Chandanwari lies about 15 kilometres above Pahalgam on the Lidder and is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra. For most of the year it is a river valley with a snow bridge that survives into summer, where visitors go sledging. For a few weeks it is the head of one of India's largest pilgrimages.
Duke Kashmir Travels, a Srinagar agency registered as JKTA00003978 with the Department of Tourism since 2011, plans Pahalgam days around the union taxi circuit. Kashmir packages start near ₹6,350 per person, twin sharing.
By Duke Kashmir Travels Team · Reviewed by Rayies Ahmad Zargar, Founder · Published · Updated
Key takeaways
- Fifteen to sixteen kilometres above Pahalgam, on flat-ish terrain following the Lidder.
- The Amarnath Yatra begins here; the pilgrimage runs for a few weeks each summer.
- A snow bridge across the stream lasts well into the warm months.
- Sledging on the snow is the main activity for day visitors.
- Reached by local union taxi from Pahalgam, with Betaab on the same road.
- Expect crowds and traffic restrictions during the Yatra weeks.
What happens at Chandanwari during the Amarnath Yatra?
It serves as the base camp and the first stage of the pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave, drawing very large numbers over a few weeks each summer.
Movement and parking in the upper valley are controlled during that period, so a sightseeing visit is best planned outside the Yatra window or timed early in the day. We check the year's dates before fixing a Pahalgam itinerary.
What is the snow bridge?
A packed bridge of old snow across the stream that survives long after the surrounding slopes are green, and the reason many families come up.
Sledges and pony rides are hired on the spot from local operators; rates are agreed there and are not part of package prices. Footing is icy, so shoes with grip matter more than most people expect.
How do you get there?
Vehicles from Srinagar stop in Pahalgam town: the run up the side valleys belongs to the local taxi union, whose fares are set each season and settled on the day, outside package rates.
The road follows the Lidder up from town past Betaab Valley, and the usual plan is to take in both, with Aru in the next valley, on one hired run.
When should you go?
May to September. Snow blocks the road in winter and the valley is effectively closed.
Early summer keeps the most snow at the bridge; September is quieter and clearer. See Kashmir tour ideas for itineraries with two nights in Pahalgam.
Booking this with us
Behind the itineraries: Duke Kashmir Travels, a Srinagar agency carrying tourism registration JKTA00003978 from March 2011, IATO membership ALD150928 and a seat in the JK Tourism Council. Details on About Us.
Give us the dates and the number of travellers; the itinerary and the quote come back the same day. +91 9018 44 0000, info@dukekashmirtravels.com, or the contact page.
About the founder
Duke Kashmir Travels is owned and run by its founder, Rayies Ahmad Zargar, who set it up in Srinagar in 2011 and checks these destination pages himself. LinkedIn.