Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended

California
8 posts
Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

“Floating on a postcard lake in one of Kashmir's famous houseboats is the way to see how this place earned the name, "The Venice of the East”. (From a Kashmir travel website)

My wife and I want to share about an unforgettable time we had on very special houseboat on enchanting Nagin (also spelled Nigeen) Lake in Kashmir, India. The name of the houseboat is the “New Peacock”.

We had arrived in Srinagar with no accommodation pre-booked and we first went to look at houseboats on Dal Lake. We found the lake to be congested. So we looked at the more peaceful and cleaner Nagin Lake. We visited some houseboats near the bridge, but they were noisy. So we took a shikara- a Kashmiri gondola, over to the other side of the lake across from the Nagin Club and there we were very fortunate to find the “New Peacock”, a beautiful houseboat hand carved from cedar with stylish furniture made of walnut. The boat had some lovely traditional Kashmiri wooden latticework. On the floors were lush Kashmiri carpets. But what made up our minds to stay was the owner, Bashir Ahmad, who was a trustworthy friendly host. He made us feel right at home. We ended up staying over a week and loved every minute.

Nagin Lake is like a mirror with the snowy covered mountains reflected in the lake. There were days when we just stayed on the comfortable boat and the houseboy served us steaming cups of tea (sometimes English tea and at other times Kashmiri Tea - flavored with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger) on the balcony. We watched exquisite sunsets and read entertaining novels and were served delicious meals in the elegant dining room. You could choose from a menu of western, Kashmiri or Indian cuisine. We could even see a view of the lake from bedroom. The beds were very comfortable.

His family invited us for dinner one evening at their house. They were so kind and hospitable, just like him. We learned so much about the Kashmiri culture from them, and enjoyed Kashmiri food, especially the Kabbab, Rogan Josh, Gustaba, Tabak Maaz, and the special Haak.

The “New Peacock” is moored on the banks of the lake, so we were able to take early morning walks in a lovely garden blanketed with almond trees behind the boat. Some mornings we'd get up early and watch the stunning sunrise.

On the evenings when we wanted company, Bashir would sit with us and share fascinating stories. He said to us, “It’s always a passion for me to meet people from around the world and to chat with them and to talk about their country and to share information of my majestic Kashmir.” He would tell us about his involvement assisting in the 1984 filming of the BBC series “The Jewell in the Crown”. You can recognize his houseboat in Episode 2.

After days of pure relaxation we spoke to Bashir about organizing some excursions. He told us he could arrange treks in Kashmir, trips to the hill stations of Sonamarg (The Meadow of Gold), Pahalgam (The Valley of the Shepherds), to Gulmarg (Meadow of Flowers)- which has the highest golf course in the world, at an altitude of 2,650 m., to Ladakh (The Little Tibet) or to various other interesting places. In fact, he is able to arrange tours anywhere in India.

In Srinagar he escorted us to the magnificent Mughal Gardens and took us on a shikara trip through the small back canals where we could see how the colorful Kashmiris live. We took some memorable photographs.

Bashir also took us a two-day pony trek up to the Thajiwas Glacier. We spent 2 nights in a tent. It was a fun adventure. We drove to Sonamarg through the lovely Sindh Valley. Situated at an altitude of 2730 m, Sonamarg has beautiful mountain views. The Sindh River curves through the valley and is teeming with fresh water trout. He organized for us to fish. We even caught some trout, which we later ate for dinner. If you love fishing look at this trailer for "Drift" where a lot of the film was shot in the rivers of Kashmir http://www.confluencefilms.tv/trailer.php One of Bashir’s cousins helped the film crew.

Bashir never tried to sell us anything. He didn't see us as customers but as friends. He is very genuine and professional. But one day we asked him to recommend some shops so we could buy some Kashmiri handicrafts like silk carpets, wool carpets, pashmina shawls, tribal carpets, bed covers, cashmere sweaters etc. We bought some really unique handicrafts.

Another recommendation- the Nagin Club has reopened after being closed for 20 years. You can have a drink or a cappuccino and sit at tables on the lawn and watch the sunset and gorgeous views of the lake. You can also go water-skiing on Nagin Lake. Bashir is an expert water-skier and can give instructions. If you’re interested in snow skiing inquire about Gulmarg, which is the country’s premier ski resort.

In addition to the “New Peacock” which is deluxe class and has two bedrooms, he has another boat called “The Peacock” which is smaller with one bedroom. They call it “The Honeymoon Suite” which is considered A class. If a larger group needs more rooms he can arrange it. There are many family boats moored side by side.

We felt very safe all the time we were in Kashmir, but before you go you should check the current situation.

It was one of the most relaxing vacations of our lives. We came away very refreshed. When it got time to leave, we realized we missed the friends we met as much as the magical Kashmir.

