, 1645 and 1654. It was also used as an observatory and used to teach astrology and astronomy. On top of the Jabarwan Mountains, "Pari Mahal", which means the 'Palace of the Fairies'. According to local legend, the princesses were held there against their will by evil wizards.
The garden comprises six terraces.
An elongated tank occupies the center of the sixth terrace, flanked by an octagonal bastion. A short distance below, remains of a structure may have been used as a watchhouse.
On the fifth terrace, the darahdari plinth from the upper terrace has a distinctive aspect with several square holes across the upper half of its surface, designed to shade a group of pigeons. The retaining wall is arcaded, with a double row of arches.
The fourth terrace lacks particularly notable features, except for the remains of a tank, possibly within a barahdari, extending beyond the edge of the wall. Along the middle of its northern wall, a clay pipe can be seen, responsible for conveying water to the terrace below.
In the third terrace, the Mughal style entrance, featuring arches on both the front and rear sides, leading to a central domed chamber situated in the middle of the east wall. Flanking the entrance on either side are several spacious rooms, with the northern room is a hammam (bathhouse). On the southern side of the entrance, two other chambers exist. In the middle of the arcade, an earthen pipe, initially concealed, is visible. This pipe was employed to convey water from the terrace above, with the water flowing through both an open channel and an underground pipe running parallel to each other. The channel most likely formed a tank in the centre of the main chamber, subsequently draining into the observable remnants of the underground pipe on the barahdari’s surface.
In the middle of the second terrace, directly in front of the barahdari (mandapa), there is a substantial pot with brick sides, measuring 39 ft. 6 in. by 26 ft. 6 in. The austere outer wall is adorned with a series of twenty-one arches, including two flanking staircases. The arrangement of arches descends in height from the centre, with a niche above each arch. As the apex of the arch decreases, the height of the niche increases. Notably, the central arch is coated with finely painted plaster, a surface.
On the upper terrace, the remains of two structures are evident: a bridge facing the lake and a reservoir built against the hill. The reservoir, previously supplied by an overhead spring. It measures 11 feet 3 inches by 5 feet, featuring a pediment with two small arches. An arched drain in the front wall, although currently partially blocked, used to facilitate water flow. Each rim of the terrace wall leads to a lower portico, measuring 22 feet 3 inch by 4 feet 3 inch.

Visiting Time: 9.30 AM to 5.30 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 24 Rupees for adult. 12 Rupees for child.
How to go: It is located about 1.75 km up hill from Chasmeshahi Garden.

Chashme Shahi

Garden

The garden was built around the spring by the Mughal governor Ali Mardan Khan in 1632. It was given by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan to his eldest son Dara Sikhoh. East of Chashma Shahi lies Pari Mahal where Dara Sikhoh studied astrology and where he was later assassinated by his brother Aurangzeb. It is the smallest of the three Mughal Gardens in Srinagar after Shalimar Garden and Nishat Garden.
The garden is divided into three sections: an aqueduct, waterfalls and fountains. A two-storied Kashmiri hut stands on the first terrace which is the source of the spring. The water then flows through a water ramp (chadar) to the second terrace. The second terrace serves as a water pool and has a large fountain in its center. The water flows again through a water ramp to the third terrace, which is a square five-fountain pool. This is the lowest pool at the garden entrance.
Visitors are received by flights of stairs on both side of the terrace that lead up to the source of the spring. The spring water is believed to have some medicinal properties. 1st Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru used to bring water to Delhi from the fountain.

Visiting Time: 10 AM to 6 PM every day. March to November. The best time to visit the garden is from April to October. The garden is at full bloom during May and June.
Entry Fee: 20 Rupees for adult. 12 Rupees for child.
How to go: It is situated on the lower slopes about 2 km north-east from Pari Mahal.

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden

Garden

Jawaharlal Nehru Botanical Garden is a botanical garden, established in 1969 and fully established in 1987. It was built in memory of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India. The garden has a large collection of around 150,000 ornamental plants and oak varieties. The lake is spread over 17 hectares. It has four main departments: Plant Introduction Centre, Research Department, Recreational Gardens and Botanical Gardens.

Visiting Time: 7 AM to 7 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 24 Rupees for adult and 12 Rupees for child.
How to go: It is located about 500 meters north from Chashme Shahi Garden.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden

Tulip Garden

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden is Asia's largest tulip garden spread over an area of about 74 acres. The garden was opened in 2007 with an aim to promote floriculture and tourism in the Kashmir Valley. It was earlier known as Siraj Bagh. About 1.7 million tulip bulbs, of all colors, were brought to the Keukenhof tulip garden in Amsterdam. In addition to tulips, there are 46 types of flowers, including hyacinths, daffodils and ranunculus, which were brought from Holland. There are about 73 varieties of tulips in the tulip garden.
The Tulip Festival is an annual spring festival that showcases a variety of flowers in gardens Tulips bloom from 1st to 3rd week of April.

Visiting Time: End of March to end of April 8 AM to 7 PM every day. Other months remain closed. Best time is 1st to 3rd week of April.
Entry Fee: 76 Rupee for adult and 30 Rupee for child age below 12 years. 200 Rupees for foreigner.
How to go: It is located north of Botanical Garden.

