19 Top Things to Do in Srinagar (+4 Things to Do Nearby)
Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a dream destination for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and adventure sports lovers. From floating around calm lakes in shikharas to wandering through Mughal gardens and busy markets, the city is packed with things to do.
It is also a place for excursions. No matter when you visit, summer, winter, or in tulip season, you’re bound to have an unforgettable time.
So, here’s a complete guide on things to do in Srinagar and nearby places for more perfect and enjoyable experiences.
Let’s dive in!
#1 City Walk
Walking tours of the city of Srinagar are the best way to immerse yourself in the city’s ambience, from the scent of street food at downtown markets to the architecture of old Srinagar. And this is the most relaxing thing for me whenever I visit this city of lovely people.
However, it may take about 2–3 hours without any expenses or a very low expense on local snacks or souvenirs. Additionally, don’t forget to wear comfortable walking shoes, and consider hiring a local guide for a more personalized and in-depth experience.
#2 Go Fishing
Fishing in Srinagar can be an amazing experience, mostly in the numerous rivers and the lakes of the district. The main fish there are typically trout and other freshwater species. Also, the calm waters of Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake, and Lidder River offer placid environments and great catches.
In this case, 2 hours were enough for me every time I went there. But it may cost between ₹200 – ₹1000, including permits and gear hiring. Remember, you must have a fishing permit, head there early in the morning, and hire a local guide for the best spots.
#3 Go Trekking
Trekking in Srinagar is so adventurous and will take you to alpine meadows, glaciers, and mountain passes. Unforgettable treks such as the Tarsar-Marsar, Great Lakes, and the Dachigam routes can be found in the region.
Trek lengths range from a day’s hike or as long as 6–8 days. Treks are various distances around the island, short 5 km to 70+ km, depending on the trail. However, the cost depends on trek, guide, and camping; ₹1000–₹8000+ approximately. And ensure to wear sturdy hiking boots, bring warm clothes, and check the weather. Also, get an IFMGA mountain guide to guarantee your safety.
#4 Have a Shikara Boat Ride
Another must-have experience in Srinagar is doing shikara rides. These are so relaxing on Dal or Nigeen Lake, beautifully decorated wooden boats. You float as you pass lotus gardens, floating markets, and houseboats, with panoramic views of the Zabarwan mountains.
Therefore, it is just a 1- 2 hour drive away from the city and approximately 2-3 km from the City centre. And the whole thing may cost between ₹500–₹1000 hourly. However, it’s always a good idea to hit it for sunrise or sunset and bask in the horror.
#5 Play Golf
Playing golf in Srinagar is a fantastic escape for peace. The Srinagar Golf Course provides lovely, tranquil Golfing with a background of chinars and pine trees. It’s only 5 km away from the city center and the round takes 2-3 hours. At between ₹800-₹2000 (including green fee and equipment rental), it’s a fairly priced leisure activity against the beautiful backdrop of the beach.
#6 Ride Horses
Horse rides from Srinagar to Drass, or more likely just to scenic spots such as Sonamarg along the way, are a novel way for people to get a taste of Kashmir’s rugged mountain beauty. The trip generally takes from 1-2 hours, with 80 km if going to Drass.
But there are hardly any pony rides travelling to Drass; most are centred around Sonamarg or Baltal. Facilities ₹500 to ₹1500 according to the Kilometers covered and the type of time.
#7 Watch Birds
As Srinagar is only 10 km away from the Hokersar wetland, birdwatching is a calm and gratifying pursuit for nature lovers here. The visit will last about 1–2 hours and costs between ₹100 and ₹500 for transportation to and from your stay, depending on the mode of transport.
This wetland becomes a paradise for migratory birds, especially in winter when birds from Central Asia and Siberia come here. To optimize your visit, get there early in the morning, pack a good pair of binoculars, and wear some neutral-colored clothing. It’ll spook the birds.
#8 Try Local Dishes
Kashmiri cuisine has evolved over hundreds of years. It is varied with strong influences from the Mughals, serving up rich, spicy dishes such as Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Wazwan banquets. Meals are served throughout the Srinagar region, with prices ranging from ₹300–₹1000 per person. So, let’s get an authentic foodie experience by sampling the eateries from street food stalls to fine-dining establishments.
