Houseboat Stay in DalLake or nagin lake

Hello

I will be visiting Srinagar on 21st of this month. AS i read from other forums, i got to know that stay at a houseboat is highly recommended.
We are 6 guys and we dont need a Luxury stay. We want a budget stay.

Here are the few queries.
1. So which lake should i choose.
2. I heard ride from HB to road and road to HB is charged is it so?
3. Shikara ride is also charged?
4. Should i book in advance or is it fine if i book on arrival?

we are looking for a peacefull , calm and quiet place.
please help me on the same.

-Prashanth

1. dal lake is within tourist area but dirty and house boats are normally very small, nagin lake is outside but very clean and all houseboats are very big and well maintained.

2. they arrange shikara to approaching road but may be ones a day.

3. in this season you can book on arrival and also advising not book through there association. grade given by them are very very confusing.

Houseboats are divided in three areas of kashmir Dal Nagine and Jelum
Nagine and Jehlum river is better to stay quite at evening time, these two area is better to stay from the hawkers
you should prepaid booking because lot of people visiting Srinagar
because its peak season of amarnath yatra

Thanks for the reply.

How far is Nagin lake from the main city?.
Wats the approx price for a night stay?

I will be reaching Srinagar at 4pm. I will be there till 7:30am next morning. What else can i do except Dal lake stay and shikara ride?


Thanks,
Prashanth

Nagine lake is far from the main town around 16 km
Dal lake is famous for crowed and hawker

I stayed in a house boat on Nagin lake. It is a much better choice than Dal lake.

Prashanth - thanks for an interesting topic.

Guys - I plan to travel from jammu - leh via srinagar. Would Nagin be too off route for me?
I am keen on nagin lake due to the reasons stated by many. Any reccomendations or suggestions?

Dear,

Infact Nagin comes enroute for going to ladakh so go on and enjoy your trip and stay in Nagin,

Regards

Sunny

Thanks Sunny !! Any idea on a budget for a houseboat for 3?

Dear,

I guess you should be able to get houseboat in nageen @1500-1800 for a room.

Regards

Sunny

Thanks Sunny, Really helps to know some fares before hand so as not get scammed and be ready for the right negotiations if required.

Just another Question - Where do we park and leave our bikes when we stay in the house boat? Is there some designated parking where we can leave our bikes safe for the night?

Just wondering how does this work.

not designated but you can find sufficient space easily near the house boat. all house boats can be access by road from on side and by shikara from the another.

Thanks - I was just wondering as never been and was a little worried on the bikes as we not the usual tourists hoarding houseboats who come in cars/buses driven by drivers who take care of the vehicle.

Dear,

Ask your houseboat wala to get your vehicle parked at a safe place they always have a desiginated safe place for parking.

Regards

Sunny