Nishat Bagh

Garden

Nishat Bagh is the second largest Mughal garden in Kashmir. The Bagh was designed and built by Nur Jahan's elder brother Asif Khan in 1633. When Shahjahan saw the garden in 1633 AD, he admired its grandeur and beauty. It is believed that he expressed his happiness three times to his father-in-law Asif Khan in the hope that he would gift it to him. As no such offer came from Asif Khan, Shah Jahan became irritated and ordered the water supply to the garden to be stopped.
The garden was then deserted for some time. While Asif Khan was resting under the shade of a tree, on a terrace, his servant was bold enough to turn on the source of water supply from Shalimar Bagh. When Asif Khan heard the sound of water and the sound of the fountain he immediately ordered the water supply to be cut off as he feared the worst reaction from the Emperor for this disobedience.
Fortunately when Shah Jahan heard this, he approved the servant's loyal service to his master and then ordered full restoration of Asif Khan to water the garden. Mughal princess Juhra Begum, daughter of Mughal Emperor Alamgir II and granddaughter of Emperor Jahandar Shah, is buried in the garden. Rising from the edge of Dal Lake, it has twelve 12 terraces representing the twelve zodiac signs.
The first terrace is a water collection chamber which is also connected to the side flow from the garden.
The second terrace is accessed through a gate. This terrace has five fountains which are supplied with water from the third terrace, from where it flows down to the lowest terrace.
The third terrace has a different design. The water shield has five arched open niches on the front and similar niches on the sides. A pavilion (baradari), a two-storied structure, which existed here when it was originally built, has since been demolished. Stairs, on either side of the channel, lead to the third terrace, which contains a square chamber with five fountains. A flight of steps (four steps) on either side of the channel leads to the fourth terrace.
The fourth terrace has two levels namely, a water channel and a square pool Stairs with 7 steps lead to the fifth terrace.
The fifth terrace, where a stone bench is provided to take in the view across the channel. There is a square room with five fountains.
The sixth terrace is two tiers with five fountains and distinct paving patterns.
The seventh step, where the same pattern continues.
The eighth terrace is only a water channel or chute.
On the ninth terrace, at the end of two staircases, there is an octagonal bench. This terraced pool has nine fountains.
The steps leading to the tenth terrace are along side retaining walls with only water drainage including fountains.
Carved paths lead to an impressive eleventh terrace, with twenty-five fountains in a pool. This is the last one up from the dramatic terrace.
The zenana chamber, twelfth terrace, has a blind arched facade surmounted by a 5.5 m high wall. Only one arch in this blind facade provides an opening for the twelfth terrace. Two small octagonal towers on either side of the retaining wall provide views of the lower level terraces. There is a two-storied pavilion surrounded by a lovely garden with succulent plants.
Among all the terraces, the second terrace is considered to be the most impressive considering the twenty-three niches given in arched recesses just behind the cascade. These niches were originally used to house lighted lamps. The second terrace has an abundance of Persian lilacs and pansies and sparkling cascading water over the spiers, providing a picturesque view. Another interesting feature of Nishat Bagh is the numerous stone and marble thrones placed at the head of almost every waterfall.

Visiting Time: 7 AM to 7 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 30 Rupees for adult and 12 Rupee for child age below 12 years.
How to go: It is located about 3.5 km from Tulip Garden towards north.

* Khwaja Manzil Haveli is located south from southeast corner of Nishat bagh.

Shalimar Bagh

Garden

Shalimar Bagh is a Mughal garden. This garden was built by the Mughal Emperor Jahangir in 1619 and is named 'Farah Baksh' (‘the delightful’). Emperor Jahangir and his wife Nur Jahan were so enamored with Kashmir that at least 13 times during the summer they took their court entourage from Delhi to Srinagar on elephants over the inaccessible Pir Panjal Hills. It is also noted that Jahangir, when asked about his cherished desire on his deathbed, said: "Kashmir, the rest is worthless".
In 1630, at the behest of Emperor Shah Jahan, Governor of Kashmir Zafar Khan expanded it. He named it 'Faiz Baksh'. The gardens were the inspiration for other gardens of the same name, notably one in Lahore, begun in 1641 under Shah Jahan, and one in Delhi, begun in 1653 by his wife Izz-un-Nissa. It then became a pleasure ground for the Sikh governors of the province. During the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh (Reign: 12 April 1801 – 27 June 1839), the Marble Pavilion was a guest house for European visitors.
The premises were electrified during the reign of Maharaja Hari Singh (reign: 23 September 1925 – 17 November 1952). Thus, over the years, the garden was expanded and developed by many rulers. It is now a public park and is also referred to as the "Crown of Srinagar".
The first terrace is a public garden or outer garden that ends in the Diwan-e-Aam (public audience hall). In this hall, a small black marble throne was placed above the waterfall.
The second terrace garden, along the axial canal, has two shallow terraces. The Diwan-i-Khas (Private Audience Hall), which was accessible only to court nobles or guests, now abandoned, is at its centre. A fine platform surrounded by carved stone foundations and fountains can still be seen. The royal bathrooms are situated on the north-western boundary of this enclosure. Diwan-i-Khas, fountain pool of Diwan-i-Am and alternating zenana terraces are provided. It has 410 fountains.
On the third terrace, an axial stream flows through the zenana garden, flanked by dewan-i-khas and chinar trees (Platanus orientalis). At the entrance to this terrace, there are two small pavilions or guard rooms (built in Kashmiri style on stone slabs) which are the restricted and controlled entry areas of the royal harem. Shah Jahan built a large black marble pavilion in the Zenana Gardens, called the Black Pavilion.
It is surrounded by a fountain pool which receives its supply from a high terrace. The black pavilion bears the famous inscription in Persian, which reads: "Agar Firdaus bar roy-e zamin ast, hamin ast-o hamin ast-o hamin ast. (English: If there is a paradise on earth, it is here, it is here, it is here). This is a couplet wrongly attributed to the Persian-language poet Amir Khusrau, But written by a Persian poet 'Orfi Shirazi', which is engraved on many buildings in the Indian subcontinent.
Behind the pavilion a double cascade falls against a low wall carved with small niches (chini khanas). Two small, secondary water canals lead from the Black Pavilion to a small baradari. Above the third level, two octagonal pavilions define the end wall of the garden. Baradari has a picturesque backdrop of snowy mountains, which is considered a perfect setting for the garden.
The Shalimar Bagh garden is well known for the Chini Khana or the arched niche behind the waterfall. They are a unique feature of bugs. These niches were lit by oil lamps at night, giving the waterfall a fairytale appearance. However, now the niches hold vases of flowers that reflect their colors behind the cascading water.
Another unusual architectural feature mentioned is about the doors of the Baradari. In the garden complex, the Baradari had four exquisite doors made of stones supported by pillars. It is conjectured that these stone doors were ruins from old temples that were demolished by Shahjahan. The garden also provided large water troughs where a variety of fountains were fixed. The garden is considered to be very beautiful during the autumn and spring seasons due to the colour change in leaves of the famed Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis).
In the garden complex, the portico had four pointed doors made of stone supported by pillars. These stone doors are believed to be the ruins of an old temple demolished by Shah Jahan. The garden also provided large water troughs where various types of fountains were fixed. The garden is said to be very beautiful during the autumn and spring seasons due to the changing leaves of the famous China tree (Platanus orientalis).

Visiting Time: 9:30 AM to 6:30 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 24 Rupees for adult and 12 Rupees for child age below 12 years.
How to go: It is located about 2.5 km from Nishat Bagh towards north.

Harwan Garden

Garden

A canal, beautifully lined with sugarcane trees (Platanus orientalis) and blooming flower beds, runs through the middle of the garden, starting from a lake just behind the garden. The main attraction of Harwan Gardens is the natural greenery in the backdrop of snowy surroundings.

Visiting Time: 7 AM to 8 PM every day.
Entry Fee: 24 Rupees for adult and 12 Rupees for child age below 12 years.
How to go: It is located about 3 km north from Shalimar Bagh.