#9 Visit Shankaracharya Temple
A hilltop temple for spirituality with gorgeous views over the city, 6 km from the city centre. The tour lasts one to two hours and is complimentary. Be prepared to climb some steep stairs. Carry an identity proof as you may be subjected to security checks, and a camera is prohibited inside the premises.
#10 Explore Indira Gandhi Tulip Garden
More than a million tulips bloom in spring at Asia’s biggest tulip garden, 8 km from downtown Srinagar. It’s a 1-2 hour thrill and entry will cost around ₹50-₹100. Go during late March and early April, wear walking shoes, and arrive early to avoid the crowds.
#11 Explore Shri Pratap Singh Museum
This heritage museum showcases artefacts, textiles, and crafts tracing Kashmir’s history. It will take 1–2 hours to visit and will cost ₹10–₹50 per head. It’s ideal to visit in the morning.
#12 Shop at Lal Chowk and Polo View
Visit Lal Chowk and Polo View markets in central Srinagar for genuine Kashmiri handicrafts, pashmina, saffron, and local art. Spend 2-3 hours exploring these lively streets. Prices fluctuate, so negotiate politely. With expensive items, always require an authenticity certificate if you’re buying saffron or pure pashmina.
#13 Visit Mughal Gardens
8–10 km away from the city centre are the beautiful Mughal gardens of Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, and Chashme Shahi. 2–3 hours cruising, ₹20–₹50 entry in each garden. Come in spring or summer, when the flowers are in colorful bloom.
#14 Visit Hazratbal Shrine
Seven kilometres from the city is the Hazratbal Shrine, which enshrines a relic believed to be the Prophet’s hair. (915-583-7330) The tour is 1 to 2 hours long and is free. Dress moderately and stay away from Fridays if you want some tranquility. It is set against the backdrop of Dal Lake and is a spiritually pleasing experience.
#15 Enjoy a Houseboat Stay
A night on the houseboat in Dal or Nigeen Lake in Kashmir is an exclusive and luxurious experience. Accessible by a 30-minute ride on a shikara, houseboats charge ₹1500-₹7000+ per night. Make sure you read online reviews and check amenities before booking. For a more secluded, tranquil atmosphere, take a ride on the Nigeen Lake.
Adventure Activities in Srinagar
Srinagar does provide mild to moderate adventure destinations, especially water sports and nature-related activities. However, some of the best places for adventurous activities will include Dal Lake, Zabarwan Hills, Astanmarg, and Dachigam.
#16 Kayaking on Dal Lake
Kayaking the narrow canals of Dal Lake is a peaceful water adventure where you can paddle through houseboats, floating gardens, and traditional Kashmiri homes. It’s loveliest at daybreak when the lake is still and shimmering, and the views are fairy-tale magical.
#17 Snowboarding near Tangmarg
Depending on the season, snowboarding can be done on the slopes around Tangmarg and on the roads immediately outside the ski area of Gulmarg. These are ideal for beginner and intermediate boarders who want to escape the heavier crowds of Gulmarg. You can rent snowboards and gear in Tangmarg, or bring your own. Best visited between December and February.
#18 The Dachigam and Harwan Hills for Trekking
There are also some gentle adventures in the form of small hikes in the Dachigam National Park and on the Harwan Hills. Dachigam trails traverse through the woods, meadows, and the water streams, and Harwan offers a pleasant ascent above the picturesque Mughal Garden. Both are good spots for spotting local flora, birds, and occasionally mammals. The best time is to hike up in the early morning hours of Spring.
#19 Cycling in Zabarwan Foothills
Rent a mountain or a hybrid bike and cycle along the rolling foothills of the Zabarwan Range, with Dal Lake on one side and pine-covered slopes on the other. Ohh, I just love this experience! The routes are peaceful, beautiful, and perfect for novice to intermediate riders.
Things to Do Near Srinagar
Srinagar is the spirit of Kashmir’s beauty, but some of the most exhilarating and stunning experiences can be found just outside the limits of the city.
#1 Paragliding
If you’ve ever wanted to see India’s lush meadows and deep valleys from the air, paragliding near Srinagar is really the only way to do it. Astanmarg near Harwan lies at a distance of only 20 km from Srinagar and offers a breathtaking take-off point in Kashmir.
