Chandanwari Pahalgam

Beautiful Chandanwari Pahalgam is situated at a height of 2895 meters above sea level in the Kashmir Division district of Anantnag. To travel the 16 miles between Chandanwari and Pahalgam, you must hire a taxi from the Pahalgam village; outside-village taxis are not permitted. The cost of the 2-hour roundtrip is approximately Rs 1000. It is well-known for having beautiful landscapes and is a well-liked vacation spot for people from all over the world. The area is renowned for its tranquil atmosphere and is a great spot to unwind. The sacred Amarnath Yatra, an annual sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, enters through Chandanwari Valley.

It’s a perfect location to escape the bustle of the city and spend some time in quiet surroundings, wild environments, and woods. It has a pleasant temperature and is conveniently reachable from Srinagar by road. Large rocks, glaciers, and small water streams are frequently present.

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You will be welcomed by breathtaking vistas of snow-capped peaks and the Lidder River meandering down the valley as you travel to Chandanwari from Pahalgam in a local taxi. There is a tiny market on the route to Chandanwari Valley where you may purchase basic necessities including medicines, camera accessories, and batteries for your technology.

The Chandanwari glacier, which is close to the market and an excellent place to go on a sled ride, is what makes Chandanwari famous. Numerous enjoyable sports, such as horseback riding, snow sledding, and hiking, are available in Chandanwari. The same route also leads to Sheeshnag Lake, a crystal-clear body of water with a serene atmosphere.

Activities in the Chandanwari Valley and their prices

500-1000 per person for sledding

Photography | according to need

Pony ride:500–1000 per person

Touring | on foot

hiking or walking

Best Time to Visit

Chandanwari is a perennial destination of Pahalgam, with tourists venturing in its different corners throughout the year. 

The best time to visit Chandanwari has to be the summer season, from May to September. As the temperature is mild, it is the perfect time for sightseeing tours as well as a number of activities. It ranges somewhere between 20°C to 25°C, keeping the weather lovely and comfortable. 

A number of activities are accessible during this time of the year. Various trekking trails such as Shri Amarnath Yatra Trek opens up in June and remains so till August.

The Lidder river flourishes as being a hub to a number of water based activities. River rafting, boating, and fishing are some favourite ones among adventure enthusiasts. 

In summer, enjoy pony riding, exploring the lush meadows, forests, and lakeshores. 

Now, while summer is a convenient time for Chandanwari trip, winter also offers various adventurous sports. As soon as snowfall starts and slopes start to form, tourists often visit here for skiing, snowboarding, sledging, snowshoeing, etc. 

Spring and Autumn are seasons when the natural beauty of the valley is at its peak. As the weather starts to clear up after extreme cold conditions, it is gorgeous out there. Engage in natural photography and plan outdoor picnics here. 

How to Reach?

There are many ways to reach Chandanwari. Starting with the easiest and most convenient one, that is, via air travel. Book your tickets to Sheikh-Ul Alam International Airport from your hometown.

As you reach the airport, the main Srinagar city is at a distance of about 15 kilometres. As you have arrived in Srinagar, book a taxi or cab and plan a road trip to the main town of Pahalgam. In about hours, you will be there. Total distance to be covered is around 90 kilometres. From Pahalgam, Chandanwari is about 16 kilometres. You can either take a cab or cover the distance via pony rides. 

More options include a train journey. It is quite pocket-friendly and generally preferred. Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the nearest one. From there, reach Srinagar via a cab or taxi.

Cliffhangers India provides various models under affordable price for such outstation trips. Srinagar Railway Station has a few operational trains, running to the Anantnag Railway Station. From here, book a taxi to reach Pahalgam and then continue the journey to Chandanwari. 

Last but not the least, you always have the option of road trips all the way from your home city to Chandanwari via cities like Jammu, Srinagar, Anantnag, Pahalgam and finally Chandanwari.

Summer is a suitable time for such thrilling adventures. Make sure to carry mandatory documents like ID proof, Driving licence, permits, passport size pictures, etc. Keep your vehicle, whether car or bike, well-maintained. 

Weather and What to Wear

Pack some lightweight wool clothing if you intend to spend some time in Chandanwari. You will need something to keep you warm because the climate here is colder than it is in Pahalgam. Glaciers and snowfall are also possible.

Best Places to Visit Near Chandanwari

Betaab Valley

This beautiful valley, which is around 15 KM from Pahalgam, has the name “Betaab” from a Bollywood film of the same name. On the road between Pahalgam and Chandanwari, is Betaab Valley. The Betaab Valley, which is located between the Pir Panjal and Zanskar Himalayan Ranges, includes archaeological evidence indicating that it dates from the Neolithic era. The main activities in this Valley are hiking and picnics. You become mesmerized by the numerous fields and dense vegetation.

Sheshnag Lake

Sheshnag Lake is tucked away at a height of 3590 meters along the path that connects Pahalgam with Amarnath Cave. Sheshnag Lake is a type of lake with very low algal productivity that spans over 0.7 km in width and 7 km in length.

Along with being quite chilly and having a lot of oxygen, this lake has a very high rate of trout reproduction. According to Hindu mythology, this lake was actually dug by Lord Sheshnag, King of Snakes. The residents of Pahalgam think that Lord Sheshnag still remains in this lake. In the winter, the lake freezes and is difficult to reach because of a lot of snowfall. Ponies or horses can be rented from Chandanwari to travel the remaining distance to the Lake. Camping is another option. On the banks of Sheshnag Lake, surrounded by meadows and snow-capped mountains, is the ideal location for a picnic.