Astanmarg View Point

Scenic Spot

Astanamarg is one of the beautiful view point of Srinagar. So make sure the weather is clear when you go.

How to go: It is located about 6 km from Harwan Garden towards north.

** There is a place Fakeer Gujri, which is a same view point as Astanmarg. So you can omit the place.

Day-3: Srinagar

Naseem Bagh

Garden

Naseem Bagh is a Mughal garden built on the northwest side of Dal Lake. The garden is one of the oldest Mughal gardens in Kashmir, built by Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1586. More than 1200 chinar trees (Platanus orientalis) were planted by Shah Jahan in 1686. It has been developed as Chinar Heritage Park by Kashmir University. At present there are about 700 Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis) in the park. It is mostly visited in autumn from September to December.
Visiting Time: 9 AM to 7 PM every day.
Entry Fee: Free.
How to go: It is located northwest end of Dal Lake.

Hazratbal Mosque

Mosque

Hazratbal Masjid is a beautiful white marble structure. Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah started construction in 1968. The construction took about eleven years and the mosque was completed in 1979. It is the only domed mosque in Srinagar. It is widely believed that the mosque contains the hair (bal in Hindi) of the Islamic prophet Hazrat Muhammad. Hair is said to have been first brought to Kashmir by Syed Abdullah Madani, a purported descendant of Muhammad who left Medina in 1635 and settled in the southern Indian city of Bijapur.
After Abdullah's death, his son Syed Hameed succeeded him. He gave it to Khwaja Nur-ud-Din Asiya, a wealthy Kashmiri merchant. The Mughal emperor Aurangzeb became aware of the hair, sent it to the shrine of Mu'in al-Din Chishti in Ajmer, and imprisoned Eshai in Delhi. Nine days later, Aurangzeb had a dream in which Muhammad instructed him to return his hair to Kashmir. Aurangzeb then returned the holy relic to Eshai and allowed him to take it to Kashmir.
But Eshai died in captivity. Eshai's dead body along with the hair was taken to Kashmir to Eshai's daughter Inayat Begum. She established the Hazratbal shrine.
It was reported to have disappeared from the shrine on 27 December 1963. Indian authorities recovered the wreckage on 4 January 1964.

Visiting Time: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM every day.
How to go: It is located about 660 meters from Naseem Bagh (garden) towards south.

Nigeen Lake

Lake

Nigeen Lake (alternatively spelled "Nageen Lake" or "Nagin Lake") is a lake. It is sometimes considered a part of Dal Lake and is connected to it by a narrow strait. It is also connected to the Khushal Sar and Gil Sar lakes through a channel known as Nallah Amir Khan.
House boat, Shikara ride activities can be done in this lake.
How to go: North end of the lake is located just 1.2 km straight west from Hazratbal Mosque.

Badamwari Park

Park

Badamwari Park is known for its early almond blossoms. Depending on the variety, almonds are ready to harvest from early August to late September. The park is located at the foothills of Hari Parbat which gives a grand appearance. It is a historical garden that existed before the 14th century, although the exact date is still unknown. A well-covered dome in the garden is named after the Afghan ruler Waris Shah. The park blossoms in the spring season. The garden is spread over more than three hundred kanals of land.
The park was revived by the Jammu and Kashmir Bank in 2008, before which the park was abandoned and inhabited by nomads during summers. Several cultural programs including traditional Kashmiri folk songs and group dances are performed by local artistes every year. The government usually announces the opening date at the end of February every year. It depends on the seasonal flowering of almonds.
Usually in March the garden has mature almond trees with flowers in bloom. The garden will be open for about three months until May. As almond blossoms are short-lived, March, April and May see maximum number of visitors to the garden. Apart from almond trees, the park has a variety of flowers, such as irises, daisies and pansies. The period from the end of March to the end of April is particularly attractive, as the display of various flowers creates a lively and fragrant feeling.

Visiting Time: 9 AM to 7 PM every day. This garden is open to visitors throughout the year. However, it has more rush during the almond bloom which happens in March month. The best time to visit Badamwari Garden Srinagar is from late March to April.
Entry Fee: 24 Rupees for adult. 12 Rupees for child.
How to go: It is located southwest of Nagin Lake.

Kathi Darwaza

Gateway

Kathi Darwaja is a gateway and the main entrance of Hari Parbat Fort. It has high domed gates and the ceiling is carved with patterns inspired by the Persian style. Kathi Darwaza was built by Emperor Akbar in 1597. He actually built an entire city at the foot of Mount Hari and established a gateway which later came to be known as the Kathi Darwaja.

How to go: It is located about 530 meters from Badamwari Park towards south.

Chatti Patshahi Gurdwara

Gurdwara

The sixth Guru of Sikhism traveled through Kashmir, occasionally stopping to preach and stay for a few days. Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi, located at the place where Guru Nanak Dev and Guru Hargobind (1595-1644) also visited. Some sources also list Guru Har Rai's visit, but it is named after Guru Hargobind. It is situated on the site of the home of Mai Bhagbhari, who longed for a glimpse of the Guru, when Guru Hargobind fulfilled her wish.
The Gurdwara has a rectangular hall with a sanctum sanctorum in the middle and a wide terrace in front. An old well nearby is said to have been dug at the behest of Guru Hargobind. Recently a large Gurdwara building has been constructed. There is a 24-hour langar (free community kitchen) and accommodation. To mark the holy visit, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir ("J&K") has a public holiday every year on the Prakash festival of Guru Hargobind Sahib.

How to go: It is located about 60 meters south from Kathi Darwaza.

Makhdoom Sahib Shrine

Shrine

Hamza Makhdoom, known as Makhdoom Sahib (1494–1576), was a Sufi mystic who lived in Kashmir. Hamza Makhdoom follows the tradition of Jalaluddin Bukhari. He directed his teachings specifically to the followers of Islam and under his influence a section of the population of Kashmir truly followed Hanafi jurisprudence. He was a follower of Shariah and Sunnah. About fourteen years after his death in 1576, Emperor Akbar (reign: 1556–1605) built a shrine there.
Afghan ruler Atta Muhammad Khan rebuilt it around 1821 AD.

Visiting Time: 5 AM to 9 PM every day.
How to go: You can go there by cable care. Cable car station is about 150 meters southwest from Chatti Patshahi Gurdwara. Cable Car cost 100 Rupees.

Masjid-e-Ayesha

Women Mosque

Khanyari Sahab constructed Masjid-e-Ayesha mosque for women.

How to go: It is located in the center of the courtyard Makhdoom Sahib Shrine.