This is generally available somewhere between ₹3000 or 5000 based on the operator and duration. Make sure to book with licensed paragliding companies for your safety, and ensure you wear comfortable shoes. The ideal time to attempt this is in the summer when the skies are clear and the winds are in your favor.
#2 Skiing
One of the most exciting things to do around Srinagar in winter is to go skiing in Gulmarg. Its snow-covered hills draw novice and veteran skiers from across the globe. Skiing packages (with gear and guides) usually cost between ₹1500-₹6000.
The Gulmarg Gondola, one of the highest cable cars in the world, will lift you to the heights amidst panoramic views of the slopes. If you’re a beginner, it’s a good idea to pay for a certified instructor and make sure you’re wearing the right gear to stay warm.
#3 Explore Hill Stations
The hill stations of Kashmir are picture-perfect resorts set in pine forest and alpine meadows. Pahalgam, Sonamarg, and Yusmarg, located a few hours away from Srinagar, are cooler spots offering tranquil surroundings, ideal for nature enthusiasts.
They made great day-trips. So consider staying overnight. Travel and budget stay can cost between ₹2000 and ₹5000, depending on the season and destination you pick.
#4 Visit Doodhpathri
Hidden in the Budgam district, 42 kilometers away from Srinagar, Doodhpathri is still a hidden gem for most tourists. This quiet meadow is covered with meadow grass, a snaking stream, and dotted pine trees, which is an excellent antidote to city life.
Usually, the transport to and from the meadow costs around ₹1000 to ₹2000. Since there aren’t many commercial facilities in the area, bring your own snacks and drinking water. They say one should try to avoid rainy days as the paths can be quite wet and difficult to walk on.
Also learn: Places to Visit in Srinagar in 2025
Srinagar Things to Do in Different Seasons
Every season in Srinagar has its charm and things that you can do there.
Things to Do in Srinagar in Winter
- Shikara Ride on Frozen Dal
- Houseboat Stay
- Ice Skating, Snow Trekking
- Snowfall Photography
- Visit Gulmarg
- Enjoy Kahwa
- Snowball Fights
- Bird Watching, Try Harissa
- Temple Visit
Things to Do in Srinagar in Summer
- Tulip Garden Visit
- Shikara Ride
- Trekking
- Camping
- Fishing
- Visiting Mughal Gardens
- Bird Watching
- Golfing
- City Walk
- Museum Tour
- Temple Visit
- Polo View Market
- Horse Riding
- Photography Tours
- Paragliding
Things to Do in Kashmir in Autumn
- Chinar Photography
- Shikara Ride
- Dry Fruit Shopping
- Temple Visit
- Mughal Gardens
- Drives Houseboat
- City Walk
- Bird Watching
- Cultural Events
- Light Trekking
- Museum Tour
- Hazratbal Visit
- Lake Markets
Things to Do in Srinagar in Monsoon
- Shikara Ride In Rain
- Botanical Garden Visits
- Light Hiking
- Mughal Gardens Tour
- City Walk In Rain
- Visiting Museum
- Photography In Rain
- Stay In a Houseboat
- Tulip Garden Walks
- Kahwa In Rain
- Bird Watching
Things to Do in Srinagar in Different Months
Monthly travel is ideal for focused experiences in Srinagar. Each month has its specialities and you can enjoy them as follows:
Things to do in Srinagar in January
- Snowfall
- Frozen Dal Lake
- Houseboat Night Stay
- Kahwa Sipping
- Ice Trek
- Snowball Fight
- Winter Pics
- Shopping
Things to do in Srinagar in February
- Shikara Ride in Snow
- Bird Watching
- Ice Walks
- Skiing
- Houseboat Living
- Cultural Programs
- Temple Tours
- Kahwa Cafes
- Mughal Gardens
Things to do in Srinagar in March
- Tulip Garden
- Shikara Ride
- Trekking Starts
- City Walk
- Golfing Opens
- Bird Watching
