34.034874.8164Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir

RELIGIOUS

Shah-e-Hamdan - A Wooden Architectural Marvel in Srinagar

An exquisite wooden mosque and shrine in Srinagar's old city, celebrated for its unique Kashmiri architecture and intricate papier-mâché interiors.

Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir1 hour6:00 AM – 7:00 PMFree EntryNo Photography

View On Map Nearby Hotels

Best Season:The best time to visit is from March to October when the weather in Srinagar is pleasant, with clear skies and comfortable temperatures ideal for sightseeing. The summer months from May to August see the peak tourist season. For a quieter visit with beautiful surroundings, consider the spring months of March and April or the autumn months of September and October. Winters (November to February) are cold with chances of snow, which offers a different but equally beautiful perspective of the shrine.

Duration:1 hour

Entry (Indian):Free

Photography:Not Allowed

Parking:Not Available

Why Visit Shah-e-Hamdan?

Discover what makes this destination truly special

Located on the right bank of the Jhelum River in Srinagar's old city, the Shah-e-Hamdan is one of the oldest mosques in Kashmir, also known as Khanqah-e-Moula. This isn't a typical stone and mortar structure; it's a stunning example of Kashmiri wooden architecture. The entire building is constructed from deodar wood, featuring intricate carvings, latticework (pinjrakari), and multi-tiered eaves that culminate in a distinctive pyramidal roof and spire. This design sets it apart from the Mughal-style mosques common elsewhere in India.

Best Time to Visit

Plan your trip around the ideal season for the best experience

Jan

Winter

Feb

Winter

Mar

Spring

Apr

Spring

May

Summer

Jun

Summer

Jul

Monsoon

Aug

Monsoon

Sep

Post-M

Oct

Autumn

Nov

Autumn

Dec

Winter

BestGoodModerateOff Season

Peak Season

Fridays (for prayers), during Islamic festivals, and the main summer tourist season (May-July).

Moderate

Weekdays from May to October.

Low Season

Weekday mornings and during the winter months (November-February).

Entry Fees & Timings

Plan ahead with accurate pricing and visiting hours

Indian Visitors

Free

No entry fee

Opening Hours

6:00 AM — 7:00 PM

Open all days. The shrine is generally accessible from early morning prayers (Fajr) to evening prayers (Isha). Tourist visiting hours are best between sunrise and sunset. Timings may vary slightly based on prayer schedules.

Free entry for all visitors. Donations are voluntary.

Location & Directions

Find your way to this destination with ease

Address

Khanqah-e-Moula, Zaina Kadal, Old City

Coordinates

34.0348, 74.8164

Nearest City

Srinagar

Get Directions Open in Maps

How to Reach

Multiple ways to get to this destination conveniently

By Air

Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR) in Srinagar is the nearest airport, located about 13 km away. It takes around 30-45 minutes to reach the old city by ...

By Train

The nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi (JAT), about 270 km away. From Jammu, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Srinagar, a journey of about 7-8 hour...

By Road

Srinagar is well-connected by road via National Highway 44, which links it to Jammu and other parts of India. Both government-run and private buses operate dail...

Local Transport

Within Srinagar, auto-rickshaws are the most effective way to navigate the narrow lanes of the old city to reach the shrine. You can also hire a local taxi or u...

History & Significance

Learn about the story and cultural importance of this destination

History

The shrine was first constructed in 1395 by Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri in memory of the Persian Sufi saint Mir Sayyid Ali Hamadani, who visited Kashmir and played a significant role in spreading Islam in the region. The original structure has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt several times throughout its history. The current building largely dates back to 1732, when it was reconstructed by Abul Barkat Khan. It stands as a testament to centuries of devotion and preserves a unique architectural style that has been passed down through generations in Kashmir.

Significance

The Shah-e-Hamdan holds immense religious importance as a major Sufi shrine in Kashmir. Architecturally, it is a masterpiece, showcasing traditional building techniques like khatamband (wood panelled ceilings) and pinjrakari (latticework) that are unique to the region. It stands as a symbol of Kashmir's syncretic culture and its deep-rooted connection with Central Asian Sufi traditions. Its intricate papier-mâché art and wood carvings make it a significant center for artisans and a living museum of Kashmiri craftsmanship.

Discover more amazing destinations curated for every kind of traveler

Explore More Destinations

View Map Nearby Hotels