Make the most of your visit — discover the timeless beauty of the Valley beyond the conference halls.
Nature
"The Jewel of Srinagar"
The iconic heart of Srinagar — a shimmering 18 km² lake dotted with ornate houseboats, floating gardens, and shikara vendors selling lotus roots, saffron, and fresh flowers at dawn. The floating vegetable market at sunrise is an unforgettable sight.
Nature
"Srinagar's Tranquil Twin"
Often called the "gem in the ring" of Dal Lake, Nigeen is a quieter, more pristine water body favoured by those seeking solitude. Its crystal-clear waters, surrounding chinars, and peaceful houseboats offer a serene escape from the city buzz.
Nature
"Garden of Joy"
The second-largest Mughal garden in the Indian subcontinent, built in 1633 by Asaf Khan. Twelve terraced levels cascade down from the Zabarwan mountains to the shores of Dal Lake, ablaze with roses, irises, and plane trees. A UNESCO-listed jewel of landscape design.
Nature
"Abode of Love"
Built by Emperor Jahangir for his queen Nur Jahan in 1619, Shalimar Bagh is Srinagar's grandest Mughal garden. Four terraced levels of fountains, pavilions, and majestic chinar trees create an atmosphere of imperial romance along the banks of Dal Lake.
Nature
"The Angels' Abode"
A hauntingly beautiful 17th-century ruin perched on the last spur of the Zabarwan range, overlooking Dal Lake. Built by Dara Shikoh as a library and observatory, its arched terraces offer arguably the most dramatic panoramic view of Srinagar and the Dal Valley.
Adventure
"Meadow of Flowers"
Home to Asia's highest and longest cable car — the Gulmarg Gondola — rising to 4,200 m at Apharwat Peak. A world-class ski destination in winter and a lush alpine meadow in summer, offering trekking, golf on India's highest golf course, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas.
Adventure
"Valley of Shepherds"
Set at the confluence of the Sheshnag and Aru rivers, Pahalgam is Kashmir's premier trekking base. The Lidder River offers thrilling white-water rafting, while nearby Betaab Valley and Aru Valley provide gentler walks through pine forests and alpine meadows.
Adventure
"Meadow of Gold"
The gateway to the Himalayas along the Srinagar–Leh highway, Sonamarg sits at 2,730 m surrounded by glaciers, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks. The Thajiwas Glacier is accessible by pony trek, making it a perfect day trip for adventure seekers.
Adventure
"Valley of Milk"
A hidden highland meadow at 2,730 m, less explored than Gulmarg or Pahalgam. The streams running through its lush green meadows appear milky-white — hence the name. Ideal for a peaceful day trek away from tourist crowds, with wildflower carpets in September.
Shopping
"Srinagar's Historic Commercial Heart"
The pulsating commercial hub of Srinagar, where ancient lanes brim with shops selling the finest Pashmina shawls, Kashmiri carpets, crewel embroidery, walnut-wood carvings, saffron, and dried fruits. The Clock Tower is its iconic landmark.
Shopping
"Upscale Crafts & Curios"
Srinagar's most premium shopping street — a wide, walkable boulevard lined with upscale boutiques and craft galleries. The place to find high-quality Kashmiri carpets, antiques, silks, and hand-embroidered textiles with government-certified authenticity.
Shopping
"Buy Direct from the Craftsmen"
The J&K Government's official craft emporium on Residency Road is the safest place to buy authentic Kashmiri handicrafts at fair, fixed prices. From GI-tagged saffron and Pashmina to khatamband woodwork and sozni needlework — all certified genuine.
Heritage
"The Most Sacred Shrine of Kashmir"
Set on the western shore of Dal Lake, Hazratbal houses the Moi-e-Muqqadas — a hair relic of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The white-marble mosque with its distinctive single dome is Kashmir's most revered Muslim shrine and a symbol of its Sufi heritage.
Heritage
"Ancient Temple on the Sacred Hill"
Perched 1,000 feet above the valley on Shankaracharya Hill, this ancient Shiva temple is among the oldest in India — dating back to 371 BCE. The steep climb rewards visitors with a 360-degree panorama of Srinagar, the Dal Valley, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
Heritage
"The Grand Mosque of Srinagar"
Built in 1402 by Sultan Sikandar and expanded by Zain-ul-Abidin, the Jamia Masjid is Srinagar's largest mosque and a masterpiece of Indo-Saracenic architecture. Its courtyard can accommodate over 33,000 worshippers, and its 378 wooden pillars are each made from a single deodar tree.
Heritage
"The Sacred Hill Fort"
Dominating the skyline of Srinagar from Sharika Hill, this 18th-century Mughal fort was built by Afghan governor Atta Mohammed Khan. The hill is sacred to Hindus, Muslims, and Sikhs alike — three shrines sit at its base. The fort walls offer commanding views of the city.
Heritage
"The Island of Four Chinars"
A small island in the heart of Dal Lake named for its four ancient Chinar trees that turn a blazing crimson-gold every autumn. Accessible only by shikara, it is one of Kashmir's most photographed landmarks — especially spectacular from September onwards.
Experience
"Glide Through Living History"
No visit to Srinagar is complete without a shikara ride on Dal or Nigeen Lake. Glide past floating gardens, lotus beds, and willow-fringed shores on these hand-carved wooden boats. Dawn rides to the floating vegetable market are especially magical.
Experience
"Float in Timeless Luxury"
Spending a night on one of Dal Lake's famed cedar-wood houseboats is a bucket-list Kashmir experience. Many boats are heritage properties passed down through generations, decorated with hand-carved walnut wood, Kashmiri embroidered textiles, and copper samovar tea sets.
Experience
"Feast on Kashmir's Grand Culinary Tradition"
Wazwan is Kashmir's multi-course ceremonial banquet — up to 36 dishes prepared by master cooks called Waza. Rogan Josh, Yakhni, Dum Aloo, Seekh Kabab, and the iconic Gushtaba are best savoured at traditional restaurants in the Old City.
Experience
"Witness Kashmir's Living Artform"
Visit a traditional carpet loom or walnut-wood workshop in the Old City and watch artisans create intricate patterns — a craft passed down for over 500 years. Many workshops in Habba Kadal and Rainawari welcome visitors and explain the weaving and carving process.