The contact details are:

Postal address:

Bashir Ahmad

Peacock Houseboats

P.O. Box 405

Srinagar, Kashmir

India

Email: patloobashir@yahoo.com

cell: 00-91-9906582801 or

00-91-9906478773

Location:

Peacock Houseboats

Nigeen (Nagin) Lake (West)

Opposite: Nigeen Club

Srinagar, Kashmir

New Delhi, India
Level Contributor
7,635 posts
109 reviews
125 helpful votes
1. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

Price Dear ???

California
8 posts
2. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

Response to answer on cost of staying on the New Peacock.

We paid 3600 rupees a night for a double with all meals included. Bashir has reduced rates for people who only want breakfast and lunch or dinner or room only. He also has another boat- the Peacock which is A Class which is cheaper.

I suggest you email Bashir at : patloobashir@yahoo.com and ask him. He is very helpful.

Metro Manila...
1 post
3. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

Hi Jack,

Your posting on the 'Peacock' and Bashir is exhaustive, enchanting and very helpful. Thanks. I propose a visit to Kashmir in September end and can hardly resist the temptation of enjoying his lovely boat and hospitality.

Perhaps Nagin Lake is cleaner and quieter than the more popular Dal. I love nature and not very fond of crowds and noise. Did you ever miss the Dal?

Could you post some pictures of the Boat, its surroundings, Nagin lake and Bashir. Shall be grateful if you could mail copies to me also at akayjain@gmail.com.

I am only 74, fit, active and bubbling with enthusiasm and passion for celebrating life. Have travelled extensively around the world and love exotic vacations with majestic mountains, and singing streams. Shall be travelling solo.

Cheers,

AK

California
8 posts
4. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

Dear AK,

Hope you got the photos I emailed you. Bashir has now got his website up.

The URL is: http://www.peacockhouseboats.com/

Hope you go there. You'll enjoy it. Please say hello to Bashir and his family from my wife Nancy and I.

Enjoy Kashmir.

Jack

india
6 posts
1 review
5. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

hello mr jack and mr ak1935,

I have booked my trip for kashmir for the 4th of october. All the hotels in pahalgam, sonmarg and gulmarg are booked except fot the housboat in srinagar. I would need mr AK1935s reviews on this boat if he happens to stay on the peacock housebaot. Also Mr jack, i was wondering if this particular nagin lack is not too far away from the Dal lake and the airport, cause we have to catch a flight back to mumbai the very next day at 12noon. I would also be obliged if Mr jack could send me some pictures of the houseboat to my e mail id at sagar_k90@hotmail.com

Thanks and regards,

Sagar.

P.S. Are these houseboats always moored to the banks of the river?? I mean dont they take it onto the lake and then drop anchor somewhere in the middle or something like that?

india
1 post
1 review
2 helpful votes
6. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

really Jack, both thumbs-up for your sharing!!!

California
8 posts
7. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

Nagin Lake is 5 km. from Srinagar and is located just a small distance away from Dal Lake. In fact both the are connected by small canals.

Dal Lake is 15 km from the Srinagar Airport. Nagin Lake is 23 km. from the Srinagar Airport.

Bashir can pick you up at the airport.

We were there in the summer but October should be beautiful. I did some research and the lowest temperature during all of October could be 10 degrees C. and the highest 23 degrees C. You should bring some warm clothes.

The leaves will be turning and it should be gorgeous.

The "New Peacock" is moored parallel to the shore while the "Peacock" is perpendicular to the shore. You can walk off the houseboats anytime. Behind the houseboats are some beautiful almond trees where you can have a walk.

I suggest you stay on the "New Peacock". We stayed on it and became friends with Bashir Patloo and his family. His wife is a great cook too.

Peacock Houseboats has a website: www.peacockhouseboats.com

Please say hello from my wife Nancy and I to Bashir and his family, if you stay on their houseboats.

Albuquerque, New...
1 post
2 reviews
6 helpful votes
8. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

Something to be aware of is that this write up of the Peacock Houseboat is constantly being posted on various travel forums such as Lonely Planet, always by different users but with the exact same text.

Basically it's a pre-written commercial advertising text seems to be pasted into these types of travel forum posts. Whether that influences your decision to stay there or not is up to you, but I just felt people should be aware of it since I have seen it written many places.

California
8 posts
9. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended
Save

This is a reply to mismaloya01

My name is Jack. I'm the one who wrote the review on Peacock Houseboats. As I said in the review. My wife and I stayed on the New Peacock and really enjoyed our time. We became friends with the family. I have posted my review on some sites because I wanted to share it with others. My wife said my writing style is a bit flowery. Maybe she's right. But the review is exactly true.

10. Re: Houseboat on Nagin Lake-highly recommended

-:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:-

This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one.

To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html

We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason.

Removed on: 10 April 2010, 10:53
Get answers to your questions about Srinagar
CA$CAD
India
© 2021 TripAdvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in India. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.