Shikara Ride on Dal Lake, Srinagar: Prices, Timings & Floating Market (2026 Guide)
By Suhail Bhat · Last updated:
Getting there? Taxi service in Srinagar with a local driver, fuel and tolls included.
About this activity
A Shikara ride is a boat trip across Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India, in a shikara (a traditional Kashmiri wooden boat), and you can book one in advance with Poise Travel and Tourism or on the spot at a ghat on the lake.
Poise Travel and Tourism's Shikara ride boards at Ghat 06 on Boulevard Road, Srinagar, and lasts 1 hour in a private boat for up to 4 people, for ₹600 per Shikara. On the way you pass the floating gardens, the floating vegetable market (5:00–7:00 AM only), Nehru Park and the houseboat colonies, with views of the Zabarwan range. Across Dal Lake, the fair price for a 1-hour ride is ₹500 to ₹800 per boat, not per person.
- Where: Dal Lake, Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, India
- Boarding point: Ghat 06, Boulevard Road, Srinagar
- Duration: 1 hour (extendable)
- Group size: up to 4 people per Shikara
- Poise Travel and Tourism price: ₹600 per Shikara for 1 hour (up to 4 people); longer routes and sunset rides cost more
- Fair price on Dal Lake: ₹500 to ₹800 per boat for 1 hour
- Cancellation: non-refundable, but rebooked or refunded in full if the operator cancels for weather or safety
- Best time: sunrise (5:00–7:00 AM) or the sunset slot (generally 5:30–7:00 PM)
- Life jackets: mandatory for every passenger, with child-sized jackets for children
- Winter: rides run but are limited and weather-dependent; parts of the lake can freeze in late December to late January
- Languages: English, Hindi
What is a Shikara ride on Dal Lake?
A Shikara ride is a traditional boat ride on Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, in a crafted wooden boat with cushioned seating and a canopy, steered by an experienced boatman (shikarawala).
Shikaras have been part of Kashmiri culture for centuries as the main way of getting around the lakes and rivers of the Kashmir valley. A ride suits couples, families and solo travellers alike, and English- and Hindi-speaking boatmen are available.
Where does the Shikara ride start from?
Poise Travel and Tourism's Shikara ride starts from Ghat 06 on Boulevard Road, Srinagar, the main lakeside road along Dal Lake.
Ghat 06 is one of the numbered ghats (1 to 7) in the Dal Gate area, a busy zone of budget hotels with easy access to central Srinagar. Its address is often listed as Karapura, Rainawari, Srinagar 190001.
How to reach Ghat 06
- From Dal Gate: Ghat 06 is in the Dal Gate area, very close to Ghat No. 1; walk along Boulevard Road.
- From Nehru Park: it is further along the Boulevard, so a taxi or auto-rickshaw is easiest.
- By taxi or auto: ask to be dropped on Boulevard Road near Ghat 6. The ghats are well-known landmarks, and taxis and autos are readily available from central Srinagar.
- On foot: once on Boulevard Road, look for the steps leading down to the lake. The ghats run along this stretch, and most are signposted.
Other popular boarding points around Dal Lake:
- Nehru Park Ghat: for rides starting from the park area
- Dal Gate: near the main entrance to Dal Lake
- Rainawari: a quieter boarding point
How long is a Shikara ride on Dal Lake?
The standard Shikara ride on Dal Lake lasts 1 hour and covers Nehru Park, the floating gardens and the houseboat colonies. Rides also come in 30-minute, 2-hour, half-day and full-day lengths.
| Option | Duration | Price (whole boat) | What it covers | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short ride | 30 minutes | Ask us when booking | Nehru Park and the houseboat colonies | Families with young children, quick photo stops |
| Standard ride | 1 hour | ₹600 with Poise Travel and Tourism (₹500 to ₹800 across the lake) | Nehru Park, the floating gardens and the houseboat colonies | First-time visitors |
| Extended ride | 2 hours | ₹1,000 to ₹1,400 | Adds Char Chinar and more attractions | Visitors who want to see more |
| Sunset ride | About 2 hours | Around ₹1,200 (government-notified rate) | Sunset over the lake, generally 5:30–7:00 PM | Couples and photographers |
| Half-day tour | 3 to 4 hours | ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 | A comprehensive exploration of Dal Lake | Photography enthusiasts |
| Full-day tour | Full day | ₹2,500 and above | Stops at multiple islands, with a picnic lunch option | Couples wanting a leisurely day |
The floating vegetable market is only on early-morning rides, whatever the length.
