The main attraction in Srinagar, Dal Lake, is something that every tourist wishes to experience first. However, the confusion lies with the taxis for Dal Lake, where each taxi driver gives his own rates, and varying package deals are given according to hours and number of spots. Hence, getting an idea of clear pricing before traveling is necessary.
In this guide, I will discuss actual Dal Lake sightseeing taxi rates, what a package would entail, and how to approach your trip efficiently, where it will be helpful for tourists to have an insight into the actual taxi fare of Dal Lake in Srinagar and also avoid getting duped by drivers.
What is the average Dal Lake sightseeing taxi price?
Taxi fares range between 1200 and 5000 depending on whether you book one for a short period or for a whole day and also based on what spots you decide to stop at, with the average taxi being in the 1200 to 2500 bracket and the total price possibly hitting 3000, and if you were looking at booking a package for the whole day, this would range from 3500 to 5000 depending on whether you wanted an SUV or another type of car.
The prices for a single tour are as below, and these are indicative:
| Full day: 3500-5000; Half day: 1800-3000; 4 hours for half day and full day is 8 hours | Hours in day |
|---|---|
| 2 Hours – 1200-1800 | 2 Hours |
| 4 hours – 1800 – 3000 | 4 hours |
| 8 hours – 3000-5000 | 8 Hours |
What is Included in Dal Lake taxi package?
Many travelers wrongly assume that entry tickets to all spots are included in taxi bookings, and most drivers would not take a stop for it unless you explicitly inform them, and even then they may not consider it for entry purposes. The normal taxi package does include stops at the following:-
- Dal Lake boulevard drive
- Nishat Garden
- Shalimar Garden
- Chashme Shahi
- Hazratbal
And many more are optional stops; you will need to clarify with drivers about what all you want to see so they can advise on any potential costs. It is essential to understand that the Shikara ride is not part of the taxi price, and entry to all gardens requires payment.
How to plan a Dal Lake taxi tour step-by-step?
This will help save cash and also prevent you from wasting precious time roaming the same area multiple times; for a planned trip, you would need to allocate time accordingly.
- 9 AM: Pickup from Hotel
- 9:30AM: Nishat Garden
- 10:30AM: Shalimar Garden
- 12PM: Pari Mahal and Chashme Shahi
- 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
- 3PM: Drive in the Dal Lake boulevard and explore
And later, after 4:30 PM, take a ride on the Shikara and then be dropped back at your hotel. This helps because there are fewer vehicles roaming about then, so drivers tend to charge less then, so the estimated time will need to be increased if there are many places you intend to see.
Half-Day Vs. Full-Day Taxi for Dal Lake Tour
Many travelers are unsure of which package to go for; however, in this case it solely depends on your available time and budget, so if you have limited time, then a half-day option works best and covers just the key spots, but if you have more time at hand and want to make the most out of your trip, then opt for a full-day option.
| Aspect | Half Day | Full Day |
|---|---|---|
| Time | 4 Hours | 8 Hours |
| Cost (INR) | 1800 – 3000 | 3000-5000 |
| Spots | Limited | More places |
Taxi Types and their Prices in Srinagar
The type of vehicle that you choose will affect the final taxi fare. A larger vehicle will naturally be more expensive than a smaller car like the Maruti Suzuki.
- Maruti Suzuki Alto: 1200-2500
- Sedan: 1800-3500
- Innova/SUV: 3000-5000
Families typically prefer an SUV as they have plenty of space for their luggage, but it would also cost more than solo travelers who may settle for a hatchback to reduce cost. You would be charged more during peak seasons, so booking an Innova in summer will be priced much higher, so consider booking a while in advance.
Best Time for Dal Lake Tour
It is vital that you book your taxi at the right time and also time your visit to Dal Lake efficiently. The peak season in Srinagar would be during the summer, and it is the period with the highest tourist rush, so taxi charges would be at their peak; the cheapest time to book a taxi would be in the winter. Booking your taxi one or two days prior would guarantee a booking even at lower prices.
