Hokersar is a 13.75-square-kilometre wetland reserve about 14 km northwest of Srinagar, a critically important staging and wintering ground for migratory birds on the Central Asian Flyway. Between October and March, tens of thousands of ducks, geese, waders, and other waterbirds arrive here from Siberia, Central Asia, and the Himalayas. The species list includes bar-headed geese, common pochards, tufted ducks, gadwalls, pintails, mallards, and occasional rarer visitors. In peak winter months the scale of the flocks is genuinely impressive.
The reserve is accessible by road from Srinagar; the drive through the city outskirts is unremarkable but the wetland itself has a good viewing infrastructure — raised walkways, watch towers, and a reasonable bird checklist at the information centre. Early morning visits are more productive, both for bird activity and light. The best months are October through December. A local guide is useful for species identification; several birding guides in Srinagar know the site well. This is not a heavily marketed attraction but for birdwatchers it is one of the best reasons to base yourself in Srinagar.