Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast,
Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast.
If there is a paradise on earth,
It is this, it is this, it is this
– Amir Khusro
Houseboat Shama
A magical stay
This is a beautiful houseboat in a magical part of the world. Kashmir, and Dal Lake in particular, is like nowhere else I’ve been. The location of the boat was perfect, the style and furnishings impressive and the welcome and care from our hosts, Aslam and Mama, so warm and genuine. Of course, this is not Europe (which is kind of the point of travelling!) and we did not want or expect European-style accommodation. But the Shama is comfortable, clean and has everything you need for an unforgettable stay on Dal Lake. The lake itself is magical and the views and atmosphere change throughout the day, always with the snowy peaks of Himalayas surrounding you. The only thing that could have made this more memorable was the amazing kindness and hospitality of the Kotroo family – thank you so much!
grainne2017 – United Kingdom
Paradise on earth
I am delighted to see a more than positive feedback on the Shama Hous Boat. I went there on recommendation in the summer of 2009 and had a wonderful three weeks there. The welcome, kindness and availability of the Kotroo family is incredible. As you have read above, Rafiq and Ahrmed are fantastic but we should not forget Mama who leads this small team beautifully. A paradisiacal setting, a wonderful trecking in the middle of the mountains and at the edge of a lake of altitude will keep me in memory for many years still.
Houseboat Shama 