Pilgrimage Tours
A Vibedu venture
Drift across Dal Lake in a canopied wooden boat — the gentlest way to see Srinagar's water world
A shikara ride on Dal Lake is the softest, most soulful introduction to Kashmir. These slender, canopied wooden boats glide silently across the water, weaving between houseboats, floating gardens and lotus beds while the Mughal terraces rise on the far shore. Whether at dawn, when the floating market comes alive, or at dusk, when the hills glow amber, a shikara ride slows the whole valley to a peaceful drift. Holiday Vibez builds these unforgettable rides into a wider Srinagar and Kashmir circuit.
Fly into Srinagar, check in by the lake, and take a relaxing sunset shikara ride past houseboats and floating gardens.
Rise early for the floating vegetable market by shikara, then explore the Mughal gardens and Hazratbal shrine.
Drive to Gulmarg for the gondola and meadows, returning to Srinagar for another gentle evening on the lake.
Visit Betaab and Aru valleys and the Lidder river, with time for photographs before returning to the lakeside.
Enjoy one last morning shikara ride and lake breakfast before checking out for your onward flight.
Indicative Kashmir package prices (per person on twin-sharing; land package):
| Trip Duration | Indicative Price (per person) |
|---|---|
| Short trip · 2 Nights / 3 Days | from ₹12,999 |
| 3 Nights / 4 Days | from ₹15,499 |
| 4 Nights / 5 Days | from ₹21,999 |
| 5 Nights / 6 Days | from ₹24,999 |
| 6 Nights / 7 Days | from ₹32,999 |
Indicative starting prices from our current Kashmir packages — your final quote depends on hotels/houseboat, season and flights. Share your dates for an exact, itemised quote.
A shikara is a light, flat-bottomed wooden boat, brightly painted and topped with a fringed canopy and cushioned seats. Poled gently across the lake by a boatman, it is the traditional means of getting around Srinagar's waterways. A ride can last an hour or an afternoon, and it is equally lovely at sunrise, midday or golden dusk.
The shikara world revolves around Dal Lake and its quieter neighbour Nigeen. On a ride you can expect to see:
Fly to Srinagar (SXR) — direct flights from Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, with one-stop links via Delhi from other cities. The lake is a short transfer from the airport, and shikaras wait at the ghats along the boulevard. As domestic travel, no visa or permit is needed for Indian travellers.
Shikara rides are enjoyable year-round, but March to October is finest, with blooming gardens, lotus beds and mild weather. In winter the lake is cold and sometimes partly frozen, though still beautiful. Carry a light layer, as it is cooler out on the water even in summer.
For the floating market, set out before sunrise. Agree the ride length with your boatman in advance and keep small cash for lake vendors selling flowers, saffron and trinkets. A hat and sunscreen help on brighter days, and a shawl is welcome at dusk.
Thousands of families and couples across South India have travelled with us — here's what a few of them had to say.
From the 30-minute callback to our private villa in Ubud, every little detail was handled. Our guide even arranged a surprise candle-lit dinner on the beach. Zero stress — pure magic.
Travelling with my parents and two kids, I was nervous. Holiday Vibez planned every single day perfectly, and the Alleppey houseboat was the highlight. We are already planning our next trip with them.
Best price I found anywhere, and the desert safari and Burj Khalifa tickets were all sorted before we even landed. The team was on WhatsApp whenever I had a question.
The Gulmarg gondola, the shikara ride on Dal Lake — exactly like the photos, no surprises at all. By the end of the trip our driver felt like family.
Booked a fairly last-minute Phuket trip and they still got me a great deal with visa help included. Honest, smooth and genuinely helpful people.
Scuba at Havelock was a dream come true. Every transfer and every hotel was exactly as promised. Worth every rupee, and I have already recommended them to friends.
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