Gateway to the Amarnath Yatra • Famous Snow Bridge
Chandanwari, at around 2,895 metres, is the traditional base from which the Amarnath Yatra begins on the Pahalgam route. Sitting at the head of the Lidder valley, it is famous for a natural snow bridge that often lasts deep into summer, drawing day-trippers from Pahalgam to enjoy the snow. Beyond Chandanwari the road ends and the pilgrimage continues on foot, pony or palanquin towards Pissu Top and Sheshnag.
Srinagar Airport (SXR) → ~95 km to Pahalgam, then ~16 km
Motorable road from Pahalgam along the Lidder valley
~45 min drive; local taxis & yatra transport in season
Trek/pony to Pissu Top → Sheshnag → Holy Cave
Chandanwari is the traditional starting point of the Amarnath Yatra on the Pahalgam route. At about 2,895 metres, it is where pilgrims begin the trek towards Pissu Top, Sheshnag, Panchtarni and finally the holy cave. Vehicles can drive up to Chandanwari, after which the journey continues on foot, by pony, or palanquin.
Chandanwari is about 16 km from Pahalgam and is reached by a roughly 45-minute drive along the Lidder river valley. The road is motorable and local taxis run regularly. During the Amarnath Yatra season the route sees heavy pilgrim traffic and managed convoys.
Chandanwari is well known for a natural snow bridge over the Lidder river that often survives well into summer. Tourists visiting from Pahalgam come specifically to see and play in the snow here, as it is one of the most accessible spots to experience snow in the warmer months around the Pahalgam region.
For general tourism, May to August offers pleasant weather and a good chance of seeing the snow bridge. For pilgrims, the visit coincides with the Amarnath Yatra in July–August. The area can be cold and snow-bound outside summer, and access may be limited in winter.
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