Quick Answer
Makhdoom Sahib is the shrine of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (about 1494 to 1576), one of Kashmir's most revered Sufi saints, on the southern slope of Hari Parbat (Koh-e-Maran) in Srinagar's Old City. Emperor Akbar had the first tomb built over his grave, and it is counted among the six principal shrines of Srinagar. Visitors reach it by road towards Kathi Darwaza in Rainawari and then a stairway of more than 100 steps. Entry is free. The Urs is held on 24 Safar of the Islamic calendar, so its date moves each year.
Hari Parbat is the hill that rises out of north Srinagar, and it holds the city's faiths side by side: the Makhdoom Sahib shrine on the southern slope, the Sharika (Chakreshwari) temple on the western slope, Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi at its foot, and the fort on top. The shrine is a working place of prayer, busy on Thursdays and during the Urs, and its terraces give one of the best views over the Old City and Dal Lake.
Who was Hamza Makhdoom?
Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom was born around 1494 at Tujjar in north Kashmir and died in Srinagar on 24 Safar 984 AH (1576). He taught and preached in Srinagar for most of his life and is remembered as one of the great Sufi teachers of Kashmir. He was buried on Koh-e-Maran, and about fourteen years later the Mughal emperor Akbar ordered a tomb built over his grave. The complex was rebuilt and enlarged under later Mughal, Afghan and Sikh rulers. His disciple, Baba Dawood Khaki, is buried in the same complex.
How to reach Makhdoom Sahib
- By road: about 5 to 6 km from Dalgate and Lal Chowk. Cabs and autos go up the approach road on the Kathi Darwaza (Rainawari) side.
- The climb: from the road a stairway of more than 100 steps leads to the shrine. Go slowly; there are landings to rest on. It is not suitable for wheelchairs.
- Time to allow: about an hour for the shrine and the view, two to three hours with the Sharika temple, the gurdwara and the fort.
Visiting etiquette
Before you go up
Dress modestly, with shoulders and legs covered; women should carry a scarf for their head. Remove shoes before entering the shrine. Keep your voice down, ask before photographing people, and avoid visiting during Friday prayers if you are sightseeing.
Thursdays and the Urs bring large crowds; ordinary weekday mornings are quietest.
Also on Hari Parbat
- Sharika temple: the temple of the goddess Sharika on the western slope, reached by 108 stone steps from Deviangan.
- Gurdwara Chatti Patshahi: at Kathi Darwaza in Rainawari, where Guru Hargobind is believed to have stayed.
- Akhund Mulla Shah mosque: the ruined stone mosque below the fort, built by the Mughal princess Jahanara.
- Hari Parbat fort: built in 1808 by the Afghan governor Atta Mohammad Khan, inside an outer wall begun by Akbar in 1590. It reopened to the public in 2007; ask at the gate about current entry rules.
- Badamwari: the almond garden at the foot of the hill, best in late March when the trees flower.
A Srinagar heritage day with Via Kashmir
We add Makhdoom Sahib to a Srinagar Old City day with a local driver: Hari Parbat in the morning, then Khanqah-e-Moula, Jamia Masjid and Hazratbal. See the culture and heritage guide for more, or send your dates for a fixed, itemised quote.
Plan a Srinagar heritage day
Send your dates. We plan Hari Parbat and the Old City shrines with a local driver.
Further reading from Kashmir Pulse
- Khanqah-e-Moula, Srinagar: The Painted Wooden Shrine on the Jhelum
Khanqah-e-Moula on the Jhelum in Srinagar's old city: its history since 1395, the papier-mache interior, fires and rebuilds, how to visit...
- Jamia Masjid Srinagar: A Visitor's Guide to the 378-Pillar Mosque
Visiting Jamia Masjid in Srinagar's old city: its history since 1394, the 378 deodar pillars, how to reach Nowhatta, dress and etiquette,...
- Srinagar Old City Walking Tour: Khanqah Shah Hamdan, Jamia Masjid, and the Lanes Between
The Srinagar old city walk covers the right bank of the Jhelum River from Khanqah Shah Hamdan (the 14th-century riverside shrine) south...
- Charar-i-Sharif: The Rebuilt Shrine of Kashmir's Patron Saint
A guide to Charar-i-Sharif - the shrine of Sheikh Nooruddin Wali, patron saint of Kashmir, 30 km from Srinagar. The most revered Sufi shrine...
- Shankaracharya Temple Srinagar: The Ancient Shiva Shrine Above the City
A complete guide to Shankaracharya Temple - one of India's oldest temples, 300 m above Srinagar with panoramic views of Dal Lake and the...
- Hazratbal Shrine: Kashmir's Most Sacred Mosque on Dal Lake
A complete guide to Hazratbal - the holiest shrine in Kashmir, housing the Moi-e-Muqaddas on the shore of Dal Lake. History, timings, dress...
Frequently Asked Questions
Whose shrine is Makhdoom Sahib?
It is the shrine of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, a 16th-century Sufi saint of Kashmir who died in 1576.
Where is Makhdoom Sahib shrine?
On the southern slope of Hari Parbat (Koh-e-Maran) in north Srinagar, on the Rainawari side.
How many steps are there to Makhdoom Sahib?
More than 100 from the end of the road. The climb takes about 10 to 15 minutes at an easy pace.
Is there an entry fee?
No. Entry to the shrine is free.
When is the Makhdoom Sahib Urs?
On 24 Safar of the Islamic calendar, the anniversary of the saint's death. The date in the Western calendar changes every year.
Can non-Muslims visit Makhdoom Sahib?
Yes. Visitors of all faiths come to the shrine; dress modestly and follow the etiquette.
Is the Sharika temple near Makhdoom Sahib?
Yes. It is on the western slope of the same hill, reached by 108 steps from Deviangan.
Written by Via Kashmir Editorial Team
Last checked November 2026
Via Kashmir is a Srinagar-based travel company built around one goal: giving travellers the best possible Kashmir experience. Our team puts together the best-priced hotels, cabs, Kashmir tour packages, and adventure packages with real sports activities, drawing on daily, on-the-ground knowledge of Kashmir's roads, weather, and seasons. Every guide on this site is written and checked by our local Srinagar team.