Akhund Mullah Shah Mosque

Mosque

Akhund Mullah Shah Masjid or Akhoon Mullah Masjid or Dara Shikoh Masjid, known as Mala Shah Mashid in Kashmiri, is a mosque built in 1649 by Dara Shikoh, the eldest son of Emperor Shah Jahan, for his spiritual mentor. The main sanctuary is completely separated from the main building by a courtyard that surrounds it. There is a stone lotus that crowns the podium of the mosque.
In 1639, the prince set out for Kashmir, where Mian Mir's successor, Shah Muhammad, known as Mulla Shah Badakshi or Akhund Shah, lived. Mulla Shah was known for his secular views and this must have influenced Dara. Although previously Mulla Shah spending only summers in Kashmir after the death of Mia Mir, he settled in Srinagar, living in a small cell on the famous mountain called Hari Parbat or Koh-e-Maran.
His meditation was in darkness. It was here that Dara came to meet him one night. Mullah Shah saw the prince and asked him to light a lamp. Dara requested Mulla Shah that "they wanted to come into his halqa (circle), and they helped him in every way possible and built a khanqah and a house for him. His sister Princess Jahanara Begum, who followed him, was also a disciple of Mulla Shah. Dara built a mosque in Hari Parbat, which is now known as Akhund Shah’s masjid.

How to go: It is located east of Makhdoom Sahib Shrine.

Hari Parbat Fort

Fort

After the Mughal conquest of Kashmir, Akbar undertook his first architectural project to build a fort on top of Mount Hari in Srinagar. It was a walled city called Nagar Nagar (1597), which served as the center of Mughal administration in Kashmir. Akbar employed 200 stonemasons from outside Kashmir to build the fort, as stonemasonry was a foreign practice in the region, as the indigenous building tradition was woodwork.
Akbar is said to have established a garden in this fort; It is the only palace-garden mentioned in the Tuzuk-i-Jahangiri (memoirs of his son and successor Jahangir). During his visit to Srinagar in 1620, Jahangir ordered the renovation of some unfinished parts of the fort, as well as Akbar's gardens and some of the palace buildings in the fort. He named the renovated garden Noor Afza (Light-increasing). These works were done by Mutamad Khan.
The garden also won the admiration of Jahangir's successor, Shah Jahan, during a visit in 1640. Only the rampart survives within the walled city. The Fort was built within the wall between 1795-1806 AD by Atta Mohammad Khan, the longest-serving governor of Kashmir under the Afghan Durrani Empire. The Durrani fort structure uses the same construction method (stone rubble masonry) as the Akbar-era walls of Nagar Nagar.
The fort later passed into the hands of the Sikh Empire. The defeat of the Sikhs by the British led to the Treaty of Lahore in 1846; One of its conditions was that several Sikh possessions, including the Hari Parbat fort, would be assigned to Gulab Singh, who had assisted the British in their conquest. Gulab Singh's forces captured the fort, but the Sikh governor of Kashmir, Sheikh Imamuddin, put up a resistance and besieged the fort. By 23 October 1846, Imamuddin lifted the siege, allowing Gulab Singh to take possession of the fort and the province.
In 2021, the Indian flag was hoisted at the fort to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India's Independence Day. Till 2021, the fort was occupied by the CPRF. The fort is maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India.

Visiting Time: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entry Fee: 50 Rupees for Indian and 100 Rupees for foreigner.
How to go: Approach the fort from the northeast, not from the south side. Taxi will take you to the checkpoint, then 10 minutes walk, then 15 minutes walk up steps to the fort. Auto Rickshaws can reach the second check-post.

Chakreshwari Temple

Hindu Temple

Hari Parbat is considered sacred by some Kashmiri Hindu Pandits. According to Hindu Mythology, the area of Hari Parbat was inhabited by a daemon (asura) named Jalodbhava. People went on to pray to goddess Parvati for help. She took the form of a bird and dropped a pebble on the asura's head. The pebble grew larger and larger until it crushed the daemon. Hari Parbat is revered as that pebble, and Parvati is worshipped under the name Sharika, its temple occupying the middle part of the western slope of the hill. She is depicted as having 18 arms and sitting in Shri Chakra.

How to go: It is located north side of Hari Parbat.

Sangeen Darwaza

Gateway

The Sangin Darwaza is an entrance gate made of pure and classical Mughal and Persian style stone. It is the secondary entrance to Hari Parbat Fort. It has high domed gates and the ceiling is carved with beautiful patterns inspired by the Persian style. Sangin Darwaza was built by Emperor Akbar in 1597. He actually built an entire city at the foot of Mount Hari and the gateway was set up with the Kathi Darwaza.

How to go: It is located about 450 meters from Chakreshwari Temple towards west.

Madin Sahib Mosque and Imam Bara

Imam Bara

Madin Sahib is a mosque located in Nowshera area of Srinagar. The Madin Sahib Mosque was built in 1448 by Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen (Badshah). He named it after his teacher Syed Mohammad Madani, who is buried on the left side of the mosque. Syed Mohammad Madani became Madin Saeb for Kashmiris. Syed Madani came to India from Madina with Timur in 1398. He was sent to Kashmir as Timur's envoy to Sultan Sikandar.
Madin Sahib liked Kashmir so much that he decided to stay there. After becoming a disciple of Syed Mohammad Hamadani, he first stayed at Rainawari. Later he moved closer to the king's capital Nowshahar, where the king built him a khanqah. He died on 11 Rajab 849 (13 October 1445). Khwaja Baha-ud-Din (Ganj-Bakhash) led his funeral. Madin Saeb's tile work is one of the unique examples of this art and cannot be seen anywhere else in Kashmir or the Indian subcontinent.
How to go: It is located about 770 meters from Sangeen Darwaza towards north.

Zabarwan Park

Park

There are many small gardens around Dal Lake. This is one of them. There is a hot air balloon ride. It goes up to 200 feet.
Hot Air Baloon Timing: From 6 AM to 9 AM, and 4 PM to 8:30 PM.
Hot Air Baloon Cost: 750 Rupees for 10 mins.
How to go: It is located about 400 meters from Ghat-17, the entry point of Shankaracharya Temple, towards southeast near Ghat 19A.

