All houseboats totally sold out in Dal lake. Can this be true?

Hello fellow IM'ers
Im off to my first Srinagar trip on the 27th of April. Was planning to stay 2 nights on a houseboat in Dal lake. Talked to some of the recommended houseboats such as Dawn group, Royal group, Saleem etc but all have them informed that all the houseboats are totally sold out till end of May. I wonder if this can be true.
Also after some time guy from Saleen houseboat called me up & offered an accomodation on Solomon Shiva houseboat at Rs.4,200/- per night on AP plan. Any comments on Solomon Shiva houseboat as even google drew a blank. I am planning to prebook this houseboat as I dont want to face a situation that I land up in Srinagar with no place to stay.

It's highly unlikely that all houseboats are booked...

This year Kashmir tourist season is expected to be a record breaker, may be the toup operators are trying to earn maximum. May try contacting Mr. Javed of Pintail Houseboat. Last year a friend stayed there and came back satisfied.

That is kashmiris for you

Well, the Indian summer holidays are getting in full swing by now, aren't they?

I guess there may always be far more options on the ground than you'll ever find in advance through the web or other means, though. I suppose it's always a gamble, of course the more so if you're gonna be picky about what you get.

Kashmir as such I have no experience with. Kumaon two years ago and in mid-winter when there was precious little going on, I know advertized room rates appeared to double or triple in season, btw. And so I would expect it to get busy then, at least there. As well as potentially costly, certainly.

The good and popular houseboats(which are on TripAdvisor and other popular forums) might be booked. But its just impossible that everything on Dal lake is booked, as there are scores of HBs.

@vinaysinha, The Houseboat accommodations do not end at internet. There are a lot of HBs who are not on internet.

Once you reach Dal Lake area, a lot many agents for HBs would approach you with shikara. One of team members may visit these HBs before finalizing one.

What will be reasonable tariff for houseboat in mid May...We are total 6 person including 4 year daughter. I plan to book on the spot once I reach Srinagar.....

That like real traveler.
I am also reaching between May 12-14 and will do a spot buy for every thing hotel/transport etc

It depends on bargaining skill. Though you should get it at the rate of around maximum Rs 2500/- per room per night!

Thanks every one. I also thought so. Yet I am prebooking & the choice is between De Laila & Ambassador. Any feedback on any of these?

Just came back from the house boat trip. Opted for De Laila & did not regret pre booking with them. This year is a heavy rush of tourist at Kashmir.

Dear Vinay,
Cany you please provide the tariff , contact details & experience with De Laila....

Hi Vinay!

Are you still in Kashmir? or you had completed you trip and came back to your base? In case your trip is over, I would appreciate if you please share your experiences with us through a TRIP REPORT. Thanks.

@ashishdas, In case you are looking for a recent trip report, please refer to mine. Hopefully Vinay will also be posting his experiences soon.

The tariff is little on a higher side but trust me its all worth it. You can go through their website at delailahouseboatskashmir.com I had a lovely experience with them & can vouch for their location & service. My detailed review is at the tripadvisor & so there is no point in repeating the same.