Rehan Qayoom Mir
Srinagar, Jan 3: Once the pride of Kashmir’s tourism and a floating symbol of its charm, Srinagar’s houseboats, often called the “jewel in the crown” are quietly sinking into neglect as visitors are bypassing the lakes.
Houseboat owners said, “Occupancy has dropped to as low as 10–15 percent this winter, leaving most rooms empty, heaters off and livelihoods adrift. We are watching the rush in Gulmarg and Pahalgam on television. But here, our boats are empty,” said Ghulam Nabi, a houseboat owner from Dal Lake. “It feels like tourists have forgotten that Srinagar exists,” he added.
Notably, despite a packed tourist season in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, where hotels are running full, Dal and Nigeen lakes narrate a different story. The charm of the floating hotels, once popular with couples, filmmakers and other people from different parts of the world has faded amid changing travel trends and the winter chill.
“Tourists are preferring snow-covered resorts, which could be one of the reasons for the emptiness of Dal Lake,” said a houseboat owner.
“Running a houseboat in winter is costly, with high expenses for heating, frozen water pipes and maintenance,” said Manzoor Ahmad, who has been in the business for over decades. “When guests don’t come, it’s a double loss.”
Pertinently, Srinagar’s houseboats have long been the face of Kashmir’s tourism, offering visitors a unique experience of living on the serene Dal and Nigeen lakes.
Once numbering over 3,000, only around 750 remain operational today due to decades of restrictions on repairs, declining water quality and shifting tourist preferences.
