Srinagar Tour Packages: Where every Kashmir trip begins
A night on a houseboat, a shikara across Dal Lake at first light, the Mughal gardens and the wooden shrines of the old city. Srinagar is our home, and it deserves more than a stopover on the way to Gulmarg.
Best time
Mar–Nov (Apr and Oct our pick)
Ideal length
2 to 3 nights
Price
from ₹7,500 per person
Altitude
About 1,585 m
The honest version
Most Kashmir itineraries treat Srinagar as an airport and a houseboat photo. We plan it as a destination. Stay one night on a curated heritage houseboat on Dal Lake or the quieter houseboats on Nigeen Lake, then move to a boutique Srinagar hotel or a hotel near Dal Lake so you get both: the lake at dawn and a proper bed and hot shower for the nights that follow.
The early-morning floating vegetable market, a shikara through the lake’s back channels, and the terraced Mughal gardens of Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi are the classic day. The old city is the one most visitors miss: the wooden Khanqah-e-Moula on the Jhelum, Jamia Masjid, and the lanes of papier-mâché, walnut-wood and pashmina workshops.
From Srinagar, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Doodhpathri are all within about two to three hours by road. Read about union taxi arrangements in our Kashmir taxi service guide or choose an all-inclusive Kashmir package.
Where you'll go
6 places worth the drive.
Dal Lake
Houseboats, shikaras and the floating market at dawn
Nigeen Lake
The quieter lake for a calmer houseboat night
Mughal gardens
Nishat, Shalimar and Chashme Shahi above the lake
Old city
Khanqah-e-Moula, Jamia Masjid and the craft lanes
Hazratbal
The white marble shrine on the lake’s north shore
Tulip Garden
Asia’s largest, open for a few weeks around April
Signature experiences
What we build every Srinagar & Dal Lake trip around.
Best months to travel: Mar–Nov (Apr and Oct our pick). Fly into Srinagar International Airport (SXR), about 30–45 minutes from the city.
- One night on a houseboat, then a hotel: the lake without giving up comfort
- Shikara to the floating vegetable market at first light
- The Mughal gardens stepped above Dal Lake
- The old city’s wooden shrines and craft workshops on foot
- Kahwa and Kashmiri wazwan with people who live here
Plan your time in Srinagar & Dal Lake
Frequently asked
Srinagar & Dal Lake questions we hear every week.
Something not covered here? Ask us directly — we answer within a few hours.
Is one night on a houseboat enough?
For most travellers, yes. It is the experience people come for, but houseboats are not hotels: rooms are smaller and you depend on a shikara to reach the shore. One night on the lake and the rest in a hotel is the balance we recommend.
When is the Tulip Garden open?
For a few weeks each spring, usually from late March into April, depending on the season. Dates are announced every year, so tell us you want it and we plan around the actual opening.
Can I see Srinagar in one day?
The lake and the gardens, yes. Add a second day for the old city and Hazratbal. Most of our Kashmir itineraries give Srinagar two nights for that reason.
Plan your Srinagar & Dal Lake trip
Same-day quote. Same team for the whole trip.
Tell us your dates, group size and rough idea. We come back with a custom itinerary and honest pricing within a few hours — no obligation, no follow-up spam.