Chandanwari is a valley area within the Himalayas located, is at 16 km mark distance from prime hill station in Kashmir, Pahalgam. Though Chandanwari is widely famous in one name, the point, whence the pilgrims march begins for annual trek named, Amarnath Yatra. More than just one religious and mystic abode to live, it holds vast number of mysteries for mankind beyond the perception.
The vista encompasses breathtaking alpine pastures, glistening streams, dense pine woods and snow covered mountains that helps the environment to find calmness, and it appeals tourists from all parts of the world. This region is not too crowded at all, especially when compared with the tourist-thick zones of Pahalgam and thus, offers a peaceful abode amidst majestic grandeur of nature.
Chandanwari is a hidden paradise for Kashmir as every turn throws open an enchanting view. In summers, the lush green meadow becomes a wonderland in white during winter, making it an ideal place to be visited throughout the year for nature lovers, photographers, trekkers, and spiritual seekers.
How to Reach Chandanwari
The Chandanwari tour requires some little struggle, and that too is a part of it. Whether you travel by air, train, or via roads, the journey to this beautiful destination is full of beauty and excitement.
i. By Air
Chandanwari is 95 kms from the nearest airport i.e. Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport in Srinagar. There are high connectivity options of Srinagar to other major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Jammu also. Taxi or a personal vehicle can be taken up from the airport for Pahalgam that takes time 2-3 hours and then you will reach the Pahalgam to get Chandanwari in 30 minutes also.
ii. By Train
The nearest railway station to Chandanwari is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is 250 km to the place. Jammu Tawi is the principal junction connecting Jammu and Kashmir to the rest of India. From Jammu, one can take a taxi or bus to Pahalgam and reach Chandanwari by road.
iii. By Road
If you are already in Jammu or Srinagar, then the road journey is as readily available as it will eventually prove to be sceneries worthy. Road to Chandanwari is wonderfully connected to the center Pahalgam destination where many tourists visit to have a feel of these destinations. From Srinagar, it is about 3 to 4 hours away from Pahalgam. You drive in any of your personal vehicles or hire a taxi from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The drive between Pahalgam and Chandanwari is breathtakingly beautiful. There are views of green valleys, rivers, and pine forests all around.
Places to visit in Chandanwari
Chandanwari is one of the pictures of Kashmir, although religiously, it is really very important because here commences the Amarnath Yatra, still so much of its beauty makes so many tourists visit it purely for its natural appearance and serenity.
i. Green Pastures and Lush Meads
The place is full of rich pastures and meads, covering it with a green carpet as an envelope around Chandanwari. Rich pastures look even greener during summer. One may be able to find that this place is teeming with wild flowers in colors, as they bloom everywhere. Being the perfect place for picnics or nature walks, it also affords the facility of lying on grass, looking all round at the breathtaking panorama of the valley and the far-off snow-capped peaks.
ii. Amarnath Yanga Trek Route
The famous holy pilgrimage journey known to the world as the world-famous Amarnath Yatra starts from Chandanwari. Thousands of people take up this pilgrimage tour in a year. Drive from here begins to take place for the cave called the Amarnath at a height of 3,888 meters from ground zero. The whole pilgrimage on its own experience by this route has its sacred spiritualness and has values attached to it in respect of experience and religion by itself. Just viewing from where the journey of Amarnath pilgrims originates when one does not happen to participate in yatra feels very spiritually and emotionally inspiratory.
iii. Lidder River
Lidder River is flowing near Chandanwari and one more beauty of this beautiful destination. The water is crystal clear, and it gives a picturesque view of the location. It is a very good place for fishing and photography. The flowing sound of the water gives a calm atmosphere, which makes Chandanwari an ideal place for meditation and relaxing.
iv. Snow-Capped Peaks of the Himalayas
Chandanwari, surely one of the beautiful view sights of the Himalayan Mountain Range. As if for most of the period, the entire range is snow-clad for creating a great sight in everyone’s eyes. Their whitish appearance due to a snow-clad covering provides them with a pleasant outing spot for those who desire venturing out into natural or wilderness settings, perhaps trekking and photography. It is quite simply a place for adventure lovers because the Himalayas are offered before one’s eyes through firsthand experience.
v. Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake is although not directly situated at Chandanwari but can be accessed by taking the Amarnath Yatra route and definitely one of the must visit destinations for those trekking in this region. It lies around 30 km from Chandanwari, encircled by giant snow-covered peaks that makes it to be one of the most beautiful high-altitude lakes in the region. Transparency of its waters makes the reflection of surrounding mountains absolutely surreal and picturesque.
