Tucked away on the western side of the famous Dal Lake, Nigeen Lake is one of Srinagar’s most tranquil attractions. Surrounded by willow trees, lush gardens, and framed by the snow-dusted peaks of the Himalayas, the lake offers a quieter and more intimate alternative to the bustling Dal Lake.
Covering an area of about 2.5 sq. km, this freshwater lake is nourished by the Jhelum River. Its glassy waters mirror the beauty of the surrounding landscape, making it a perfect spot for leisure, birdwatching, and photography. Visitors often enjoy shikara rides, houseboat stays, and even fishing experiences here. For those seeking peace and natural charm, Nigeen Lake is truly one of the must-visit places in Srinagar.
Opening Hours: Open All Day
Best Time to Visit: Early Morning or Late Evening
Suggested Duration: 2–3 hours
Entry Fee: Free
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar Railway Station – 17.5 km
Nearest Airport: Srinagar International Airport (SXR) – 17 km
Nearest Bus Stop: Srinagar Bus Stop – 13 km
Experience a peaceful retreat away from crowds, with panoramic lake and mountain views.
Glide through the waters on a shikara ride, passing houseboats and floating gardens.
Stay overnight on a houseboat, waking up to golden sunrises over the lake.
Watch migratory and native birds, including Pond Herons, Pintails, Bar-headed Geese, and Coots.
Visit the lakeside Nigeen Club to enjoy authentic Kashmiri cuisine, sip warm Kahwa, and relax by the water.
By Road:
By Car/Taxi: Located just 6.5 km from Srinagar city centre, a taxi or private car takes around 20 minutes.
By Bus: Public buses from Dal Lake or the city centre connect directly to Nigeen Lake within 30–40 minutes.
By Water:
Shikara: A unique way to reach Nigeen is through shikara rides from Dal Lake, which take around 1–2 hours depending on the route.
By Foot:
If staying nearby, you can walk to the lake in 5–10 minutes, especially from the Nigeen Club area.
Spring & Summer (April–June): Pleasant weather, lush greenery, blooming flowers, shikara rides, birdwatching, and houseboat stays.
Autumn (September–November): Crisp air, fewer crowds, and stunning autumn colours around the lake. Perfect for peaceful walks and photography.
Winter (December–February): Snow-covered surroundings, frozen views, and cosy houseboat stays. A magical but cold experience.
Features floating vegetable gardens (raads) maintained by locals, offering a glimpse into Kashmiri traditions.
Once a part of Dal Lake, it was later separated through the Nigeen Canal.
Holds mythological connections with sage Kashyapa, believed to have created the Kashmir Valley.
Known as one of the best places in Srinagar to enjoy privacy, serenity, and unspoiled beauty.
Dress according to the season: warm layers in winter, light clothes in summer.
Book houseboats well in advance, especially during tourist season.
Carry some cash for local purchases as ATMs are limited nearby.
Respect Kashmiri culture and traditions while interacting with locals.
Protect the environment, avoid using plastic and help keep the lake clean.
Stay hydrated and wear sunscreen, as the sun can be intense even in cooler months.
In winter, check road conditions before travel since snow may block access routes.
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