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Dal Lake in winter season transforms itself into an icy wonderland, giving a completely different experience than its summer beauty. The turquoise waters of the lake can keep warm even while air temperatures fall to -5°C, resulting in a surreal sight as the lake partially freezes. Braved by snow-covered mountains and misty mornings, the winter between December and February here features shikara rides through ice-infused waters, snow-clad houseboats and surreal views of Srinagar. Dal Lake in winter is a heaven for all adventure lovers and silent seekers.
Quick Details
Location: Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Temperature: -5°C to 10°C
Lake Type: Warm monomictic
Surface Area: 18 to 22 km2 (6.9 – 8.5 sq mi)
Average Depth: 1.42 m (4.7 ft)
Surface Elevation: 1,583 m (5,194 ft)
Islands: Char Chinar and Son Lank
Location
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Dal Lake is situated in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, at an altitude of 1583 m amidst snow-covered Pir Panjal peaks. The second-largest lake in Jammu & Kashmir is also flanked by the Himalayan mountains. It is situated in the foothills of the Zabarwan Range and is roughly 18 square kilometres in size. It is also near Srinagar International Airport, Srinagar Railway Station, and the renowned Mughal Gardens flank its eastern shore.
How To Reach
Photo: PP Yoonus / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
By Air: The nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR), located 15 km from Dal Lake and connected to major cities in India.
By Rail: The closest major station is Jammu Tawi, which is 270 km from here. You can catch a bus or taxi to Srinagar; a bus costs about ₹600 while a private taxi can cost you ₹8,000. You can also reach here by taking a train to Banihal Railway Station, followed by a shared cab to Srinagar.
By Road: You can reach Dal Lake by NH44 and there are bus and taxi services available from cities like Delhi and Jammu. It takes roughly 16 to 18 hours to travel from Delhi and 6 to 8 hours to travel from Jammu.
Things To Do At Dal Lake In Winter
Dal Lake in the winter season is frozen with cosy houseboat stays, and tranquil shikara rides make it a wondrous place to visit.
1. Go On A Shikara Ride
Photo: Bhandarijay15 / Wikimedia Commons
A Shikara ride on a half-frozen lake is an unforgettable experience. Dal Lake in winter partially freezes with patches of floating ice and a backdrop of misty surroundings. Winter shikara rides, unlike summer, promise a quiet and personal experience. Depending on the duration, it also costs ₹600 to ₹1,500, and the ideal time for a shikara ride in winter is around midmorning when the sunlight glimmers well on the frozen waters.
2. Stay In Houseboats
Photo: Dashrathgoyal85 / Wikimedia Commons
A superheated houseboat is a traditional, cosy experience in Kashmir. The wooden interiors, Kashmiri carpets and warm hospitality are offered on the houseboats on Dal Lake. In winter, these houseboats provide kangris (traditional Kashmiri heaters), electric blankets and heated rooms to ensure you stay warm. Well-known houseboats such as Butt’s Clermont Houseboats and Royal Dandoo Palace are available for around ₹3,500 for a single night, while budget houseboats start at ₹1,500 per night.
3. Visit The Floating Market
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
In winter, the floating market offers a shopping experience that is unlike any other in India. In the early hours, local vendors row through the chilly waters of Dal Lake, displaying fresh vegetables and Kashmiri handicrafts from their shikaras. Here, you can get a one-time full shopping of handmade Pashmina shawls, saffron, dry fruits and paper-mâché souvenirs. The prices start from ₹500 for small souvenirs to ₹10,000 for high-end shawls.
Places To Visit Near Dal Lake In Winter
Visit the following places near Dal Lake in winter season and get a glimpse of a different Srinagar.
1. Nigeen Lake
Photo: Hellohappy / Wikimedia Commons
Nigeen Lake offers a quieter experience, with fewer houseboats and a more personal connection to Kashmir’s winter beauty. In the harsh winters of December and January, the lake partially freezes, creating a winter wonderland where traditional Shikaras sail over the ice-cold water. These houseboats are more luxurious and private, with cosy wooden interiors, Kashmiri carpets and traditional Bukharis (woodfired stoves) to stay warm. Kayaking and winter birdwatching are popular among adventure seekers, as the lake draws migratory birds including bar-headed geese, Brahminy ducks and greylag geese.
Distance From Dal Lake: 6 km
2. Pari Mahal
Photo: Vinay Parepalli / Wikimedia Commons
Pari Mahal, or the Palace of Faeries, provides breathtaking sunset views across the snow-capped Srinagar valley. The son of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Prince Dara Shikoh, established it in 1650 AD. Its location on Zabarwan Mountain overlooking Dal Lake makes this historical monument a must-visit during winter when the views here of the frozen landscape are nothing short of spectacular. The Mughal-era garden complex is rarely snow-free and takes on an ethereal landscape. Strolling through its age-old terraces and watching the golden shades of the sunset over a snow-capped Dal Lake is nothing but mesmerising.