Aru Valley

The Lidder River tributary Aru travels through lovely meadows and dazzling peaks. Aru Valley is the name of the little settlement that is located along the Aru River. The town serves as the starting point for treks to places like Tarsar-Mansar Lake and Kolohoi Glacier. Hotels, cottages, and restaurants abound in Aru Valley to accommodate visitors. The entire valley is heavily blanketed in snow during the winter. So many individuals receive training in skiing and heli-skiing in the winter at Aru Valley. Other things to do in Aru Valley include horseback riding and trout fishing. There are 20 alpine lakes, meadows, summits, and other features close to Aru Valley. To know more you can visit Cliffhanger’s Official handle for Aru Valley guide and travel Packages.

Amarnath Yatra

At a height of 3,888 meters and 181 kilometers from Srinagar, Amarnath is well-known for the Amarnath shrine, which is devoted to Lord Shiva. Amarnath Temple is among the most revered Hindu temples. It is essentially a cave that is located in India’s Jammu and Kashmir. 12,756 feet above sea level marks the location of this cave. This holy grotto is surrounded by high, snow-capped mountains. The cave is only seldom accessible to pilgrims during the summer months because of the high snow that covers it all year. Numerous Hindu devotees brave the high, snowy mountains and the bitterly cold weather to travel to the shrine.

A stalagmite is created inside this 40-meter-high cave when water that has fallen from the cave’s roof freezes and rises vertically from the cave’s floor. Hindus refer to it as a Shiva Lingam. The Lingam is thought to progressively grow and shrink in accordance with the phases of the moon. Although there is no scientific proof that it peaks during the summer festival, it is believed to. Hinduism also has the view that this is where Lord Shiva first revealed to Parvati the divine knowledge of Life’s secret.

Thousands of visitors go to the Amarnath Temple every year to worship the Lord Shiva Snow Shivlinga. One of the most sacred pilgrimages in Hinduism is to Amarnath Cave, which is accessible for 45 days from July to August. Additionally, one can reach this cave by hiking from Pahalgam to Chandanwari to Pissu Top to Sheshnag to Panchtarni and from Sonmarg to Baltal to Domail to Barari. To participate in this yatra, one must register with the Shri Amarnath shrine board. From Baltal to the cave, there are also helicopter transportation options.

As one must present a medical certificate of fitness to take this yatra, it is advised to be in good health before beginning the trip with Cliffhangers India. The government authorities make sure that everything is in place for visitors to Amaranth Cave to have an easy day.

Things to do in Chandanwari

• Chandanwari is a beautiful valley located in the Pahalgam town of Kashmir. It is a year-round destination, visited by tourists throughout the year. 
• In summer, the entire region is lush, filled with greenery. A number of outdoor activities awaits you here. Starting with hiking and trekking, it is the base camp of the sacred Shri Amarnath Yatra from June to August. The meadows are filled with vibrant tents, accommodated by trekkers. Camping is an added bonus here. 
• Moving to more recreational activities to do in Chandanwari, you can go on sightseeing tours in and around. The natural raw beauty seen here is worth capturing. Engage in both natural as well as wildlife photography. Autumn and spring are the perfect seasons. 
• If you are visiting Chandanwari in Winter, it is completely covered in white powdery snow. It features gentle, smooth slopes. They are trailed as well. The valley is a perfect place for beginners who are looking to engage in winter sports like skiing, snowboarding, sledging, etc. 
• Lastly, no matter the time of the year, you can always go on a shopping spree in nearby markets like those in the main Pahalgam town. Buy gifts and souvenirs to take back home as a lifelong memory.

Tips for travellers visiting Chandanwari

When visiting Chandanwari in Pahalgam, keeping a few things in mind is essential for a safe experience.  

• Carry suitable clothes according to the season you are travelling to Chandanwari. Keep some cotton clothes like shirt, tshirt, trousers, jeans, long skirt, dresses,etc. For the winter season, thick jackets, thermals, cardigans, sweaters, and warm socks. Keep a pair of slippers, walking shoes, boots. 
• Carry other essentials like snacks, water bottles, sunscreen, moisturizer, lip balm and important documents like ID proof, tickets, permits, driving licence, etc. 
• Chandanwari is located at an altitude of about 2,740 meters. Acclimatize properly before visiting there to avoid Acute Mountain Sickness. Carry a first aid box, personal medicines, altitude sickness medicines. 
• The best time to visit Chandanwari is considered summer, lasting from May to September. Engage in different outdoor activities and go on city tours. 
• Chandanwari is popularly as the starting point of the Shri Amarnath Yatra. It lasts from June to August. If you are planning on visiting here during this time, expect crowds and congestion on roads and other places. Make sure to book hotels, taxis in advance. 
• It is no secret that Chandanwari is a beautiful valley of Pahalgam. Avoid littering around and keep it clean and green. 
• Respect the local culture and traditions. 
• Engage in light hearted conversations with the locals to know the place better. 
• As you are there, explore other nearby attractions like Aru Valley, Betaab Valley, Baisaran Valley, if time permits.