Shikara Ride Price in Dal Lake
A Shikara is unlike a taxi, which operates on a kilometer basis or by booking; a Shikara, on the other hand, can only be hired per hour. A one-hour ride could cost anything between 800 and 1500; a longer journey will obviously increase cost, and you could also choose a certain destination and pay a fare as per the agreement with the driver. The price can even increase with negotiations from the driver, so be sure to pay close attention while bargaining; even a two-hour ride could cost as much as 2000.
Tourists’ Biggest mistakes
It is not uncommon to see tourists being overcharged or tricked, so in order to not let this happen, you would have to be aware of the ways in which they manipulate tourists:
- Not inquiring about the cost of any hidden extras such as fuel, driver allowance, or other entry charges.
- Paying for the taxi without prior confirmation of the rate and duration required.
- Getting out of the car at a destination, assuming that the waiting period is included and will not be charged additionally.
- Failing to bargain on prices in order to get a good deal.
- Assuming that the Shikara ride would be included in your taxi package for Dal Lake.
How to Get Best Dal Lake Taxi Fare
In order to get the best possible fare for your trip to Dal Lake, you would have to consider a few basic guidelines: –
- Compare the taxi fares that are offered by various taxi providers, and if possible, check reviews to see how they perform with regard to their pricing.
- Communicate with the taxi driver effectively, and do not give them the upper hand in terms of bargaining for price or specifying time and distance, as you will have to pay for every kilometer as they will charge more for extended stays.
- If you travel in a group of four, then share a taxi and split the price by four people; this can be quite economical.
- Make it a point to inform drivers of the locations you want to visit so that they can prepare a full-day package. If they charge per kilometer, it might be more economical to book them for the whole day, so discuss all such possibilities.
Perfect Dal Lake Sightseeing Itinerary
Having a well-thought-out plan for visiting the places around Dal Lake will ensure that you do not waste time and save money on taxi fare, as less driving will lead to a lower fare.
- Morning: Visit Nishat Garden, then move towards Shalimar Garden.
- Lunch: Enjoy a local meal
- Afternoon: Visit Chashme Shahi and then move towards the Dal Lake boulevard.
- Evening: Enjoy the Shikara ride and explore local shops.
- Late Evening: Return to your hotel
Shared Taxis for Dal Lake Sightseeing
Another option for traveling to Dal Lake is to book a shared taxi. This is a more economical alternative to private taxis, and while the price for such a ride could range between 500 and 1000, it allows you to only visit certain parts of Dal Lake. Also, you can take a fixed trip from the taxi stand, where you pay the given rate and no bargaining can take place.
Online Vs. Offline Booking
Nowadays we can find various taxi rental companies online. Such bookings save your time. Booking an Ola or a Meru taxi, for example, would also give you better flexibility and less waiting time compared to walking to the closest stand and negotiating a price, which could be tricky for someone visiting the valley for the first time. The booking prices are also a bit more fixed online but also not very reliable for the hilly region of Kashmir.
Final Tips for Booking Dal Lake Taxi
It is very important to check all bookings thoroughly before starting.
- Make sure you confirm the total cost with the taxi driver and the time required for each stop.
- Do not forget to make an advance payment and always obtain a printed receipt for the payment.
- It is advisable to have some local currency with you because taxi drivers generally do not prefer accepting payments through credit cards.
Dal Lake Sightseeing Taxi FAQ (Price Guide)
What is the average Dal Lake sightseeing taxi price?
How much does a half day Dal Lake taxi cost?
What is the full day Dal Lake taxi fare?
Does taxi fare include Shikara ride?
Are Mughal gardens included in the taxi package?
Is Dal Lake taxi price fixed?
Can I book Dal Lake taxi online?
What is the cheapest way to explore Dal Lake?
How long does Dal Lake sightseeing take?
Do taxi drivers wait during sightseeing?
Also read: One Day Srinagar Taxi Package, Online Cab Services in Srinagar, Srinagar Taxi for Honeymoon Couple
