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Beyond stunning natural beauty, never-ending meadows and breathtaking mountains, Kashmir is a home to a variety of religious spots, especially mosques. From Sufi shrines to mosques dating back to the 13th and 14th centuries, several Kashmir mosques deserve to be part of your travel itinerary. Across the Union Territory lies a plethora of mosques, each depicting a rich history of its own. Given their spaced-out locations, knowing about each spot and then planning your visit is crucial. Be it in Srinagar or the Bandipora district, several options are worth adding to your itinerary on your Kashmir trip.
10 Best Kashmir Mosques To Visit
Beyond being popular places of worship, the mosques across Kashmir serve as repositories of history, art, culture, beliefs and religion.
1. Jamia Masjid
Photo: Splusk Babbi / Wikimedia Commons
Among the most famous mosques in Kashmir, Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta holds religious and architectural significance. Built by Sultan Sikandar in 1400 AD, It was later expanded by Zain-ul-Abidin. Because of its central location in Kashmir, it is one of the most frequented mosques in the city. It features a blend of Indo-Saracenic architecture and Persian influence. One of the significant design elements of this mosque lies in the 378 wooden pillars that support the structure of the mosque. Each one of these pillars was carved out of a single deodar tree, further adding to its significance.
Location: Nowhatta Kathi Darwaza Road, Nowhatta, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
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2. Charar-e-Sharif
Photo: Timothy A Gonsalves / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Located in the Budgam district in Kashmir, Charar-e-Sharif is a popular Sufi shrine that’s dedicated to Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, also known as Nund Rishi, the patron saint of Kashmir. It is one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir. Although the mosque was constructed in the 14th century, it had undergone lots of renovation and reconstruction due to destruction caused by natural calamities. The shrine features wooden architecture and is known for its spiritual ambience. One of the best times to visit this mosque is during the annual Urs of Sheikh Noor-ud-din Noorani, attracting devotees from across the country.
Location: Charar-i-Sharief, Budgam, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM
3. Madin Sahib Mosque
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Located at the Alamgari bazar area in Srinagar, Madin Sahib Mosque is another popular Kashmir mosque. The mosque’s construction dates back to 1448 when it was built by Sultan Zain-ul-Abideen to commemorate the teachings of his teacher, Syed Mohammad Madani. He is buried in the mosque as well. It features a perfect blend of Hindu and Muslim architecture, which is reflected in the mosque’s overall design. The designs of the pillars and several other aspects of the mosque derive inspiration from the popular Hindu temples of its time.
Location: Alamgari Bazar, Srinagar
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
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4. Hazratbal Shrine
Photo: Hardikmodi / Wikimedia Commons
Hazratbal Shrine is one of the biggest mosques in Kashmir. The main attraction of this mosque is the relic showcasing the hair strand of the Prophet Muhammad. It is not only displayed all the time but on special occasions only. The white marble façade of this mosque renders everyone speechless. It reflects the serene waters of the Dal Lake, adding to its beauty. While the mosque itself dates back to the 17th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, the relic was brought later by Syed Abdullah.
Location: Hazratbal Road, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (closed on Sundays)
5. Shah-e-Hamdan Mosque
Photo: Indrajit Das / Wikimedia Commons
Another one of the popular mosques in Kashmir is Shah-e-Hamdan Mosque, also known as Khanqah-e-Moula. It features wooden architecture, which is characteristic of its beauty and cultural heritage. It was built in honour of Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, who played an integral role in preaching about Islam in Kashmir. Dating back to 1395 AD, the mosque’s construction was taken care of by Sultan Sikandar. Local craftsmen came together to build the mosque, which is reflected in its intricate architecture. Inside the mosque, the detailing of carved woodwork and papier-mâché decorations adds to its beauty.
Location: 3RR5+H44, Shamswari, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 7:00 AM – 9:30 PM
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6. Aali Masjid
Photo: Er Zubair Bangroo / Wikimedia Commons
Located in Eidgah in Srinagar, Aali Masjid is one of the oldest mosques in the region. If you are intrigued by mediaeval Kashmiri architecture, visiting this mosque will unveil all that you want to see and explore. The mosque was made using local materials found in the region, including timber and brick. There are wooden pillars that support the structure of the mosque. One of the highlights is its beautiful mihrab (prayer niche) and the large prayer hall. It is a prominent place to worship and learn about the historical events related to the Muslim community in Kashmir.
Location: Eidgah, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 4:30 AM – 9:00 PM
7. Pathar Masjid
In the entirety of Kashmir lies only one stone-carved mosque named Pathar Masjid. It is built entirely out of limestone and dates back to 1623 when it was built by Empress Nur Jahan. The grey limestone of the mosque adds to its distinct appearance.The Pathar Masjid features a typical Persian architectural style with arched facades and a flat roof. The traditional wooden structure inside the mosque further adds to its distinctive design. It features a very minimal interior décor but still exudes a sense of grandeur and elegance to it.
Location: 3RR4+Q9G, Pathar Masjid Rd, Zaldagar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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8. Ziyarat Naqshband Sahab
Photo: Ahmedtauqeer / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Commonly known as Mausoleum Hazrat Khawaja Naqshbandh Sahib, Ziyarat Naqshband Sahab is another popular Kashmir Mosque. This is a shrine mosque dedicated to Sufi saint Khwaja Syed Baha-ud-Din Naqshband Bukhari. Located in the capital city of Srinagar, the mosque’s origin dates back to 1633 and features a blend of Mughal and Persian styles. The blend of wooden carvings and vibrant frescoes make it a popular site to visit. During the annual Urs anniversary, the mosque witnesses an influx of pilgrims from across the globe. It is located near the Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta.
Location: Jammu and Kashmir, Ganderbal Rd, Nowhatta, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: Open 24 hours
Jamia Masjid
9. Aish Muqam
Photo: Imad Clicks / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Among the most uniquely located mosques in Kashmir, Aish Muqam in Pahalgam is one you need to add to your itinerary. Better known as Baba, the shrine is dedicated to Sheikh Zian-Ud-Din Wali. The mosque houses a lot of unique relics of Baba. During April, the annual Urs festival is conducted there. Following that, a week-long festivity is held at the mosque, featuring processions and celebrations, locally known as the Zool festival. Several thousand devotees and pilgrims visit this mosque during these festivities.
Location: Pahalgam, Kashmir
Timings: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
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10. Dastgeer Sahib
Photo: Varun Shiv Kapur / Wikimedia Commons
Dastgeer Sahib is one of the best mosques in Kashmir that’s dedicated to the famous Sufi saint Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani, also known as Ghaus-ul-Azam. It was built during the 18th century by Khwaja Sanaullah Shawl. Over the years, the mosque has undergone multiple renovations. It is one of the few mosques in Kashmir that features colourful glass work and stunning chandeliers inside. The annual Urs of the Saint is also celebrated in a grand way in the mosque. Not just a place of worship, the mosque is also a cultural and historical landmark in Srinagar.
Location: 3RV8+8V5, Khaniyar, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir
Timings: 4:45 AM – 10:00 PM
Kashmir mosques are a testament to the rich culture and history that prevails throughout the Union Territory. If you are intrigued by the architectural intricacies and want to get a closer look at each of the mosques, prioritising a comprehensive visit is a must. With TripXL, you can book your next Kashmir trip and explore all these religious spots at a steal deal.
Cover Photo: S M Mukkaram Jahan / Wikimedia Commons