- Museum Visit
- Shopping
- Temple Visit
Things to do in Srinagar in April
- Full Bloom Gardens
- Horse Riding
- Fishing
- Houseboat Stay
- Temple Visit
- Trekking
- Bird Watching
- Photography
- City Walks
Things to do in Srinagar in May
- Trekking
- Paragliding
- City Walk
- Fishing
- Garden Visit
- Polo View Shopping
- Temple Visit
- Bird Watching
- Horse Riding
- Houseboat Stay
Things to do in Srinagar in June
- Trekking
- Camping
- Horse Riding
- Paragliding
- Houseboat Stay
- Shikara Ride
- Museum Visit
- Bird Watching
- City Walk
- Food Tour
Things to do in Srinagar in July
- Trekking
- Horseback Rides
- Bird Watching
- Garden Tour
- Houseboat stay
- Visit on temple
- Shopping at Polo View
- Shikara Ride
Things to do in Srinagar in August
- Paragliding
- Hiking
- Photography Tour
- City Walk
- Shikara Ride
- Houseboat Stay
- Fishing
- Temple Tour
- Shopping
- Bird Watching
Things to do in Srinagar in September
- Chinar Watching
- Horse Riding
- Museums Tour
- Shikara Ride
- Houseboat stay
- Temple visit
- Mughal Gardens
- City Walk
- Birding
Things to do in Srinagar in October
- Fall Colors
- Shikara Ride
- Garden Visit
- Walk Around Town
- Horse Riding
- Photography
- Visit Temple
- Food Testing
- Polo Shopping
- Houseboat
Things to do in Srinagar in November
- Bird Watching
- Temple Tour
- Night on a Houseboat
- Shikara Ride
- Photography
- Museum Visit
- Café Winter
- City Walk
- Shopping
Things to do in Srinagar in December
- Snowfall Fun
- Shikara on Frozen Lake
- Ice Skating
- Houseboat Stay
- Temple Visit
- Shopping
- Cultural Visit
- Snow Photography
- City Walk.
Best Things to Do in Srinagar with Family
- Houseboat Experience: A calm and distinctive way to spend the night.
- Shikara Ride: It is very beautiful and fun for all ages.
- Mughal Gardens: Walk amidst flowers and fountains.
- Hazratbal & Shankaracharya Visits: Spiritual squirriling around.
- City Walk: Perfectly safe.
- Where to Eat Locally: Sample family-style Kashmiri fare.
- Shopping at Polo View: Buy souvenirs as a couple.
- Tulip Garden Visit: Ideal for Spring.
- Dachigam Park Safari: For families of nature lovers.
- Photography Tour: Create memories with your loved ones.
Places to visit in Srinagar with Kids
- Shikara Ride: The little ones are sure to enjoy a boat ride.
- Spend time at Mughal Gardens: A Run and fun area.
- Museum Tour: Gain an understanding of culture and history.
- Zoo Visit (if it’s open): Fun seeing animals.
- Bird Watching: A great deal of fun and an educational experience.
- Cable Car Ride in Gulmarg: Thrilling for the bigger kids.
- Sample Local Snacks: The bread and bakery items will be a hit with the kids.
- Fishing: A leisurely parent-child pursuit.
- Horse Riding (with guide): Safe and scenic in Sonamarg.
What are the Unique Things to Do in Srinagar You May Try?
- Floating Market Tour
- Night Shikara,
- Tasting of Harissa
- Artisanal Carpet Workshop’s Tour
- Morning Azan at Hazratbal
- Sufi Music Night
- Traditional Bakery Visit
- Zabarwan Hill Trek
- Apple Orchard Tour
- Kahwa Tasting Ceremony
Things to Do in Srinagar in One Day
Even within a day, you can feel the pulse of Srinagar if you balance your time factor judiciously. And that was my case, most of the time I visited Srinagar, as I mostly go there for office purposes.
Morning
- Shikara Ride,
- City Walk,
- Visit Shankaracharya Temple,
- Local Breakfast,
- Visit the Mughal Garden
Evening
- Hazratbal,
- Lal Chowk Shopping,
- Food Tour,
- Tulip Garden (seasonal),
- Photography Tour
Night
- Houseboat Night,
- Shikara Ride,
- Kahwa Cafe,
- Lakeside Walk,
- Local Music Show