How much does a Shikara ride cost in Srinagar?
A 1-hour Shikara ride on Dal Lake with Poise Travel and Tourism costs ₹600 per boat, for up to 4 people, and a fair price for a standard 1-hour ride anywhere on the lake is ₹500 to ₹800 for the entire boat, not per person.
- 1-hour ride: ₹600 per Shikara with Poise Travel and Tourism; ₹500 to ₹800 is the fair range across the lake
- 2-hour extended ride: ₹1,000 to ₹1,400, including Char Chinar
- Sunset ride (about 2 hours): government-notified rate around ₹1,200; operators often ask ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, and a fair final price is about ₹1,200 to ₹1,500
- Half-day tour (3 to 4 hours): ₹1,500 to ₹2,000
- Full-day tour: ₹2,500 and above, with stops at multiple islands and a picnic lunch option
Every price is per Shikara, for up to 4 people. Longer routes and sunset rides cost more than the 1-hour ride.
How to avoid overpaying
Always agree the price before boarding. Touts at the main ghats may quote ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 to unsuspecting tourists, while the fair price for a 1-hour ride is ₹500 to ₹800. Booking through a trusted operator like Poise Travel and Tourism gives you a transparent price with no bargaining.
What is the best time to take a Shikara ride?
The best time for a Shikara ride on Dal Lake is sunrise, 5:00 to 7:00 AM, for the floating market and the best light, or the sunset slot, generally 5:30 to 7:00 PM.
| Time slot | Hours | Why go |
|---|---|---|
| Sunrise (recommended) | 5:00–7:00 AM | Calm lake, mist over the water, the floating vegetable market, golden light and mirror-like reflections for photography |
| Sunset | Generally 5:30–7:00 PM | Warm light over the Zabarwan range, houseboats lighting up one by one; the most romantic slot, ideal for couples. Sunset rides cost more. |
| Midday (avoid) | 10:00 AM–2:00 PM | Crowded lake, harsh sun, poor photography conditions, and uncomfortable heat in summer |
Sunset Shikara ride: timing and price
A sunset Shikara ride is typically a 2-hour experience in the slot of roughly 5:30 to 7:00 PM. Set off about 1.5 hours before sunset for the best light.
- Government-notified rate: around ₹1,200
- Typical asking price: ₹1,500 to ₹2,500 from operators
- Fair final price: about ₹1,200 to ₹1,500; expect to negotiate
Can you take a Shikara ride on Dal Lake in winter?
Yes, Shikara rides on Dal Lake run in winter (December to February), but they are limited and depend heavily on the weather.
- Ice: in the coldest weeks, especially Chillai Kalan (late December to late January), parts of Dal Lake can freeze, which halts Shikara rides until the ice melts.
- Snow: when the lake is not frozen, rides may still run between snow showers, but expect cancellations when conditions are unsafe.
- Routes: winter rides are often limited to open channels rather than the full lake.
- Timing: most shikaras dock by 4 PM in winter because of the early sunset and the cold.
If the operator cancels your ride for weather or safety, you are rebooked or refunded in full.
When can you see the Dal Lake floating market?
The floating vegetable market on Dal Lake is active between 5:00 and 7:00 AM, so you need a sunrise Shikara ride to see it.
In this centuries-old tradition, farmers bring fresh produce (tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens and flowers) and trade directly from their shikaras. It is a vibrant, colourful scene and a genuine glimpse of daily life in Srinagar. Ask your boatman to take you there.
