Full-day private tour of Srinagar: Mughal gardens and Dal Lake

Four Mughal gardens, two sacred sites, and a boat ride across Kashmir's most famous lake

A full-day private guided tour of Srinagar takes in the Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashme Shahi gardens built by Mughal emperors, plus the Shankaracharya Temple and Hazratbal Mosque, ending at Dal Lake. The tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, local lunch and all entrance fees. A boat ride on the lake can be added at extra cost.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Shankaracharya Temple1h
2. Dal Lake1h · entry included

Explore Srinagar's gardens and landmarks

• Visit Shalimar Bagh garden
• Explore Nishat Bagh garden
• Tour Chashme Shahi garden
• Visit Shankaracharya Temple
• See Hazratbal Mosque
• View Dal Lake and houseboats

The experience

The day starts at Shalimar Bagh, the royal garden Emperor Jahangir built in 1619 for his wife Nur Jahan, enlarged from an older site and named "Farah Baksh", the delightful. From there you move to Nishat Bagh, a 12-terraced garden on Dal Lake's banks with the Zabarwan mountain as its backdrop, built by Asif Khan (Nur Jahan's brother) in 1633. The third garden, Chashme Shahi, was constructed in 1632 around a spring by Ali Mardan Khan, a Mughal governor, as a gift for Prince Dara Shikoh.

The tour then reaches the Shankaracharya Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva and believed to be one of Kashmir's oldest shrines, named after the philosopher who visited the valley roughly ten centuries ago. Next is the Hazratbal Mosque, Srinagar's most prominent mosque and the only domed one in the city, distinguished by its white marble façade and a blend of Mughal and Kashmiri architecture. Local belief holds that it houses Moi-e-Muqqadas, the sacred hair of Prophet Muhammad's beard, making it a significant place of worship and reflection.

The day concludes at Dal Lake, known as the "Jewel in the crown of Kashmir," famous for its colorful houseboats that offer a glimpse into traditional Kashmiri lifestyle. A private guide in English accompanies you throughout. Local lunch is included, as are all entrance charges and transportation. A boat ride across the lake can be arranged separately if you want to get out on the water.

What’s included

• Private transportation throughout the day.
• an English-speaking guide.
• local lunch.
• entrance fees to all sites visited (Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi, Shankaracharya Temple, and Hazratbal Mosque).
• hotel pickup and drop-off.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00

Book up to12h before

AgesAdult (13 to 85 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by 5 Senses Walks

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you're traveling alone or with a small group and want to move at your own pace without waiting for other travelers. A private guide means the day follows your interests and timing, and you skip the crowds that come with shared tours.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What are the main Mughal gardens included in this Srinagar tour?

The tour visits three major Mughal gardens: Shalimar Bagh, built by Emperor Jahangir in 1619 for his wife Nur Jahan; Nishat Bagh, a 12-terraced garden built by Asif Khan in 1633 on Dal Lake's banks; and Chashme Shahi, constructed in 1632 around a spring by Ali Mardan Khan as a gift for Prince Dara Shikoh.

Is the boat ride on Dal Lake included in this tour?

The tour ends at Dal Lake, but the boat ride is not included in the standard package and can be arranged at extra cost if you want to go out on the water.

What is the Hazratbal Mosque and why is it significant?

The Hazratbal Mosque is Srinagar's most famous mosque and the only domed mosque in the city, featuring a white marble façade and a blend of Mughal and Kashmiri architectural styles. According to local belief, it houses Moi-e-Muqqadas, the sacred hair of Prophet Muhammad's beard, making it an important place of worship and reflection.

Does this tour include lunch and entrance fees?

Yes, local lunch and all entrance charges to the gardens, temple and mosque are included in the tour price, along with private transportation and an English-speaking guide.

How long is this Srinagar tour and what time does it start?

The tour runs for eight hours and includes hotel pickup, so the start time depends on your location in Srinagar and can be arranged when you book.