The Dal Lake shikara ride is a great way to take your time and enjoy the scenery of Srinagar’s most famous waterway. Glide along the lake as you pass houseboats, floating gardens, beautiful mountain views and colourful wooden boats. The Zabarwan hills provide stunning backdrops to the lake. The ride is perfect for all types of travellers. Whether you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise, a family adventure or you love taking photos then this is the ride for you.
Plus the shikara ride is also very affordable. The price of the ride is based on a per-boat basis, so dividing between a group of people makes it easy to split the cost. You can choose to take a 1 hour cruise or longer to include a stop at Char Chinar, floating gardens and the morning floating vegetable market.
Dal Lake Shikaara Ride Cost
The official cost of the shikara ride for the first hour is around ₹700-770 per boat. Any additional hours will cost around ₹400-440. A 6 hour hire will cost around ₹2700.
Prices can vary depending on which route you take, what season you’re visiting, what type of boat and if you ask for any specific stops. Always double-check the price before getting on the boat.
| Type of Ride | Duration | Approximate Costs Per Boat |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 1 Hour | ₹700-770 |
| Extra Hours | Per Hour | ₹400-440 |
| 2 Hour Circuit | ₹1100-1500 | |
| Sunrise/Floating Market | 2-3 Hours | ₹1000-2500 |
| Full Day Hire | 6 Hours | ₹2700 |
If you are 4 people taking a 1 hour ride then the price will be around ₹175-195 per person. This makes it one of the best value things to do in Srinagar.
Shikaara Ride Duration
How long you take will depend on how much time you have and what you want to do. If you want to try it out for the first time then 1 hour will be enough to get a taste of Dal Lake. If you want to take your time and explore the quieter channels then 2 hours will give you plenty of time to take some photos.
- 30-45 Minutes – Ideal for a quick ride close to Boulevard Road or Nehru Park.
- 1 Hour – Best for a simple lake ride, sunset views or if you’re doing it for the first time.
- 1.5-2 Hours – Best for seeing Char Chinar, floating gardens and taking your time with photos.
- 2-3 Hours – Best for floating vegetable market as its further out in the lake.
- 4-6 Hours – Great for doing a full circuit with several stops, taking photos and having a relaxed lunch.
Dal Lake Shikaara Ride Times
Shikara rides generally run from early morning until evening. During the summer many companies run until around 8-9pm. However in winter they tend to start later and end earlier due to less daylight.
| Season | Times | Best Time |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (April-Oct) | 6am – 8/9pm | 6am-8am or 5pm-7pm |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | 9am-6pm | Late Morning/Early Afternoon |
| Floating Vegetable Market | 5am-8am | Around 5.30am |
If you’re looking to visit the floating market then the timing is important. The market tends to get busy around sunrise so ask your boatman to pick you up around 4.30am-5.30am.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go on a shikara ride is during sunrise or sunset. During sunrise the lake will be quiet and the light will be gentle. You’ll be able to watch the vegetable traders trading. Whereas during sunset the lake will be beautiful with the golden light reflecting off the water.
July and August is also a great time to go as there will be lots of lotus flowers. Autumn is also a nice time to go as the chinar trees will be colourful. If you want to avoid crowds then go during the week in the morning.
Floating Market Ride
One of the most authentic things to see on Dal Lake is the floating vegetable market. Local farmers will paddle their shikara’s through the inner channels of the lake selling their produce such as tomatoes, greens, lotus stems, radish and more to wholesale traders.
You can only get to the market by taking a shikara. Either from a ghat on Boulevard Road or directly from your houseboat. This will take around 30-45mins to get there so we recommend making sure you have at least 2 hours.
Keep in mind that the market is real and not a set up. Sometimes the market can be quite different each day. Some days it might end earlier.
Best Routes
Depending on what experience you’re looking for will depend on the route you take. If you’re going for the first time then the classic route around Nehru Park and Char Chinar will be perfect. If you want to get more out of your ride then take a longer route to include floating gardens and quieter backwaters. tripdm
- Nehru Park & Char Chinar – Classic route with lovely lake views. You’ll also pass a famous island landmark. ataradmc
- Floating Gardens & Inner Channels – Best for taking photos, seeing local culture and a relaxed pace. tripdm
- Sunset Cruise – Perfect for photos during golden hour. You’ll get beautiful views of the Pir Panjal range. traveltriangle
- Sunrise Floating Market – Best for an early morning cultural experience.
- Nigeen Lake – A more relaxed option with fewer boats.
Booking Tips
Plan ahead to avoid any confusion. Decide what type of ride you want. Sunrise market tour, standard ride or sunset ride. Once decided agree the price, duration, route and where you’ll be picked up.
- Book through your hotel/houseboat to ensure an early morning pickup.
- Walk to an authorised ghat close to Dal Gate, Boulevard Road or Nehru Park. Don’t fall for any touts.
- Check the rate board.
- Ask if you’ll be stopping at Char Chinar, floating gardens or market.
- Ask for the total price of the boat.
- Have small notes of cash. Many boatmen will also accept UPI, but cash is always handy.
- Don’t pay the full amount upfront. Pay after your ride.
- If you’re going for sunrise, make sure you know what time you’ll be picked up the evening before. The market times depend on the sunrise.
What to Take
Take a light bag. A light jacket is useful for early mornings and winter evenings. Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat will help during the day. Keep your phone/camera safe as you’ll be going through narrow channels.
Wear comfortable flat shoes. You may have to step onto an uneven wooden platform. If you’re travelling in the winter then gloves and a warm hat will make the ride much more comfortable.
FAQs
The price is per boat. Most standard shikaras can hold up to 4 adults so splitting the cost between people will make it cheaper.
Most rides run from 6am-6pm. During the summer some companies may run until 8-9pm. During winter they tend to be shorter.
The official price for the first hour will be around ₹700-770 per boat. Extra hours will cost around ₹400-440.
Book the evening before. Ask to be picked up around 4.30am-5.30am. The market tends to be busiest between 5am-7am and will generally finish around 7am-8am.
Yes. Just make sure you choose an authorised company and wear a life jacket if offered. Don’t stand up or lean over the edge whilst moving, especially if there is wind.
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