Dal Lake

Lake

Dal is a lake in Srinagar, the capital of Kashmir. It is the second largest lake in Jammu and Kashmir after Wular Lake in Kashmir. Dal lake is the most visited place. The lake is also an important source for commercial activities of fishing and aquatic plant collection. The lake covers an area of 18 sq km and is part of a natural wetland covering 21.1 sq km, with its floating gardens. The lake shore line, about 15.5 km, is surrounded by a boulevard.
The floating garden, known as "Rad" in Kashmiri, blooms with lotus flowers in July and August. The wetland is divided into four basins by causeways; Gagribal (southern part), Lokut Dal (middle), Bod Dal (north side next to Hazratbal Masjid) and Nigeen. Although Nigeen is considered an independent lake. Lokut dal and Bod dal each have an island in the center, known as Rupa Lank (or char chinari) and Sona lank respectively. The lake freezes when temperatures drop to around -11 °C (12 °F) during severe winters.
Although the Dogra Maharaja of Kashmir had banned the construction of houses in the valley, the British defied this rule by commissioning huge houseboats built in Dal. The houseboats are said to be, "each a little piece of England floating on Dal." A famous landmark of Dal Lake is an island, where four Chinar (Platanus orientalis) trees stand, named "Char Chinar". Char means four in Hindi and Urdu.

Shikara ride, Dal Lake

Boat Ride

For the year 2024, the shikara cost is 790 Rupees for a ride of one hour.
Cost: 790 Rupees per hour for one shikara of maximum 4 person. Additional hour 790 Rupees for every subsequent hour. You can bargain and make it 350 Rupees per hour.
Boating Time: 6 AM to 9 PM. For summer 9 AM to 6 PM.
Point to View in Dal Lake:

* Floating Post Office
Built on a houseboat, claimed to be the only one in the world. It is a traditional post office that has existed since the British period. Before 2011 it was called Nehru Park Post Office. Chief Postmaster John Samuel renamed it "Floating Post Office". This post office allows you to get regular postal services while floating. Everything posted from a floating post office has a unique seal, with date and address. It bears the design of a boatman driving Shikara in Dal Lake.
The place will also house Philately Museum. Postcards can be purchased from Ghat No-1, Budiyar Chowk and the floating post office puts a stamp on it.
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5 PM. Sunday remains closed.

* Meena Bazar
A floating market right in the middle of Dal Lake. A bunch of handicrafts, saffron, woolen dhuri and other Kashmir-centric items.

* Vegetable Market
The only floating market of its kind in India where vegetable vendors gather in the center of the lake to sell their wares. According to a study by the historic SP College, Srinagar, a total of 31 vegetables including cucumber, tomato, spinach, radish, carrot, onion, cauliflower, cabbage, pumpkin, brinjal, etc. are grown in Dal Lake by Hanji community and Dal residents.
Timings: 5 AM – 7 AM. Only Saturday.

* Kachri Moholla (Floating Village)
A picturesque village on Dal Lake has been developed as a floating village with home stay facilities.

* Kabootar Khana
Kabootar Khana is a small heritage palace built on a small island inside the Dal Lake which was a famous holiday spot and was occupied by paramilitary forces in the early 90s with the onset of militancy in Kashmir. Kabootar Khana is located on the way to Char Chinari, tourists prefer to ride shikaras to reach Kubutar Khana.

* Char Chinar
Char Chinar, sometimes also called Char Chinari, Ropa Lank or Rupa Lank, is an island in Dal Lake. The island on Lakut Dal (Small Dal) is known as Roph Lank (Silver Island) and four Chinar trees (Platanus orientalis) grow in the corner, thus known as Char Chinari (Four Chinars). Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb's brother Murad Baksh (reigned: 1642–14 December 1661), built the Roph Lank.
Chinar trees are an important part of Kashmiri heritage, as such, a Chinar tree can be found in almost every village in Kashmir. These trees have survived for ages, as chinars are essentially long-lived trees. It extends over a region of cool climate with sufficient water. The tree has several properties - the leaves and bark are used as medicine, the wood, known as lace wood, is used for fine furniture and the twigs and roots are used to make dyes.

* Oont kadal
"Oont Kadal" is an arch bridge in the middle of Dal Lake which was built during the Mughal rule in India in the 1670s. Oont Kadal means camel bridge for the shape of camel's back. It has a historical significance as it provided the gateway to Nishat Bagh. During the Mughal period, the traditional route to Nishat Bagh was through the waters of Dal Lake. Oont Kadal can be seen from Nishat Bagh.

* Sona Lank
Sona Lank is a small island is located in the center of Bod Dal part of Dal Lake. Bod Dal is the north part of Dal Lake near to Hazratbal Masjid.

Note that, we will visit 3 more villages such as Sonamarg, Gulmarg and Pahalgam, which are connected from Srinagar with 3 different routes. So if you go one from Srinagar, you must come back to Srinagar.

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a town in the Baramulla district in Kashmir Division. Popular for skiing place. It is 56 km from Srinagar and at an altitude of 8,694 feet.

How to Reach Gulmarg

The nearest airport of Gulmarg is in Srinagar airport which is 56 km away.
Srinagar to Gulmarg bus fare 146 Rupee - 213 Rupee. It takes about 1.5 hours to reach. Bus starts at 7 AM from Srinagar. Confirm your ticket on previous day of your journey.
In winter, the buses operate up to Tangmarg which is 11 km from Gulmarg, then you have to go by private or shared chained wheels vehicle. Shared chained wheels take 50 Rupee from Tangmarg to Gulmarg.

Srinagar to Gulmarg cheapest way:
Lal Chowk to Parimpora bus stand by shared auto 20 Rupees.
Parimpora bus stand to Tangmarg by bus 50 Rupees.
Tangmarg bus stand to Gulmarg by shared micro 50 Rupees.

Hotels in Gulmarg

There are available hotels in Gulmarg, but rate is high. below 2000 Rupee hotels are hardly to found during peak seasons. In that case budget traveler can stay at Tangmarg which is 11 km from Gulmarg. There you may get hotels in 1000 Rupee.
You can book hotel from the below search engine, which compare Booking.com and other all hotel related website and show the different prices of the same room. So, you can book at the lowest price.
Write your city name "Gulmarg". Select your check-in and check-out date and click on search.

Tourist Places in Gulmarg

As soon as you reach at Gulmarg, don't waste your time. Start visiting. And before start, take foods with you for the whole day, cause cost of foods at these areas are almost double price.

Day-1: Gulmarg

Gulmarg Gondola

Cable Car

Gondola station is 1 km away from Gulmarg town. There is also a parking area at gondola station. You can go by taxi also. After reaching the parking area, you may see horse riders are offering you to take you boarding counter or somewhere else. It is waste of money to go to the counter by horse, you can easily walk to there. Buy ticket from counter.

There are two types of ticket at staton. Phase 1 and Phase 2

Phase-1: Gulmarg to Kongdori (about 10 minutes).
Return Ticket price from Age 3 to Adult 810 Rupee. and below 3 year is free
Phase-2: Kongdori to Apharwat Lake (about 12 minutes).
Return Ticket price from Age 3 to Adult 1010 Rupee. and below 3 year is free.

