Old City Heritage Walk

About this Activity

The old city of Srinagar, known locally as Downtown or Shehr-e-Khaas, is where the story of Kashmir is easiest to read. This guided walk takes guests through narrow lanes lined with timber and brick houses, carved wooden balconies and bazaars that have traded in the same goods for centuries. The route begins at Jamia Masjid in Nowhatta, a 14th century mosque whose prayer hall stands on hundreds of tall deodar pillars around a quiet garden courtyard. From there guests walk to Khanqah-e-Moula on the bank of the Jhelum, one of the oldest shrines in the valley, famous for its carved woodwork and richly painted papier mache interior. The walk continues past the tomb of Budshah, the stone built Pathar Masjid and the old bridges of Zaina Kadal, with stops in the copper, spice and dried fruit markets along the way. A local guide explains the history, the architecture and the daily life of the neighbourhood, and there is time to try fresh bread from a traditional kandur bakery with a cup of noon chai. It is a slow, easy walk that suits families, photographers and anyone who wants to see the side of Srinagar beyond the lakes and gardens.