Distance From Dal Lake: 8 km
3. Shankaracharya Temple
Photo: Sanu N / Wikimedia Commons
Shankaracharya Temple is a snowy spiritual retreat with stunning views of the city of Srinagar. One of the best attractions in the winter, this ancient Hindu temple of Lord Shiva is situated on top of Shankaracharya Hill. The view of the valley becomes even more majestic with the temple surrounded by a blanket of fresh snow. You have to ascend approximately 240 steps, but the pilgrimage is well worth it. Early mornings offer a calm atmosphere, and photo enthusiasts can enjoy the sunrise over a picturesque snowy area. There is tight security in place and mobile phones are prohibited inside the temple compound.
Distance From Dal Lake: 13 km
4. Dachigam National Park
Photo: Tahirshawl / Wikimedia Commons
Kashmir’s most protected winter wildlife zone is Dachigam National Park, south of Dal Lake, which is home to the critically endangered Hangul deer (Kashmiri stag). Knee-deep snow blankets the entire park in winter, creating a stunning landscape for tracking wildlife. The magnificent antlers of the Hangul deer can be seen against the white background, along with Himalayan black bears, leopards, and snowcocks. The park also features frozen waterfalls and treetops hung with ice. A winter wildlife safari is a once-in-a-lifetime experience here, and spotting a Hangul in its natural snowfall habitat is a rare and rewarding sight.
Distance From Dal Lake: 22 km
5. Yousmarg
Photo: Suhail Skindar Sofi / Wikimedia Commons
Yousmarg is a remote winter resort and the snow here is so thick that it swallows all sound, giving you a shell-shocked sense of solitude. This meadow, often overlooked by tourists, becomes an unexplored snowfield with stunning views of the Pir Panjal range. In winter, thick pine forests become coated with frost, the Doodh Ganga River freezes in part, and the whole area becomes an unspoiled Arctic dream. It lends itself wonderfully to offbeat snow hikes, winter horseback riding and remarkable photography spots.
Distance From Dal Lake: 50 km
Where To Stay
Photo: Mughees khaki / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Living by Dal Lake in the winter season presents odorous delights, from heritage houseboats and mid-range hotels down to guesthouses and hotels. Nightly rates for houseboats start as low as ₹3,000 and can go up to ₹10,000 based on luxury and inclusions like traditional Kashmiri meals and Shikara rides. If you prefer hotels, five-star comfort with heated rooms, spa services and sweeping views of the frozen landscape can be found at the Lalit Grand Palace.
Where To Eat
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Traditional Kashmiri cuisine can be savoured at some of the best places around Dal Lake, from roadside dhabas to high-end restaurants. Get genuine Rogan Josh, Gushtaba, and Yakhni at Mughal Darbar and Ahdoos Restaurant (₹300 to ₹600 per dish). For an upscale dining experience, visit The Chinar at The Lalit Grand Palace, costing ₹2,000 to ₹3,500 per person. Shamyana Restaurant, close to Dal Lake, is a mid-range restaurant serving some of the best Kashmiri Wazwan and Kebabs, costing around ₹800 to ₹1,500 per meal. There are also roadside stalls and bakeries around the lake for quick snacks and local delicacies such as Harissa, Nadru Monje, and Kahwa.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: Abid Sidiq Ahanger / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Average Cost Of The Trip
A trip to Dal Lake during winter can be affordable or luxurious, as per the lodging, experiences, and eating preferences. A budget holiday for three days and two nights, with a guest house stay (₹3,000), budget meals (₹500 per day), and Shikara rides (₹600 per hour), cost approximately ₹10,000 to ₹15,000 per person. A mid-range experience with a houseboat stay (₹8,000 for two nights), mid-range meals (₹1,500 a day), and local sightseeing with a private car (₹3,000 a day) cost ₹25,000 to ₹35,000 per person.
Tips For Travellers
- Carry heavy woollens, thermals, gloves, and waterproof boots.
- Book a heated houseboat or hotel to stay comfortable.
- Hire a local guide or driver due to unpredictable road conditions.
- Start early, as fog and snowfall can reduce visibility in the afternoon.
- Try Harissa, Noon Chai, and Wazwan to keep warm and energized.
Far away from the tourist rush, Dal Lake in the winter season is a beautiful retreat covered in a blanket of snow. From the Mughal Gardens covered in snow to the hot Kahwa in a floating market, you remember every moment. The visit to Dal Lake during winter is highly magical, as the landscapes are frozen, mornings are misty and the mountains are covered with snow and reflected on the still waters. Carefully outline your trip with TripXL and enjoy the beauty of Kashmir’s winter wonderland.
Cover Photo: Suhail Skindar Sofi / Wikimedia Commons