Where to Stay Near Chandanwari
While there are very few options when it comes to where to stay in Chandanwari, Pahalgam is not too far away and offers a plethora of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts at a variety of price levels-from budget to luxury. A few options on where to stay are as follows:
i. Luxury Hotels in Pahalgam
Looking for a luxurious stay with mountains on all sides and rivers all around? Just look for some of these high-end hotels in Pahalgam:
Lidder View Hotel: Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir. Very gracious hotel affords viewing of Lidder River and surrounding mountains. Modern amenities and a spa, the restaurant serves authentic local Kashmiri food, so it’s comfortable.
Hotel Pahalgam: It is one of those resorts famous for its scenery and hospitality. Luxurious, it fuses tradition into its structure. It offers some good viewable rooms to place for a great place and makes proximity to Chandanwari make this place very reasonable for any guest wanting to go about the whole locality.
ii. Budget Guesthouses and Homestays
There are several guesthouses and homestays within Pahalgam and its adjacent areas for budget travelers or those seeking a very intimate affair.
Himalayan View Guesthouse: It is a budget guesthouse that gives guests an intimate accommodation with an awesome view of the hills all around it. It is a place for backpackers and lonely trekkers.
Pahalgam Guesthouse: This guesthouse is in a quiet corner of Pahalgam and really offers good comfort and value for your money. The hosts friendly would give you some real inside information on what to do and where to go.
iii. Camping near Chandanwari
There are places where one can camp around Chandanwari for spending more time outdoors and hundreds of camps there with all kinds of facilities that the campers can desire to spend days and nights in those wonderful meadows to get closer and better views of the surrounding beauty.
Nearby Attractions around Chandanwari
If you have the time, you have lots of places near Chandanwari that you’d not want to miss for anything. Here is a list of attractions that can be visited during the journey to the region. There are a few of the best sightseeing attractions as shown below:
i. Aru Valley
It is about 12 km from Pahalgam and just an untouched paradise for trekker or nature lover surrounded by towering peaks and lush forests offering breathtaking views. It is the place to go if you are looking for unspoiled beauty from Kashmir.
ii. Betaab Valley
The next beautiful destination to visit is Betaab Valley, around 15 kilometers from Pahalgam. Rich meadows and crystal clear streams characterize Betaab Valley amidst panoramic views of the peaks covered with snow. Excellent photography place and picnic with nature walk location.
iii. Baisaran Valley
Often known as “Mini Switzerland”, Baisaran Valley is only a 5-kilometer drive from Pahalgam. The valley has great mountainous scenery, one can have a particularly fine horse ride or nature walks, or simply gaze at the serenity of this peaceful region.
iv. Amarnath Cave
It is a place of spiritual yatra, but you don’t have to make yatra to reach the Amarnath Cave. It has a naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam and it is a marvelous view and the whole journey itself a spiritual experience.
Things to do in Chandanwari
i. Trekking
Chandanwari is the base camp of Amarnath Yatra and provides wide trekking opportunities. This is one of the treks in India, everybody wants to enjoy in his lifetime. They could go to valleys such as Aru Valley or Betaab Valley for short treks nearby.
ii. Photography
Chandanwari is a heaven for photographers and the result of wide scope for clicking through cameras of breathtaking landscapes, white-topped snow-capped peaks, flowing rivers, and alpine meadows. Whether you are a professional photographer or someone who clicks pictures of beautiful moments, Chandanwari is the right place for photography ventures.
iii. Camping
Camp near Chandanwari and enjoy nature at its best. Pitch a tent and spend the night open to starlight, waking up to the chirping of birds and rivers flowing- priceless.
iv. Spiritual Activities
It shares its association with Amarnath Yatra, here, many devotees come for blessings from the very starting point. The surrounding is quiet and sacred and here a person gets ample space to think and meditate.
v. Fishing
Lidder river near Chandanwari provides great scope for fishing. Here anglers can catch up with some fish in icy cold and crystal-clear waters that present them with breathtaking natural beauty.
