Shankaracharya Temple

The Shankaracharya Temple stands on the summit of Takht-e-Suleiman hill (also called Gopadri), overlooking Srinagar from the south-east. It is dedicated to Shiva and is one of the oldest shrines in the valley; the hill is associated with the 8th-century philosopher Adi Shankaracharya, who is believed to have meditated here.

The present stone temple is built on a high octagonal plinth and is reached by a long flight of steps. Inside is a Shiva lingam. The building is small; the experience is the climb and the view, which takes in Dal Lake, the Jhelum, the old city and the Pir Panjal range.

Rules to know before you go

This is a protected site with security. Mobile phones, cameras and bags are usually not allowed beyond the checkpoint at the top of the road — deposit them in your car. Footwear comes off before the temple. The road up is open only during set hours, typically morning to late afternoon.

The climb is roughly 250 steps from the car park. It is steady rather than steep, with railings, but take your time if you have just arrived at altitude. Mahashivratri and the Shravan month draw large crowds of pilgrims.