About This Shikara

About Royal Dal Shikara

Premium hand-carved Shikara for sunrise, sunset and photography rides on Dal Lake.

The Royal Dal Shikara is a hand-carved walnut-wood boat draped in embroidered Kashmiri fabric and cushioned seating for up to 6 guests. Glide across the mirror-calm waters of Dal Lake while your boatman narrates stories of the lake's history, floating gardens and the Mughal emperors who once sailed these very waters.

Photo Gallery
Why Choose This

What Makes It Special

Hand-carved walnut wood with Kashmiri embroidery
Sunrise & sunset dedicated time slots
Photography stop at the iconic Dal boulevard
Complimentary Kashmiri Kahwa tea served on board
Onboard Inclusions

What's Included

Cushioned Seating
Canopy Cover
Life Jackets
Photo Stops
Complimentary Kahwa
Experienced Boatman
Available Trips

Trip Options & Prices

1 Hour Shikara Ride
A relaxed one-hour loop around the central Dal Lake, perfect for first-time visitors.
1 Hour Up to 6 pax Cushioned Seating Canopy Cover Life Jackets
$1,000
$800
20% off
Sunrise Shikara (2 Hours)
Depart at dawn to catch the golden mist rising off Dal Lake. Includes a complimentary Kashmiri Kahwa.
2 Hours Up to 6 pax Cushioned Seating Canopy Cover Complimentary Kahwa
$1,800
$1,400
22% off
Sunset Shikara (2 Hours)
Watch the Pir Panjal range turn crimson as the sun sets over Dal Lake from the comfort of your Shikara.
2 Hours Up to 6 pax Cushioned Seating Canopy Cover Photo Stops
$1,800
$1,400
22% off
Full Day Shikara (6 Hours)
A full-day exploration of all of Dal Lake — floating gardens, the old quarter, lotus fields and the Boulevard.
6 Hours Up to 6 pax Cushioned Seating Canopy Cover Packed Lunch
$4,500
$3,500
22% off
Good to Know

Travel Tips

Best Time
March to October for calm waters and warm weather. July–August for lotus blooms.
Photography
Sunrise (5–7 AM) gives the golden mist. Sunset (6–7 PM) turns the Pir Panjal range crimson.
What to Wear
Light layers in summer. A warm jacket in evenings. Sunscreen and a hat are recommended.
Safety
Life jackets are provided. All our boatmen are certified by the J&K Tourism Board.