You can buy only 1st phase. Buy ticket from counter, but prepare for huge line. So it will be better to buy from online.

Each car has two rows, one facing front and another is back. 3 person in each row. Try to sit on the front facing row.

Kongdori

Skiing Place

Kongdori altitude is 3050 meters, is a snow covered area from month of November to early April. There are many thing to do such as skiing and Chair lift from Kongdori to Marry Shoulder and many more.
There is another type cable car which is Chair Lift. It is from Kongdori to Marry Shoulder.
Ticket price is 300 Rupee and age below 10 are not allowed.

Apharwat Lake

Frozen Lake

Apharwat lake is a small lake at a height of 4,390 meters. It is also called “Frozen Lake”. Because, in January and February the lake freezes completely. You can easily walk over it.
How to go: There are three ways to reach Apharwat lake - trekking, cable car and road. But road is not allowed for civilians, used for only Indian Army vehicles. So you have left trekking and cable car. Apharwat Lake is 13 km away from town Gulmarg. It is one the toughest trek which takes about 14 hours up and down. So start early at 5 AM. Night stay or camping is not allowed at Apharwat Lake.
You can take guide with you, but it will cost about 1200 Rupee depends bargaining. You can take pony ride for going up but it is also costly, even more than cable car.
The best way is by cable car which is also called Gondola. Cable car ticket price 1820 Rupees return for per person and below 3 years free. It takes about 10 minutes from Gondola station to Kongdori then takes about 12 minutes from Kongdori to Apharwat lake.

Khilanmarg

Beautiful Landscape

How to go: Khilanmarg is about 1.35 km away from Gulmarg market towards southwest.

Strawberry Valley

If your traveling month is in between March to July then you can visit Strawberry Valley. If not then omit this place. There is nothing to see in this place.
How to go: It is about 4 km from Gulmarg bus stop. Walk straight through Mandi Road. Cross Maharani Temple, Golf Course and Children's Park. Walk 390 meters from children's park. You will find two ways. Walk to the right hand way and walk about 800 meters, you can find strawberry field. If you go out of time, you can only view green field.

Note that, On the back you may visit Children' Park. Golf Course. But there nothing to see. So you can omit these places. Direct go to Maharaja Palace.

Maharaja Palace

Royal Palace

Entry Fee: 30 Rupee.
How to go: It is 1.7 km from Gulmarg bus stop.

Maharani Temple

Hindu Temple

How to go: 610 meters from Gulmarg bus stop.

St. Mary Church

Church

Note that, you may heard many places such as Baba Reshi, Ningli Nalla, Drang. But nothing to see more in these places. So you can omit and back to Srinagar by bus.

Druroo Apple Orchards

If your traveling month is August or September, may visit this apple orchards. It is located at Druroo village in Tangmarg Block in Baramulla District.

Sonamarg

Sonmarg is a hill station in Ganderbal district in Kashmir Division. It is about 80 kms from Srinagar and at an altitude of 8950 feet.

How to Reach Sonamarg

The nearest airport of Sonamarg is Srinagar Aiport.
Srinagar to Sonamarg bus fare 250 Rupee. Bus Service starts from mid of April to mid of November. Confirm your ticket on previous day of your journey. Bus starts at 7.30 AM from TRC bus stand (Srinagar to Leh route), and stopped at Sonamarg at 11.00 AM.
If you are not traveling in this period or you missed the bus, you can take alternate way, if the Sonamarg road is not blocked for heavy snowfall. You can take private taxi, which may take 1500 Rupee or less, depends on your bargaining skill.
Those who are budget traveler can go by shared taxi if available.

Srinagar to Sonamarg Cheapest way
TRC to Batamaloo by Auto = 20.
Batamaloo to Kangan by shared micro - 110.
Kangan to Sonamarg shared micro - 120.

Parimpora bus stand to Kangan by shared micro - 100
Kangan to Sonamarg shared micro - 120

Hotels in Sonamarg

There are available hotels in Sonamarg. Rate depends on seasons. Peak season may take 2000 Rupee and off peak season you may get only at 700 Rupee.
You can book hotel from the below search engine, which compare Booking.com and other all hotel related website and show the different prices of the same room. So, you can book at the lowest price.
Write your city name "Sonamarg". Select your check-in and check-out date and click on search.

Tourist Places in Sonamarg

Day-1: Sonamarg

Thajiwas Glacier

Glacier

Thajiwas Glacier is one of the common visiting place in Sonamarg. It is one of the highest peaks in Kashmir, but easiest to reach at the tourist point. 3 km walk, it will take only 2 hours to reach through a beautiful scenery. If you don't want to walk, you can take pony ride. It cost 700-1500 Rupee ($9.22-19.76) during peak season and 600-800 during off season. But believe me, walking is better than pony ride.
If it is rainy season, must take rain coat. You will get rain coat and Plastic boots within 100 Rupee ($1.32) from Sonamarg stall.
Sonamarg to Thajiwas Glacier viewpoint is about 3 km. You can continue beyond that, you have to trek for another 7-8 km and exit at Sarbal village, on the other side of Sonamarg.
How to go: From Sonamarg Bus Stop, walk about 2.5 km towars Srinagar (northwest) till Hotel Sonamarg Glacie or Office of The Sonamarg Development Authority on the right side of the road. Then turn left (south) and walk to Thajiwas Glacier.

Baltal

Baltal is 15 km from Sonamarg towards Leh Road after Sarbal village at an altitude of about 9000 feet. Shared taxi cost 100 Rupee ($1.32). Baltal is the starting point to go Amarnath Cave and Zojila Pass.

Zojila Pass:

Zojila Pass is a high Altitude road pass an elevation of approximately 11,575 feet on the way from Sonamarg to Leh. The activities you can do at Zojila pass is skiing.
Visiting Time: The road is closed during snow time. It opens from April to October.
How to go: About 9.4 km from Baltal on the way of Leh. From Baltal it will take 2000 to 3000 Rupee ($39.52) for private taxi up and down. There is no shared taxi.

* Zero-point is actually located a few km from Zojila top, towards Kargil.
* Note That, If you've already been to Kongdori, Gulmarg, I would say skip the Zojila Pass. Almost the same. This will save you time and money. Otherwise if you go from Srinagar to Ladakh, your transport will go this way.