What will you see on a Dal Lake Shikara ride?
A Shikara ride takes you past Dal Lake's floating gardens, floating market, island parks and houseboats, with the Zabarwan range and Mughal gardens in view.
- Floating gardens: farmland built on a base of reeds and soil, anchored to the lake bed, where local farmers grow vegetables, melons and flowers
- Floating vegetable market: farmers trading fresh produce from their boats, early morning only
- Nehru Park: an island park named after India's first Prime Minister, with manicured gardens, walking paths and lake views; a good spot for a short break
- Char Chinar (Son Lank): a small island with four ancient Chinar trees and 360-degree views of the lake and mountains; many rides stop here for photos
- Houseboat colonies: hundreds of intricately carved houseboats, many now luxury floating hotels, recalling the era of the British Raj
- Meena Bazaar: floating vendors selling Kashmiri handicrafts such as Pashmina shawls, papier-mâché, carved woodwork and jewellery straight to your Shikara; bargain for the best price
- Mountain views: uninterrupted views of the Zabarwan range
Is a Shikara ride safe for families and children?
Yes, Shikara rides on Dal Lake are family-friendly and safe for all ages, in stable, flat-bottomed boats with experienced boatmen, and life jackets are mandatory for every passenger.
- The boats are stable, flat-bottomed wooden vessels with cushioned seating and a canopy.
- The boatmen are experienced and trained.
- Life jackets: under the tourism department's 2025 guidelines, every Shikara must carry at least as many life jackets as passengers, and no Shikara may operate unless every passenger is wearing one.
- Children: child-sized life jackets must be available when minors are on board.
- For families with young children, a short ride of 30 minutes to 1 hour, covering Nehru Park and the houseboat colonies, works best.
What should you carry on a Shikara ride?
For a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, carry sunglasses, sunscreen, a light jacket and a camera. It can get chilly on the lake, especially in the morning and in winter.
- Sunglasses: the reflection off the water can be intense
- Sunscreen
- Light jacket or shawl: for chilly mornings and winter
- Camera or smartphone
- Water bottle: stay hydrated during the ride
- Small change: for the floating market or tipping the boatman
Photography tips
- Sit at the front of the Shikara for the best unobstructed shots.
- Sunrise gives the best light: golden, soft and dramatic.
- Ask your boatman to pause at scenic spots.
- Capture the reflections of the mountains and houseboats in the calm water.
Should you book a Shikara ride in advance?
Yes, book a Dal Lake Shikara ride in advance during peak season, April to October. On-the-spot booking at the ghat is possible, but expect to negotiate and risk paying more.
Advance booking secures a boat, gives you a transparent price and saves the bargaining. For a stress-free ride, book in advance with Poise Travel and Tourism.
Cancellation policy
Shikara rides are non-refundable, but if the operator cancels due to weather or safety, you'll be rebooked or refunded in full.
Included / Excluded
- 1-hour private Shikara ride on Dal Lake
- Experienced Shikarawala (boatman)
- Cushioned seating with canopy
- Views of floating gardens, floating market, Nehru Park, and houseboats
- Photo stops at scenic locations (upon request)
- English / Hindi speaking boatman
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Food and beverages
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
- Shopping at floating markets (optional)
- Entry fees to any attractions (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is a Shikara ride on Dal Lake?
- A Shikara ride is a trip across Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, in a traditional Kashmiri wooden boat with cushioned seating and a canopy, steered by an experienced boatman. You pass floating gardens, the floating vegetable market, Nehru Park and the houseboat colonies. Poise Travel and Tourism's 1-hour ride boards at Ghat 06 and costs ₹600 per boat.
- How much does a Shikara ride cost in Srinagar?
- A 1-hour Shikara ride on Dal Lake with Poise Travel and Tourism costs ₹600 per boat, for up to 4 people. Across the lake, a fair 1-hour price is ₹500 to ₹800 per boat, not per person. A sunset ride of about 2 hours has a government-notified rate of around ₹1,200, so agree any price before boarding.