Best Time to Visit Chandanwari
Chandanwari can be visited throughout the year. The best time to visit Chandanwari depends mostly on what you would experience.
i. Summer (April to June): The experience about the falling of the snow during the summers might be more rewarding a little. The best time for Chandanwari is summer when the meadows are full of lush green and flowers all over and soothing weather. You may also start your journey on Amarnath Yatra, which starts during summers; you are bound to see the zeal developed at this site by devotees.
ii. Fall (September to November): Autumn is another nice season to visit when you feel the golden colors of nature. During this season, the weather is cool. Also, it is less crowded compared to other seasons for those who like isolation and quietness.
iii. Winter (December to February): It is snow time, and those who love snow would love the way Chandanwari goes into a wonderland with snow during this time, and if you’re up for the chill, this is the time when it can be seen at its very best.
Conclusion
Chandanwari is one of the best-kept secrets of Kashmir, as it initiates the Amarnath Yatra and boasts beautiful natural scenery. Be it adventure, peaceful retreat, or pilgrimage, Chandanwari does it all.
So pack your bags and head to this forgotten treasure of Kashmir to understand the beauty of the Himalayas, bask under its serenity, and collect memories for all ages.
How to book Chandanwari tour online?
Contact Brown Chinar at +91 6005039532/+91 9906188874 or Email us at brownchinartourtravels@gmail.com
Frequently Asked Questions
| 1. Where is Chandanwari located? | |
| Chandanwari is located in the Pahalgam region of Jammu and Kashmir, India, about 16 kilometers from the town of Pahalgam. It is situated on the Srinagar–Pahalgam road. | |
| 2. What is Chandanwari known for? | |
| Chandanwari is famous for its stunning natural beauty and as the starting point of the annual Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which takes devotees to the Amarnath Cave. The region is also known for its alpine meadows, glaciers, and scenic landscapes. | |
| 3. How do I reach Chandanwari? | |
| Chandanwari is accessible by road from Pahalgam. It is approximately 16 km from Pahalgam, and you can reach it by taxi, local buses, or private vehicles. Pahalgam is connected to Srinagar by road, and you can take a taxi or bus from Srinagar to Pahalgam, then head to Chandanwari. | |
| 4. What is the best time to visit Chandanwari? | |
| The best time to visit Chandanwari is during the summer months (May to September), when the weather is pleasant. However, winter can also be beautiful, as the area is often covered with snow from December to February. | |
| 5. What is the significance of Chandanwari in the Amarnath Yatra? | |
| Chandanwari is the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra, a pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave, where devotees seek blessings at the naturally occurring ice Shiva Lingam. The Yatra typically takes place during the summer months, and thousands of pilgrims begin their journey from Chandanwari. | |
| 6. What is the distance from Chandanwari to Amarnath Cave? | |
| The distance from Chandanwari to the Amarnath Cave is approximately 45 kilometers. The journey involves trekking through rugged terrain, forests, and glaciers, and takes several days to complete. | |
| 7. Is Chandanwari accessible by public transport? | |
| Yes, Chandanwari can be reached by public transport from Pahalgam, including shared taxis and buses. However, most visitors prefer hiring private taxis for convenience. | |
| 8. What are the attractions near Chandanwari? | |
| Apart from the Amarnath Yatra starting point, Chandanwari offers beautiful views of the Sheshnag Lake, Zojibal Glacier, and Baisaran Valley. The area also has lush meadows, alpine trees, and scenic hiking trails. | |
| 9. Are there any accommodations available near Chandanwari? | |
| While Chandanwari itself does not have many accommodations, Pahalgam (16 km away) offers a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts. During the Amarnath Yatra season, temporary camps are set up for pilgrims. | |
| 10. Can I trek to Chandanwari? | |