Amarnath Cave:

The Shiva Lingam is a stalagmite formation (A stalagmite is a type of rock formation) located at the Amarnath Cave. The stalagmite is formed due to the freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave onto the floor. There are different types of stalagmites. Parvati and Ganesha are also present here as two smaller stalagmites.
According to Hindu mythology, this is the place where Shiva explained the mystery of life and eternity to his divine consort Parvati. From 1st July to 15th August during the Hindu Holy month of Savan, believers are come from different places.
Amarnath cave is situated at an altitude of 12,756 ft. 14 km away from Baltal (8,960 ft above sea level), Sonamarg. First of all it is required for all to get permission from Sonamarg. They just want to know you are capable to reach there. That's why you have to provide a physical certificate. If you want to know the procedure of registration then click here. There is a police check post after 1 km from Baltal at Domail. Entry Time into gate open from 5 AM to 11 AM. You cam out any time. If you can manage them for entry without permission form, it's your capability.
Visiting Time: 6 AM 7 PM. Best to visit from 1st July to 15th August during yatra time.
How to go: There are many ways to reach at Amarnath Cave. You can reach Amarnath cave both from Baltal, Sonamarg or from Pahalgam. I'm describing here from Sonamarg.
From Sonamarg you can reach at Amarnath temple different ways. Route is Baltal Camp, Between Baltal & Domel, Domail, Railpathri, Brarimarg, Sangam, Holy Cave.

1) By Helicopter: There is a Helipad at Neelgrath. From there Helicopter will take you up on the hill to another Helipad at Panjtarni. One way fare 1,804 Rupee ($23.76) (inclusive of all taxes) per person. It will take about 7 minutes. From there Amarnath Cave is 6 km away. Now you can walk or take a Palki ride (Wooden wheel-less vehicle. carry by people). It may costs 5000 Rupee ($65.86) return during peak season (depends on your bargaining skill). Even you may get only at 500 Rupee ($6.79) during off peak. Or you can take pony ride which may take 1500 Rupee ($19.76) return.
2) From Baltal: Baltal is about 14.4 km from Sonamarg towards Leh road. Go to Baltal by shared cab fare 100 Rupee ($1.32) from Sonamarg. From Baltal, if you want to return on that day you have to start early on the morning, So you have to stay night at Baltal. There are staying facilities in Baltal. Hut cost 375 Rupee ($4.94), Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 530 and Tent (cot accommodation) - 700 Rupee ($9.22). During Yatra times, meals will be provided free of cost in langar (pron: Longor. Meal will serve to all people there at a time). Next day early in the morning you can walk or take pony ride 1700 Rupee ($22.39) per person one way. Show horse man that you are not interested. It will work. They may offer you even only 300 Rupee ($3.95) one way. The route is Baltal – Domali – Barari Marg – Sangam – Cave Temple. It takes 5-6 hours to reach. Various NGOs/Societies etc. offer free food, water and refreshment to the Yatris en route to Holy Cave. Langars shall be set up at various locations during Yatra period. And security here and there.

From Temple to Pahalgam:
The route is Cave, Panjtarni, Kelnar, Poshpathri, Wavbal, Sheshnag, Nagakoti, Zojibal, Pissutop, Chandanwari, Nunwan. There you can go by two ways.
1) By Helicopter: There is a Helipad at Panchtarni which go to Pahalgam. One way fare 3104 Rupee ($40.89) (inclusive of all taxes) per person. It will take about 10 minutes.
2) Go to Panchtarni, about 6 km from the cave. It may take 3 hours. Stay at night You will get hut here cost 375 Rupee ($4.94). Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 500 and Tent (cot accommodation) - 550 Rupee ($7.24). Here you may face skin crack problem due to cold. Keep cold cream or vaseline. Stay at night. Day 10th - early morning start for Sheshnag. About 11 km trek may take 6 hours. Visit Sheshnag Lake. You can stay at sheshnag. Hut cost - 375 Rupee ($4.94), Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 400 and Tent (cot accommodation) - 450 Rupee ($5.93). Day-11: Go more 12 km journey to Chandanwari. You will get Tent (floor accommodation with mattress) - 275 Rupee ($3.62) and Tent (cot accommodation) - 450 Rupee ($5.93). Next day start for Betab Valley. Or you can go to Pahalgam by public transport.

* Remember, There are 3 lakes Durinar-1, Durinar-2 (Nilnag), Durinar-3 (Barafsar) from Sarbal Village (Sarbal village is about 6 km from Sonamarg bus stand towards east through Ladakh road). Sarbal Village is also known as the last village of Kashmir. For this trip, You have to stay one night at any one lake side. So it is better to go by tour operator. The cost around 10,000 Rupee ($131.72). It is tough for budget traveler.
Sarbal Village to Durinar1 - 5 hours. Durinar1 to Durinar2 - 1 hour. Duinar2 to Durinar3 (15091 ft) - 2.30 hours. Total about 8.5 hours walk one way. From the top of the peak one can have view of whole Thajiwas valley on one side and Mount Kolahoi and Satlanjan valley on other side.

* Remember, there are a few more beautiful lakes with mind blowing scenes. You can say, this scene is one of the best in Kashmir. But there are a few things you need to think about to get the job done.
It takes 7 days 6 nights from Sonamarg to Naranag (a village near Kangan). You need to take a package, which cost around 12,000 Rupee ($158.07) per person. So it is a problem for budget traveler. You should have the ability to walk about 12 km per day.
if you have money and no problem to walk a lot, then this is the best journey for you.
The Lakes are - Vishansar Lake, Krishnasar Lake, Gadsar Lake, Sastar Lake, Gangabal Lake, Nandkol Lake.
But budget travelers, if there's a team going there, you can do it with them. Rent a tent to stay and buy enough food and water for 7 days with you. There are many army camps on the hill. If available, set up your tent to spend the night near them. Just take a few Google Snapshots and all information.
Track details:
Start early the next day, go 3 km from Sonamarg towards Srinagar Road. There is a stall where you will find dry food and water. This is the last place of civilization and shop. Start your trek now.
Sonamarg to Nichnai via Shekdur - 9 km, 6 hours
Nichnai to Vashansar Lake - 12 km, 6 Hours
Vishansar to Gadsar - 10 km 5 hours
Gadsar to Satsar - 12 km, 6 hours
Satsar to Gangarbal & Nandkol (Twin lake) - 9 km, 6 hours
Gangarbal to Naranag village - 11 km, 6 hours
From Naranag, go to Sonamarg by shared taxi.

Pahalgam

Pahalgam is tourist town in Anantnag District. It is located at 88 km from Srinagar and 45 km from Anantnag town on the banks of Lidder River at an altitude of 7,200 feet.

How to Reach Pahalgam

Nearest airport is Srinagar Airport.
Srinagar to Pahalgam bus everyday once at 8 AM and fare 210 Rupee. It takes 3 hours to reach Pahalgam.
If you missed the bus or you reach at noon at Srinagar and don't waste your time

Cheapest way to Srinagar to Pahalgam:
Srinagar Lal Chowk to Anantnag by shared taxi- 120.
Anantnag to Pahalgam by shared taxi - 100 Rupees.

