Gangabal Lake
Srinagar
Gangabal Lake is a high-altitude alpine lake located at the base of Mount Harmukh in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir.
Explore place
Hazratbal Shrine at a glance
Hazratbal Shrine is a prominent Muslim shrine on the northern shore of Dal Lake in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. The white-marble complex is revered for housing the Moi-e-Muqqadas, a relic traditionally believed to be a hair of Prophet Muhammad. Its lakeside setting and distinctive architecture make it an important religious landmark in Srinagar.
A visit to Hazratbal is primarily a religious and cultural experience, with worshippers coming for prayers and visitors observing the shrine's architecture and lakeside surroundings. The location provides views across Dal Lake towards the surrounding mountains and can be combined with other attractions in northern Srinagar during a sightseeing itinerary.
Good to know: Hazratbal is an active place of worship, so modest dress and respectful behaviour are appropriate. Visitor access and arrangements may vary during religious occasions and periods of high attendance, so follow current instructions at the shrine.
History of Hazratbal Shrine
Hazratbal Shrine is one of the most revered Muslim shrines in Kashmir, located on the northern shore of Dal Lake in Srinagar. Its religious importance is associated with the Moi-e-Muqqadas, a relic traditionally believed to be a hair of the Prophet Muhammad.
17th Century — Arrival of the Sacred Relic
The history of Hazratbal is linked with the arrival of the sacred relic in Kashmir during the Mughal period. The relic was brought to the valley by Syed Abdullah, who settled in Kashmir and became associated with the tradition surrounding the relic.
20th Century — Development of the Present Shrine
The present white-marble shrine developed during the 20th century on the site of the earlier structure. It became an important centre for the public display of the sacred relic on significant Islamic occasions.
Modern Period — Major Religious Landmark
Hazratbal continues to be an important pilgrimage and religious centre in Kashmir. Its location beside Dal Lake and its association with the sacred relic have made it a significant part of Srinagar's religious and cultural heritage.
Best time to visit
April to October
April to October is generally a comfortable period to visit Hazratbal Shrine, with milder weather for travelling and spending time around the shrine and Dal Lake. The shrine can be visited throughout the year, while crowd levels may increase on important religious occasions.
Morning hours
Morning is generally a practical time to visit Hazratbal Shrine, offering comfortable conditions for reaching the area and time for a peaceful visit. On Fridays and significant religious occasions, visitor numbers and activity can be higher, so allow additional time.
How to reach Hazratbal Shrine
- By Air: Srinagar Airport is the practical airport for reaching Hazratbal Shrine, followed by road travel towards the northern side of Dal Lake.
- By Road: Hazratbal Shrine is located on the northern shore of Dal Lake and is connected to central Srinagar through the city's road network.
- Local Approach: The shrine is directly accessible by road in the Hazratbal area, with local transport routes connecting it to other parts of Srinagar.
What to expect on your visit
White Marble Shrine
Hazratbal Shrine is a prominent Muslim shrine on the northern shore of Dal Lake, recognised by its white marble architecture and domed profile. Visitors can expect a significant religious and heritage site in Srinagar.
Devotional Atmosphere
The shrine is an active place of worship associated with a revered relic believed by devotees to be a hair of Prophet Muhammad. Visitors should maintain respectful behaviour and follow local religious practices while inside the shrine.
Dal Lake Setting
The shrine stands beside Dal Lake, giving visitors views of the water and surrounding mountains from the shrine area. Its lakeside setting combines religious significance with the characteristic landscape of Srinagar.
Architectural Views
The white facade, dome and lakeside surroundings provide opportunities for architectural and landscape photography where permitted. Visitors should follow any restrictions on photography and avoid disturbing worshippers during religious activities.
Photography & viewpoint guide
Hazratbal Shrine is worth photographing for its white marble architecture, prominent dome and minarets, with Dal Lake and the surrounding mountains providing a strong setting. The lakefront and accessible exterior areas offer wider compositions, while morning or late-afternoon light can bring out architectural details. The shrine is an active place of worship, so visitors should avoid disturbing prayers and follow rules around sacred areas. Photography restrictions may apply inside the shrine or during religious observances. Visitors should follow current on-site photography instructions.
Nearby places
Explore more around Srinagar
Keep this section dynamic in PHP so nearby places can be selected automatically from the same destination or location cluster.
