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Snow-covered houseboats, misty mornings and serenity, Dal Lake in February, the jewel in the crown, is an unimaginable winter retreat. It is a magnificent lake in Jammu and Kashmir that boasts frozen patches and Shikara rides in crispy weather. You can also witness the breathtaking views of the snow caps found on Zabarwan Range. The cold breeze adds to the magical scenery and it is a once in a lifetime experience. The floating markets where local vendors sell saffron tea and Pashmina shawls only add to its charm, giving you a glimpse into a rich cultural heritage.
Quick Details About Dal Lake In February
Location: In the heart of Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir
Total Area: 18 sq km
Length: 7.5 km
Width: 4 km
Maximum Depth: 6 m
Altitude: 1,583 meters (5,194 ft) above sea level
Temperature: -2°C to 8°C
Basins: Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, Nigeen Lake
Location
Photo: Dashrathgoyal85 / Wikimedia Commons
Dal Lake is surrounded by gentle hills and situated in central Kashmir in the city of Srinagar. It covers an area of 18 sq km through several interconnected water channels. The lake is divided into four basins, Gagribal, Lokut Dal, Bod Dal, and Nigeen Lake. The scenic beauty is enhanced by the world-famous Mughal Gardens and the magnificent Zabarwan Mountains. The snowfall near Dal Lake in February makes the landscape look like a paradise, a winter escape stage perfect place for a getaway.
How To Reach
Photo: Vinayaraj / Wikimedia Commons
By Air: The Srinagar International Airport, 15 km away from Dal Lake is connected to major cities including Delhi and Mumbai by air. Taxis are available from the airport.
By Rail: The closest railhead to the hill station is Jammu Tawi at a distance of 270 km. Buses and taxis link from there to Srinagar.
By Road: National Highway 44 connects Srinagar to Delhi, Jammu and Leh. It is accessible by JKSRTC buses, private taxis and rental cars. Auto-rickshaws, taxis and houseboats provide easy local transportation around the lake.
Things To Do
Enjoy floating on the thin ice layers and waters of Dal Lake while staying on the beautiful wooden houseboats passing through the vendors:
1. Experience A Shikara Ride Through The Frosty Waters
Photo: Poet Shankar Gurjar / Wikimedia Commons
A shikara ride makes Dal Lake in February a special trip as opposed to the rest of the year. Boatmen crisscross the misty surface, creating ripples in the frozen serenity. Parts of the lake are coated in a thin layer of ice. The chill in the air, the houseboats wrapped in snow, and the faint sound of vendors selling saffron tea all make the trip magical. Early mornings can be quite surreal, with the golden rays breaking through the fog. Choose a blanket shikara to keep you warm while drinking hot Kahwa. Its experience is tranquil yet mesmerising, providing an authentic taste of Srinagar’s winter splendour.
2. Stay In A Heated Houseboat With Panoramic Snow Views
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
You can also try out houseboats on Dal Lake, which is a unique experience in winter and especially in February. Snow covers the surrounding landscape. Dissimilar to hotels on the land, the vessels have vintage wood-paned insides, meticulously engraved Kashmiri decor, and amazing sights of the icy waterway. Most of the houseboats have traditional Bukhari (wood heaters) to keep you warm. Wake up to panoramic sunrise views over the Zabarwan Range and mist rolling over the lake. Evenings have their magic as the semi-frozen water reflects the city lights, illuminating the surroundings with fairytale-like radiance.
3. Explore The Floating Market Amidst Snowy Backdrops
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
Local vendors glide across the frozen surfaces, selling fresh vegetables, saffron, handmade woollens and Kashmiri dry fruits. The market scene becomes almost dreamlike with the mist surrounding it. If you arrive at 5:30 AM, you can experience the traditional trading culture, where locals barter goods from their small boats. Shaped by centuries of tradition, this market feels at once frozen in time and alive. Don’t forget the ultimate experience of sipping on Noon Chai (salted pink tea) while you are making the trip in a boat.
Places To Visit Near Dal Lake In February
Following are the stunning sites to visit near Dal Lake in February, with extraordinary places for
a memorable winter Kashmir experience:
1. Nishat Bagh
Photo: McKay Savage / Wikimedia Commons
Nishat Bagh, the “Garden of Bliss,” is an impressive Mughal garden on the eastern banks of Dal Lake, with the rugged beauty of the Zabarwan Mountains behind it. Built in 1633 by Asif Khan, brother of Mughal Empress Noor Jahan, this slab of paradise is a screen of Persian Charbagh-style gardens. These have 12 terraces representing the 12 signs of the zodiac. From each terrace lies an uninterrupted, panoramic view of Dal Lake and the surrounding snow-covered peaks, descending towards the water.
