Houseboats on Dal Lake
A night on a houseboat is the one stay you can only have in Srinagar. These are the Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake houseboats we book, from family-run boats to the 5 star Sukoon, with meals on board and a shikara to take you to shore.
5 star houseboats
5 star
4 star houseboats
4 star
4 star
3 star houseboats
3 star
3 star
3 star
What a Dal Lake houseboat stay is like
Srinagar houseboats are moored in long rows along the lake, each with a carved cedar-wood front deck, a sitting room, a dining room and two to four bedrooms behind. Most are run by the family that owns them, and breakfast and dinner are cooked on board or on the kitchen boat moored behind. Many boats are reached only by shikara from a ghat on Boulevard Road, a ride of a few minutes; we tell you in advance whether yours is.
Category matters more on a houseboat than in a hotel, because older boats vary a lot in comfort. The 5 star and deluxe boats on our list have attached bathrooms with hot water, heating and good bedding. The 3 star boats are simpler but full of character.
Most travellers book one or two nights on the water and the rest of their stay in hotels.
Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake?
- 01
Dal Lake
The classic view of the Zabarwan hills, the floating vendors and the busiest ghats. Sukoon Houseboat, Wangnoo Sheraton, Butt’s Clermont and the Chicago group are here.
- 02
Nigeen Lake
Further north and much quieter, with fewer shikaras passing. WelcomHeritage Gurkha Houseboats and New Jacquline Heritage Houseboats are here.
Winter note: houseboats get cold from December to February. We book only boats with heating in winter, or suggest a Srinagar hotel on the lake instead.
Tour packages that stay in Dal Lake houseboats
Houseboats on Dal Lake: FAQs
Is a houseboat stay safe and comfortable?
Yes. We book houseboats we know well, with attached bathrooms and hot water, and the family or staff who run each boat are on hand day and night.
Do houseboats include meals?
Most include breakfast and dinner cooked on board. We confirm the meal plan for your boat when you book.
How do I reach my houseboat?
Many houseboats are reached by a short shikara ride from a ghat on Boulevard Road. The houseboat sends the shikara, and your driver drops you at the ghat.
Should I stay on Dal Lake or Nigeen Lake?
Choose Dal Lake for the classic view and easy access to Boulevard Road. Choose Nigeen Lake for a quieter stay with fewer boats passing.
Are houseboats warm in winter?
Older boats can be cold from December to February. In winter we book only houseboats with heating, or suggest a heated hotel on Dal Lake instead.
Need a stay in Dal Lake houseboats?
Share your dates and budget. We check live availability and send options within hours.
Recognised by the travel trade
Member of TAAI, TAFI, ADTOI and TAAK. Registered with J&K Tourism.
