The shrine of Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom, the 16th-century Sufi saint who is regarded as the patron saint of Kashmir, sits on the slopes of Hari Parbat Hill overlooking the old city. Makhdoom Sahib — "Master" — was an influential scholar and teacher who played a major role in consolidating Sufi Islam in the valley. His shrine is a major pilgrimage site visited year-round; on Fridays and religious occasions it is extremely busy.
The approach to the shrine passes through a neighbourhood of narrow lanes with good views down over the old city. The shrine complex itself includes the tomb of the saint, covered in traditional Kashmiri woodwork and embroidered cloth, and an adjacent mosque. The atmosphere is genuinely devotional rather than tourist-oriented. From the shrine there are views up to the Hari Parbat Fort on the hill above (the fort is a military installation and not open to the public). The site is about 1.5 km north of the old city centre, easily reached on foot through the old city lanes.