About Makhdoom
Opening Hours: Open daily 10 AM - 5 PM
Prime Day & Hours: Monday to Friday, 11 AM to 4 PM, and weekends
Suggested Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Tickets: Free entry
Nearest Railway Station: Srinagar railway station, approximately 15 km away
Nearest Airport: Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (SXR), approximately 17 km away
Nearest Bus Stop: Soura Bus Stand, approximately 5 km away
The Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is located in Srinagar on the southern side of Hari Parbat Hill. It is accessible via the Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway or by walking 100 stone steps. You can get a clear view of Dal Lake, Srinagar city, and the Pir Panjal mountains while riding the ropeway to the shrine. You can see solid Mughal-style construction with prayer rooms and wooden pillars inside the shrine.
During the yearly Urs celebration, you can observe Sufi customs and participate in special prayers. The shrine's proximity to the Sharika Temple illustrates Kashmir's shared religious space. Throughout the year, this location hosts small Sufi meetings that you can attend. You can also join the people who frequently come here to meditate, pray, or just take in the peaceful surroundings.
Must-Try Experiences
1. Enjoy the Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway ride: To get to the shrine, you can just take the ropeway from the foot of Hari Parbat Hill. It is operated by the Cable Car Corporation of Jammu & Kashmir. You can see Dal Lake, the surrounding hills, and Srinagar city in wide vistas from the ride. For those who would prefer not to climb the 100 steps, this is a preferable option.
2. Attend the Annual Urs Ceremony: You can go during the Urs, which is celebrated annually in honour of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom's death anniversary. Travellers and locals gather for recitations and prayers, and the shrine turns into a meeting spot for Sufi preaching and music. This is the ideal moment to learn about the spiritual customs practiced in this region of Kashmir.
3. Explore the Mughal Architecture: Inside the shrine, you can observe a robust Mughal-style design with several wooden pillars. The papier-mâché and carved ceilings show how skilled the people in the area are. Both Persian and Kashmiri art types can be seen in these details. You can take your time looking at the intricate structure and woodwork that went into making it.
Makhdoom Highlights
• Enter Makhdoom Sahib Shrine, a renowned hilltop location in Srinagar dedicated to Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, a Sufi saint.
• Hike about 100 steep stairs, passing the remains of Akhund Mulla Shah Mosque and the old city walls on the pleasant climb.
• Observe the two floors, sturdy wooden pillars, and peaceful atmosphere of the Mughal-style shrine, which encourages silent reflection.
• Ride the Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway from Hazratbal Road to avoid the stairs and have a more convenient and beautiful trip.
How To Reach Makhdoom
By Road: Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is about 4.3 kilometres from the Srinagar city centre. Thus, it will take you about 12 minutes via Barbar Shah- Bab-demb Rd, whether you drive a car or take a taxi, or bike.
Best Time To Visit Makhdoom
Peak Season (April to June)
Weather Insights: Pleasant weather with temperatures between 15°C and 30°C with clear skies.
Things to Do: Visit the shrine, enjoy panoramic views, and take the ropeway ride.
Moderate Season (September to November)
Weather Insights: Mild weather with occasional rain showers, with temperatures ranging from 13°C to 23°C.
Things to Do: Explore the shrine and nearby religious and cultural sites on Hari Parbat Hill.
Low Season (December to March)
Weather Insights: Harsh winter with heavy snowfall, with temperatures often falling below 0°C.
Things to Do: Offer prayers, experience winter views of Srinagar from the shrine.
Best Time of the Day: Mornings, as afternoons can get very crowded.
Best Day of the Week: Any weekday, as weekends usually attract larger crowds.
Makhdoom Other Essential Information
Why visit?
- The shrine's roots are linked to Central Asian Sufi customs and legacy through the Uzbek ancestry of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, who was born in Tujjar, close to Sopore.
- Recognising the saint's spiritual significance, Emperor Akbar ordered the original shrine to be built following his death.
- Later, Atta Mohammad Khan renovated the shrine, demonstrating the centuries-long devotion to it.
- The shrine, which has great religious and emotional significance, is known to the locals as "ziyarat Makhdoom Sahib."
Know Before You Go?
- Protect your feet with sturdy hiking boots because the ground in many areas of the sanctuary is steep and uneven.
- Get ready for temperature swings in the upper zones and other high-altitude regions by dressing in layers.
- Bring water and dry snacks with you because the sanctuary doesn't have any shops or restrooms.
- Keep the sanctuary clean by not leaving trash or picking plants, as it is a protected ecological zone.
- Visit only during the day, as for safety concerns, admission is prohibited after dark.
Tourism Board Alliances
Makhdoom FAQs
How many stairs are in Makhdoom Sahib?
There are around 80 stone steps that lead up to the Makhdoom Sahib Shrine on Hari Parbat Hill in Srinagar. These stairs take you directly to the main prayer area. Many pilgrims use them daily to reach the shrine, which honours the 16th-century Sufi saint Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom.
What is the full name of Makhdoom Sahab?
The full name of Makhdoom Sahib is Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom. For his profound spiritual understanding and Sufi teachings in Kashmir, he is also known as Sultan-ul-Arifeen and Mehboob-ul-Alam.
What is the timing of the Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway?
The Makhdoom Sahib Ropeway operates daily from 8:00 AM to 6:30 PM.It is easier for pilgrims and tourists to visit the shrine during these longer hours, especially for those who prefer not to climb those steep steps.
Where is Makhdoom situated?
