Dargah Hazratbal Shrine: Kashmir's Holiest Muslim Shrine
Visit Kashmir's holiest Muslim shrine, home to a sacred relic and offering stunning views of Dal Lake.
Dargah Hazratbal Shrine, meaning the 'Respected Place,' is a significant religious and cultural landmark in Srinagar. Located on the banks of Dal Lake, the shrine's reflection shimmers in the water, creating a serene and picturesque setting. Originally built as a pleasure house in 1623, Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan ordered its conversion into a prayer hall in 1634. The current structure, constructed of white marble, was completed in 1979 and showcases a blend of Islamic, Mughal, and Kashmiri architectural styles. The shrine is the only domed mosque in Srinagar. The shrine's main attraction is the Moi-e-Muqqadas, a relic believed to be a hair from the beard of Prophet Muhammad. The relic arrived in Kashmir in 1700 and was enshrined by Inayat Begum, daughter of the relic's caretaker. The relic is displayed to the public during special occasions like Milad-un-Nabi and Shab-e-Miraj, drawing large crowds of devotees. Visitors to Hazratbal are expected to dress modestly, covering their heads, legs, and arms. Non-Muslims are welcome to visit the shrine and should be respectful of religious practices. Besides its religious significance, Hazratbal offers stunning views of Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains.
Local tips
- Dress modestly when visiting the shrine; cover your head, legs, and arms as a sign of respect.
- Photography is typically not allowed inside the main prayer hall.
- Visit during special occasions like Milad-un-Nabi or Shab-e-Miraj to witness the display of the sacred relic.
- Combine your visit with a shikara ride on Dal Lake for a scenic experience.
- Check the specific visiting hours in advance, especially if you plan to visit during special prayers or events.
A brief summary to Dargah Hazratbal Shrine
- Dargah Hazratbal Mosque, University Main Road, Srinagar, Hazaratbal, Jammu and Kashmir, 190006, IN
- Visit website
- Monday 9 am-5 pm
- Tuesday 9 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 9 am-5 pm
- Thursday 9 am-5 pm
- Friday 9 am-5 pm
- Saturday 9 am-5 pm
Getting There
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Public Transport
From the city center (Lal Chowk), take a local bus towards Hazratbal. Buses regularly ply this route. A dedicated counter is established at Lal Chowk near Makkah Market to assist devotees with their travel arrangements to Dargah Hazratbal. The bus fare is approximately INR 10-20.
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Taxi/Auto-rickshaw
Hire a taxi or auto-rickshaw from anywhere in Srinagar to reach Hazratbal Shrine. The distance from the city center (Lal Chowk) is about 8 km, and the journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. Expect to pay around INR 200-300 for an auto-rickshaw and INR 300-500 for a taxi.
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Shikara (Boat)
Take a Shikara ride across Dal Lake from the Dalgate area directly to Hazratbal Shrine. This scenic route provides beautiful views of the lake and surrounding mountains. A Shikara ride typically costs between INR 500-1500 depending on the duration and negotiation.