| Yes, you can trek to Chandanwari from Pahalgam, although it is usually a short drive to the starting point. There are several treks in the region, including those leading to Sheshnag Lake and Amarnath Cave. | |
| 11. Is there an entry fee to visit Chandanwari? | |
| There is no specific entry fee to visit Chandanwari. However, if you are part of the Amarnath Yatra, you must register and acquire a permit to begin the pilgrimage. | |
| 12. Is Chandanwari open during winter? | |
| Yes, Chandanwari remains open during the winter months, but the road may be closed due to snow. The area is beautiful in winter with snow-covered landscapes, but access can be difficult without proper preparation and equipment. | |
| 13. Can I go horse riding in Chandanwari? | |
| Yes, horse riding is available in Chandanwari and its surrounding areas. It is a popular way for pilgrims and tourists to explore the region, particularly during the Amarnath Yatra. | |
| 14. What is the weather like in Chandanwari? | |
| Summer (May to September): The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. | |
| Winter (December to February): Temperatures can drop below freezing, with snowfall covering the region. | |
| Spring and Autumn: These seasons are also quite picturesque, with blooming flowers in spring and colorful foliage in autumn. | |
| 15. Can I take photographs in Chandanwari? | |
| Yes, Chandanwari is a beautiful spot for photography, especially for capturing the landscapes, glaciers, and the meadows around the area. However, it is important to be respectful during the Amarnath Yatra, as photography may be restricted in certain areas. | |
| 16. What are some popular trekking routes from Chandanwari? | |
| Some popular trekking routes from Chandanwari include: | |
| Chandanwari to Sheshnag Lake | |
| Chandanwari to Amarnath Cave (via Pahalgam) | |
| Chandanwari to Zojibal Glacier | |
| These treks offer incredible views of glaciers, valleys, and alpine forests. | |
| 17. Is Chandanwari safe for tourists? | |
| Yes, Chandanwari is generally safe for tourists. However, visitors should be cautious of the weather conditions and rough terrain, especially if trekking or traveling in winter when snow and ice can create hazards. | |
| 18. Is there any shopping available near Chandanwari? | |
| While there are no major markets directly at Chandanwari, you can find small stalls or local vendors selling souvenirs, woolens, and religious items, especially during the Amarnath Yatra season. Pahalgam, which is nearby, has many markets where you can shop for Kashmiri handicrafts. | |
| 19. What is the distance from Chandanwari to Pahalgam? | |
| Chandanwari is about 16 kilometers (10 miles) from Pahalgam, which takes approximately 30-40 minutes by car. | |
| 20. Can I camp at Chandanwari? | |
| There are no dedicated campsites at Chandanwari, but temporary camps may be set up during the Amarnath Yatra season for pilgrims. For those wishing to camp, nearby areas around Pahalgam and Sheshnag Lake offer options. | |
| 21. Are there any restaurants near Chandanwari? | |
| There are no major restaurants at Chandanwari, but you can find basic food stalls or dhabas along the route or in Pahalgam, where you can enjoy local Kashmiri cuisine. | |
| 22. Is Chandanwari a good place for a family outing? | |
| Yes, Chandanwari is an excellent destination for a family outing, offering scenic beauty, short treks, and a peaceful atmosphere. It is also a good spot for photography, picnics, and relaxing in nature. | |
| 23. What should I pack for a visit to Chandanwari? | |
| For a visit to Chandanwari, it’s important to pack: | |
| Warm clothing (especially in winter) | |
| Comfortable trekking shoes | |
| A camera | |
| Sunscreen and sunglasses | |
| Water bottles and snacks | |
| A first-aid kit | |
| 24. Are there any wildlife sightings around Chandanwari? | |
| Yes, the area around Chandanwari is home to various species of flora and fauna. You may spot birds such as the Himalayan Monal, as well as animals like marmots, snow leopards, and wild goats in the region. | |
| 25. Can I take a helicopter ride to Amarnath from Chandanwari? | |
| Yes, during the Amarnath Yatra, helicopter services are available from Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave, with a stop at Chandanwari. This service is mostly for pilgrims who wish to avoid the long trek. |