Hotels in Pahalgam

There are many hotels at Pahalgam. You may also find camp at Pahalgram and Chandanwari at very low cost. Below 500 Rupee.
You can book hotel from the below search engine, which compare Booking.com and other all hotel related website and show the different prices of the same room. So, you can book at the lowest price.
Write your city name "Pahalgam". Select your check-in and check-out date and click on search.

Tourist Places in Pahalgam

If you not visit Amarnath Cave from Sonamarg, you can visit it from Pahalgam.

Day-1:

Betaab Valley

Natural Landmarks

Betaab Valley is nice place and a picnic spot with scenic view. A Bollywood movie 'Betaab' was shot here and released in 1983. After then this place name is Betaab Valley.
Entry Fee: 100 Rupee.
How to go: It is located at middle of the Pahalgam to Chandanwari road. Go there by local bus.

Chandanwari

* Amarnath Cave:

* Dodal Glacier - 3300 one day 7 km one way

Aru Valley
Aru is a tourist spot in the Anantnag District. It is located around 12 km from Pahalgam towards north. it is a base camp for trekking to the Kolhoi Glacier and Tarsar Lake, Katrinag valley and Lidderwat village.

Start early in the morning for Aru Valley from Pahalgram (altitude 7,200 feet) about 12 km away at an altitude 7,958 feet.
There are a few homestays and guest houses and JKTDC Tourist bungalow, a few small eateries and a few shops.
How to go: You can take a shared taxi from Pahalgam to Aru Valley. It takes about 45-50 minutes to reach. The taxi will start only after it gets filled up.

Trekker tourist mainly target to trek and visit mainly three lakes up on the hill. These are Tarsar Lake, Sundersar Lake, Marsar Lake.
Many tourists go with package company. But you have to think few things.
* It takes 6 days 5 nights from Aru valley to visit these lakes and by same road come back again Aru Valley.
* You need to take a package, which cost around 11,500 Rupee per person. So it is a problem for budget traveler.
* You should have the ability to walk about 6-12 km uphill per day.

If you have problem with any, you just can omit this tour and go next what else is waiting for you. If you have that much time, if you have money and no problem to trek, then you can go for it.

But the budget group traveler, you can do it yourself. Those who are solo try to find a group are going up hill and just tie with them. Just need tent to stay and buy adequate food and water for 6 days with you. There are many Gypsy huts up on the hill. If found, set your tent to stay at night near them.
If you visit or not, now trek to Lidderwat village. 10 km away from Aru valley at an altitude of 9,131 feet.

From Aru Valley you can visit few more places

* Lidderwat Village:

Aru to Lidderwat is about 10 km distance at height 9,131 ft. Lidderwat has a PWD Resthouse, and a couple of makeshift tea shops available.
How to go: From Aru Valley, walk through broad pathway that is frequented by gypsies. After 15 minutes trek up enter the pine forest. Forest ends after 45 minutes of walking and you will see a meadow and a lot of gypsy huts. After 40 minutes you will find Lidder River. Walk 10 minutes, you will see a small log bridge and gypsy huts. Do not cross the bridge. Walk more 15 minutes, you will find a small tea stall. Then walk more 20 minutes along the river and you will see a bridge. Cross the bridge, you can see Lidderwat Government guest house. There are two routes from Lidderwat. The one on the right goes towards the Kohalai glacier and another straight up the hill towards Shekwass and Tarsar Lake.

If you decide not to trek to Lake Tarsar, head back to Aru Valley then to Pahalgam. And those who are going to visit Tarsar Lake without any package, get up very early. Check if any groups are going, just tie up with them.

* Tarsar Marsar Lake:

Tarsar Lake is about 16 km from Lidderwat at the altitude of 12,449 feet.
How to go: The trek to Tarsar starts to climb right behind the guest house. Go up on the hill through the bank of the water flow coming. On the way you may find gypsy hut. You can talk to gypsies and rest but don't wait too much time and follow the river path. Walk through the river and cross it. Be careful, stones are very slippery. after crossing the river, now river on your right side. follow the river about 1 hour. There are few Gypsy huts here. You can stop for tea. Talk to them few minutes.
Then walk up straight with the stream on your right. Within 1 hour You will reach Shekhwas (at height 11,039 ft). Total 5.6 km from Lidderwat. It takes 5.6 hours to reach. Many Gypsy huts. Talk to them and you can stay here. Tarsar lake is about 5 km from here and take about 2/3 hours.

Surndarsar Lake:
Start for Surndarsar Lake camping Area about 10 km from Tarsar Lake.
climb up to the Sundarsar Lake from the camping area is a 1 km steep hike through boulders.
Then Visit Marsar Lake. and come back to camping area. for night stay.

* There is a trek from Lidderwat village to Dudhsar Lake (12600 feet) – Kolahoi Glacier Viewpoint towards northeast.
Dudhsar Lake lake is located around 8 km from Lidderwat valley.
The first checkpoint is Susrin from where the Susrin Nala flows to merge with the Dudhsar Nala. After a short walk, you will reach a crossing point. you have to cross the Nala and head towards Satlunjan, only about a km from Susrin. This is a beautiful place with river tributaries flowing along. Then after a flat trail, there is a gradual ascent towards the Kolahoi Basecamp. Here the terrain is full of boulders and you have to walk beside the Dushsar Nala.
Kolahoi Base Camp is at an altitude of 10450 feet. From the Kolahoi Basecamp, there is a trail that goes up to the valley. Take that trail and continue towards the meadows. From there, it is an easy hike to the Dudhsar Lake.

Day-2: Pahalgam

Baisaran Valley

Natural Landmarks

Baisaran valley is a green field surrounded by mountains. Natural scenic view only. About 5 km away from Pahalgram.
Entry Fee: 30 Rupee.
How to go: From Pahalgam after about 20 minutes of hike, take the trail through the pine forest. After about 1 hour of walk, you will reach at Baisaran Valley.

Tulian Lake

Lake

It is about 11 km from Baisarn Valley at an altitude of 12,087 feet.
How to go: From Baisaran Valley trek up hill. cross Gujjars hut and Kanimarg, walk for about half an hour, you will enter the dense forest. After end of the forest, you may see few gypsy huts. This is another beautiful view of the Tulian Valley. You will not hike towards the valley, trek on your left towards the Tulian Lake. At the last stage you have to climb mountain rock. This is little tough of the journey. Take your time. A beautiful lake is waiting behind this.

After visit Tulian Lake direct come back to Pahalgam and stay at night.

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