Distance From The Lake: 2 km
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
2. Shankaracharya Temple
Photo: Sanu N / Wikimedia Commons
Located on the top of Shankaracharya Hill, this ancient temple of Lord Shiva was built in the 9th century. It provides the best panoramic view of the city of Srinagar and Dal Lake in February when the land is covered with a white blanket of snow. The shrine of Lord Shiva is worshipped in a small sanctum atop a 243-step climb. Its stone architecture, dusted with frost, lends a mystical quality to the temple. You can view a bird’s-eye view of Dal Lake, whose houseboats look like tiny dots on ochre-coloured ice.
Distance From The Lake: 13 km
Entry Fee: Free, but vehicle entry is restricted near the temple
3. Pari Mahal
Photo: Deepank Ranka / Wikimedia Commons
Perched on the Zabarwan Mountain Range is a mystique seven-terraced Mughal garden called Pari Mahal, a Sufi learning place. Near Dal Lake in February, the site becomes an enchanting mix of frost-coated lawns and snow-lined Srinagar below. The ruins, though dilapidated and crumbled, still glow with a certain old-world mystique. The stone archways and latticework arrangements of the gardens bear Persian imprints. Sunset views touch the skies with shades of pink and orange, decorated with golden rays on snowy peaks.
Distance From The Lake: 8 km
Entry Fee: ₹25 per person
4. Shalimar Bagh
Photo: Pradeepkjoshi / Wikimedia Commons
Shalimar Bagh, constructed by the Mughal emperor Jahangir in 1619 for his wife, Noor Jahan, is the most magnificent of Kashmir’s Mughal gardens. It takes on the ambience of a frozen wonderland, with stately Chinar trees setting the stage, their trunks adorned with frost and branches stripped bare. The elaborate Persian-style fountains and water channels, usually gushing, occasionally freeze into delicate icicles. This enhances the garden’s eerie winter beauty.
Distance From The Lake: 5 km
Entry Fee: ₹20 per person
Where To Stay
Photo: Vis M / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For a real taste of Kashmir, spend at least one night on a houseboat in Dal Lake. Luxury houseboats such as Sukoon Houseboat have heated rooms and stunning views. Economy houseboats like New Golden Flower Houseboat offer comfortable lodging without staggering your wallet. For a luxury stay, Lalit Grand Palace Srinagar is a five-star luxury, while Hotel Dar-Es-Salam is a peaceful lakeside retreat. Most houseboats serve traditional Kashmiri cuisine, and waking up to a misty lake view from a warm, wooden interior is something you won’t forget.
Where To Eat
Photo: Aashita Kawatra / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
For traditional Kashmiri fare, check out Mughal Darbar for Rogan Josh and Wazwan. Ahdoos Restaurant is famous for Yakhni and Mutton Kebabs. Lhasa Restaurant is also a great place for Tibetan food with a nice ambience. For those who prefer a quick bite, street vendors on Boulevard Road serve Harissa (a winter delicacy). Houseboats also serve home-cooked Kashmiri food. Sip on Kashmiri Kahwa to warm up as you soak in the frozen beauty of the lake.
Tips For Travellers
Photo: Slyronit / Wikimedia Commons
- Dal Lake in February is cold, so bundle up in thermal layers, insulated jackets, waterproof boots and gloves.
- Winter tourism means houseboats and hotels get booked quickly, so, secure accommodations early.
- Many of the local markets and houseboats do not accept credit cards, so bring enough cash to avoid hassle.
- Go early in the morning or around sunset for the best views.
- Use auto-rickshaws or pre-booked taxis, as the roads can be a slippery mess due to snow.
- Essential medicines should be carried in the cold winter of Dal Lake.
Dal Lake in February is a dreamy getaway with snow-covered houseboats, foggy shikara rides, and simply a taste of Kashmir. The winter charm of the lakes, as well as the cultural richness and hospitality, makes it a must-visit. Whether you decide to bunk in a houseboat or indulge in Kashmiri delicacies, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience. So pack your bags, plan your trip with TripXL and be ready to enjoy the winter sun in Kashmir by the shores of Dal Lake.
Cover Photo: Suhail Skindar Sofi / Wikimedia Commons