- What is the best time for a Shikara ride on Dal Lake?
- Go at sunrise, 5:00 to 7:00 AM, for a calm lake, the floating vegetable market and the best light for photos, or take the sunset slot, generally 5:30 to 7:00 PM, for warm light over the Zabarwan range. Avoid 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, when the lake is crowded and the sun is harsh.
- How long does a Shikara ride on Dal Lake last?
- The standard private Shikara ride on Dal Lake lasts 1 hour, costs ₹600 per Shikara with Poise Travel and Tourism, and covers Nehru Park, the floating gardens and the houseboat colonies. Short 30-minute rides suit families with young children, a 2-hour ride adds Char Chinar, a sunset ride runs about 2 hours, and half-day and full-day tours go further.
- Where does the Shikara ride start in Srinagar?
- Poise Travel and Tourism's Shikara ride boards at Ghat 06 on Boulevard Road, Srinagar, the main lakeside road along Dal Lake. Ghat 06 is one of the numbered ghats (1 to 7) in the Dal Gate area. Other popular boarding points are Nehru Park Ghat, Dal Gate near the lake's main entrance, and Rainawari.
- How do I reach Ghat 06 on Dal Lake?
- Ghat 06 is on Boulevard Road in the Dal Gate area of Srinagar, very close to Ghat No. 1, so from Dal Gate you can walk along the Boulevard. From Nehru Park, take a taxi or auto-rickshaw and ask for Boulevard Road near Ghat 6. Look for the signposted steps leading down to the lake.
- When is the Dal Lake floating market open?
- The floating vegetable market on Dal Lake is active only from 5:00 to 7:00 AM. Farmers trade tomatoes, cucumbers, leafy greens and flowers straight from their shikaras in a centuries-old tradition. To see it, book a sunrise Shikara ride and ask your boatman to take you there; later rides will miss it.
- Is there a sunset Shikara ride on Dal Lake?
- Yes. The sunset slot is generally 5:30 to 7:00 PM, and it is best to set off about 1.5 hours before sunset. A sunset ride is typically a 2-hour experience. The government-notified rate is around ₹1,200; operators often ask ₹1,500 to ₹2,500, and a fair final price is about ₹1,200 to ₹1,500.
- Do Shikara rides run on Dal Lake in winter?
- Yes, but winter rides from December to February are limited and weather-dependent. During Chillai Kalan, late December to late January, parts of Dal Lake can freeze and halt rides until the ice melts. Otherwise rides may run between snow showers, often only on open channels, and most shikaras dock by 4 PM.
- Is a Shikara ride safe for children and families?
- Yes. Shikara rides on Dal Lake are family-friendly and safe for all ages. The boats are stable, flat-bottomed wooden vessels with cushioned seating, the boatmen are experienced and trained, and life jackets are mandatory for every passenger, with child-sized jackets for children. A short 30-minute to 1-hour ride suits young children best.
- Are life jackets provided on a Dal Lake Shikara ride?
- Yes. Under the tourism department's 2025 guidelines, life jackets are mandatory for every passenger on a Dal Lake Shikara ride. Each Shikara must carry at least as many life jackets as passengers, no Shikara may operate unless everyone is wearing one, and child-sized jackets must be available when children are on board.
- Do I need to book a Shikara ride in advance?
- You can book at the ghat, but advance booking is recommended in peak season, April to October. It secures a boat and a transparent price without bargaining; touts at the main ghats may quote ₹2,000 to ₹3,000 for a ride that fairly costs ₹500 to ₹800. Poise Travel and Tourism takes advance bookings.
- What is the cancellation policy for a Shikara ride?
- Shikara rides on Dal Lake booked with Poise Travel and Tourism are non-refundable. The one exception is weather or safety: if the operator cancels the ride for either reason, you will be rebooked or refunded in full. Prices are per Shikara, for up to 4 people, so one booking covers your whole group.