Houseboat Stay on Dal Lake, Kashmir – A Unique Travel Experience in Srinagar

Dal Lake Houseboats in Kashmir – Experience Floating Life in Srinagar

A houseboat stay on Dal Lake in Srinagar is one of the most iconic and immersive experiences in Kashmir, India. Floating gently on the calm waters with views of the surrounding Himalayas, these traditional wooden houseboats in Kashmir showcase the region’s rich craftsmanship with intricately carved interiors and vintage charm. A stay on Dal Lake, Kashmir, not only offers peace and scenic beauty but also provides an authentic glimpse into Kashmiri lifestyle and culture, making it a must-do travel experience that captures the soul of Srinagar’s timeless appeal.

I spent a day in Srinagar houseboat on Dal Lake, to explore the capital city of Kashmir, India. After my trek to the Great Lakes of Kashmir, I had less than 24 hours in Srinagar before my flight back home. I wanted to make the most of my time here. Kashmir had already captured my heart during my previous days on the trek. I wanted to experience the “much-talked-about” houseboats on Dal Lake. There was a lot of discussion online suggesting that Nagini Lake was a better choice, but I had a special plan for Dal Lake. I wanted to learn about the life of locals on Dal Lake.

As a solo traveler and backpacker, I never book accommodations in advance. I usually explore a place to find the best fit for me. When I arrived at Dal Lake in the afternoon, I didn’t know how to choose a houseboat. A line of Shikhara walas (boat owners) tried to recommend options to me. I hired a Shikhara to take me to a houseboat recommended by a local I had met on the trek. The houseboat was nestled on the tranquil side of the main lake. It was beautiful, but I wanted to see more boats on the main side before making a decision. The handsome owner of the houseboat was a Kashmiri. He, along with his parents, had migrated to Europe but had returned to their roots. He was kind enough to take me around in his own Shikhara to show me other houseboats on the main side of Dal Lake.

houseboat owner riding shikhara on dal lake, kashmir

​It was a breathtaking sight to witness so many shikaras on Dal Lake, a scene I had only seen in pictures before. However, this part of the lake was more touristy and chaotic. Tourists were taking rounds on shikaras, and the shikara walas were constantly searching for their prospective customers. Houseboats of all shapes and sizes were docked close to each other, making it practically possible to hop on one houseboat to another. 

shikharas on dal lake, kashmir

​I usually go silent for a couple of weeks after every trek. I needed some space and peace. I asked the owner to take me back to his houseboat. He jokingly said that I had made him give me a free Shikhara ride, even on his fasting days of Roza! Don’t worry, our conversations on the Shikhara ride were interesting, and I hope he didn’t mind my efforts!

Finally, I hopped on to this houseboat. It was a cluster of 8-10 houseboats, surrounded by the lush greenery of the lake and the land.

houseboat on dal lake, kashmir

​The houseboat had a deck, providing ample time for self-reflection. The ambiance was so inviting that it felt like time had stopped. Neither the boat nor I could move, allowing me to observe the mountains glow in the dark when the stars and moon appeared.

deck at houseboat on dal lake, kashmir

​Only a few locals rode their Shikharas through this part of the lake. 

women riding shikhara on dal lake, kashmir

​The boat was actually a houseboat, complete with a proper drawing room, dining room, and bedrooms that had attached bathrooms. Each room was luxuriously furnished and decorated with Kashmiri handicrafts. The colorful wall hangings and carpets complemented the wooden walls.

drawing room in houseboat on dal lake, kashmir

​The dining room was elegantly decorated with antique-style wooden chairs and a table. The beautiful chandelier and other artifacts on the sides transported us back in time.
The dinner was cooked in the traditional Kashmiri style, infused with local spices. The dishes included Kashmiri Dum Aloo, Rogan Josh, and Pulao. After dinner, I was particularly drawn to the cinnamon-flavored Kashmiri Kahwa.

Dining room in houseboat on dal lake, kashmir

​My cozy little bedroom is just perfect for me to have a peaceful sleep after sleeping in tents for the 8-day trek.

bedroom in houseboat on dal lake, kashmir

​I had my heart set on buying the Kashmiri-style dangling earrings, known as ‘Athoor’ in our local language. I approached the owner, and he promptly contacted a seller who arrived at his Shikhara for a doorstep service. 

Athoor at houseboat on dal lake, kashmir

​I had my flight back to Pune the next afternoon. It was my first night in bed after trekking for seven consecutive days, but I woke up at 3:30 am the next morning to head out and explore Life on Dal Lake at 4:00 am. I’m glad I did!