Recommended Jammu and Kashmir packages
Trips that include Jammu and Kashmir
Show packages connected to the place the traveller is currently researching. This gives the page a natural next step without adding an enquiry form.
Family
4 Days Kashmir Family Tour with Pahalgam
Srinagar • Pahalgam
4 Days 3 Nights
Starts from₹0 / person
Details
5 Days Kashmir Winter Tour Package
Srinagar • Sonamarg • Gulmarg • Pahalgam
5 Days 4 Nights
Starts from₹16,059 / person
Details
Family
6 Days Kashmir Family Tour with Doodhpathri & Aharbal
Srinagar • Doodhpathri • Sonamarg • Gulmarg
6 Days 5 Nights
Starts from₹18,149 / person
Details
Frequently asked questions
Planning your Hazratbal Shrine visit
Hazratbal Shrine, also known as Dargah Hazratbal, is a major Muslim shrine on the northern shore of Dal Lake in Srinagar. It is especially revered because it houses the Moi-e-Muqqadas, a sacred relic traditionally believed to be associated with Prophet Muhammad. The shrine is an important religious and cultural landmark of Kashmir.
Hazratbal Shrine is famous for the Moi-e-Muqqadas, a sacred relic traditionally believed by devotees to be a hair of Prophet Muhammad. Its white marble architecture, prominent dome and lakeside setting also make it one of Srinagar’s most recognizable religious landmarks.
Moi-e-Muqqadas is the sacred relic preserved at Hazratbal Shrine. It is traditionally believed to be a hair associated with Prophet Muhammad. The relic is not ordinarily displayed as part of routine sightseeing; public display takes place on particular religious occasions and is an important devotional event.
Hazratbal Shrine is located in the Hazratbal area on the northern shore of Dal Lake in Srinagar. It stands near the University of Kashmir and the Nigeen Lake area, making it convenient to combine with other attractions around the northern side of Srinagar.
The site has a history connected with a Mughal-period palace and garden and later became associated with the preservation of the holy relic. The present white-marble shrine was constructed in the modern period, with construction beginning in 1968 and the major building completed in 1979 according to JKTDC.
The present white-marble Hazratbal Shrine was constructed between 1968 and 1979, according to the Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation. The modern structure replaced earlier buildings associated with the site and is distinguished by its large white dome and Islamic architectural character.
Hazratbal Shrine is characterized by its white marble exterior, prominent dome, minaret, prayer spaces and spacious courtyard. The building combines Islamic architectural elements with a strong visual presence beside Dal Lake. Its white façade contrasts with the surrounding lake, gardens and Zabarwan landscape.
The name Hazratbal combines the Urdu word Hazrat, meaning a respected or revered person, with the Kashmiri word bal, meaning place. The name therefore conveys the idea of a revered or respected place and reflects the shrine’s religious importance.
Hazratbal is an active Islamic place of worship, and visitors of other faiths should approach it respectfully and follow instructions from shrine authorities. Dress modestly, remove footwear where required and observe any restrictions concerning access, photography or entry into prayer areas.
Photography conditions can vary within the shrine complex, particularly around prayer spaces and the sacred relic. Visitors should follow on-site instructions and ask for permission when uncertain. Exterior views from the surrounding area are useful for photographing the white marble architecture and its setting beside Dal Lake.
For a quieter sightseeing experience, travellers may prefer a time outside major Friday prayer gatherings and major religious occasions. Special religious events can be especially significant because the holy relic may be displayed, but they also attract large congregations. Check current local guidance before planning around such events.
Hazratbal Shrine can be reached by road from different parts of Srinagar. It is also possible to approach the northern Dal Lake area by traditional Shikara routes, depending on the operating route and conditions. Current local transport and access arrangements should be checked before travelling.
Hazratbal’s location makes it useful to combine with attractions around northern Srinagar, including Dal Lake and Nigeen Lake. Other nearby sightseeing options can include the Mughal gardens farther along the eastern side of Dal Lake, allowing travellers to build a heritage and lake-focused itinerary.
Yes. Hazratbal Shrine is situated on the northern shore of Dal Lake. Its lakeside location is an important part of its visual and cultural setting, with the white marble shrine standing against the water and surrounding mountain landscape.
Hazratbal is worth visiting for its religious significance, historic association with the Moi-e-Muqqadas, distinctive white-marble architecture and location beside Dal Lake. It also provides an opportunity to understand an important part of Kashmir’s Islamic heritage while experiencing one of Srinagar’s best-known cultural landmarks.