Makhdoom Sahib Shrine is located on the southern side of Hari Parbat Hill in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. This well-known Islamic location honours Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, a respected Sufi saint.
How convenient is flight connectivity to Srinagar, and do Thrillophilia tour packages cover airfare?
Srinagar is well-connected to major Indian cities, offering a mix of direct and connecting flights that make travel to the region convenient and accessible for all types of travellers.
Direct Flights to Srinagar
Bangalore to Srinagar: Airlines like IndiGo operate direct flights from Bangalore with multiple departures throughout the day.
Mumbai to Srinagar: Travellers from Mumbai can also enjoy the convenience of direct flights operated by carriers such as IndiGo and Akasa Air.
Connecting Flights to Srinagar
Chennai to Srinagar: While there are no direct flights at present, passengers from Chennai can opt for connecting flights via hubs like Delhi or Mumbai.
Kolkata to Srinagar: Those flying from Kolkata typically take connecting flights with stopovers in Delhi or Mumbai.
Kashmir Tour Packages with Flights
For a hassle-free holiday, Thrillophilia offers all-inclusive and customizable Kashmir tour packages from various Indian cities, including flights, accommodation, and guided experiences.
From Bangalore: Thrillophilia provides Kashmir packages from Bangalore, which include flights and accommodations, allowing travellers to explore the beauty of Kashmir.
From Mumbai: Thrillophilia offers Kashmir packages from Mumbai that include flights, accommodations, and guided tours to famous attractions.
From Chennai: Travelers from Chennai can also book Thrillophilia's Kashmir packages, which include flights with layovers, accommodations, and sightseeing options.
From Kolkata: Thrillophilia offers Kashmir packages from Kolkata, including connecting flights, comfortable stays, and guided tours to prominent destinations in Kashmir.
These thoughtfully crafted packages make your Kashmir journey smooth and memorable—taking care of all logistics so you can simply enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the valley.
What are some of the best day and overnight tour packages you can book through Thrillophilia?
4-Day Kashmir Itinerary: A Perfect Getaway
Day 1: Gulmarg Wonders: Kickstart your trip with a scenic drive to Gulmarg. Glide over the mountains with a Gondola cable car ride and soak in the serenity at the picturesque Drung Waterfall.
Day 2: Heritage Trail in Srinagar: Head to Srinagar and explore the spiritual side of the city with visits to Hari Parbat Fort and the historic Jamia Masjid.
Day 3: Essence of Srinagar: Experience the charm of a Shikara ride on Dal Lake, stroll through the lush Mughal Gardens, and visit the revered Shankaracharya Temple. End the day with a serene houseboat stay.
Day 4: Farewell: After breakfast, check out from your houseboat and proceed to Srinagar Airport for your return journey.
5-Day Kashmir Itinerary: Nature & Culture Blend
Day 1: Arrival in Srinagar: Explore the vibrant Polo View and Nishat markets. End the evening at the peaceful Nigeen Lake.
Day 2: Pahalgam Adventure: Drive to Pahalgam and indulge in river rafting on the Lidder River, then visit the scenic Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and Chandanwari.
Day 3: Return to Srinagar: Enjoy a tranquil Shikara ride, followed by visits to Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, and Chashma Shahi. Unwind with a stay on a traditional houseboat.
Day 4: Excursion to Gulmarg: Take a cable car ride to Apharwat Peak, then explore Drung Waterfall and Strawberry Valley.
Day 5: Departure: Check out and head to the airport with memories etched in snow and sunshine.
6-Day Kashmir Itinerary: Mountains, Lakes & Meadows
Day 1: Srinagar Arrival: Roam the charming Polo View Market, shop local in Nishat Market, or relax by Nigeen Lake.
Day 2: Sonamarg Sojourn: Head to the alpine landscapes of Sonamarg. Visit the Thajiwas Glacier viewpoint and try river rafting on the Sindh River.
Day 3: Gulmarg Day Trip: Visit Gulmarg, ride the Gondola to Apharwat Peak, and explore Strawberry Valley and Drung Waterfall.
Day 4: Pahalgam Escape: Travel to Pahalgam for river rafting and sightseeing at Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari.
Day 5: Srinagar Return: Enjoy a peaceful Shikara ride, explore the majestic Mughal Gardens, and settle in for a memorable houseboat stay.
Day 6: Departure: After breakfast, check out and transfer to Srinagar Airport.
7-Day Kashmir Itinerary: The Complete Experience
Day 1: Welcome to Srinagar: Start with a Shikara ride, visit the iconic Jamia Masjid, serene Anchar Lake, and bustling Lal Chowk.
Day 2: Into the Heart of Pahalgam: Explore offbeat gems like Tulian Lake, the scenic Baisaran Valley, and the spiritual Mamleshwar Temple.
Day 3: Pahalgam Highlights: Spend the day visiting Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, and Chandanwari, with an adrenaline rush of river rafting.
Day 4: Back to Srinagar: Uncover the beauty of Pari Mahal, Shalimar Bagh, Nishat Bagh, Chashme Shahi, and the colorful Tulip Garden.
Day 5: Gulmarg Excursion: Visit the quirky Igloo Cafe, lush Strawberry Valley, Drung Waterfall, and ride the Gondola if you wish.
Day 6: Discover Yusmarg: A day in the untouched paradise of Yusmarg, where you can visit the Doodh Ganga River and the revered Charar-e-Sharief Shrine.
Day 7: Departure: Bid goodbye to Kashmir with a heart full of memories. Check out and transfer to Srinagar Airport.
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