Chandanwari
A snow-bridge valley 16 km east of Pahalgam and the starting point of the Amarnath cave pilgrimage trail. In early summer you can play on the snow bridge.
Chandanwari sits at about 2,900 m in the Sheshnag valley, about 16 km northeast of Pahalgam. The road follows the eastern branch of the Lidder River upstream, with superb pine-forest gorge scenery along the way. In early summer the “snow bridge” that remains over the river is the signature sight, where you can walk on the snow and ride a sled. This is also the starting point of the pilgrimage trail to the Amarnath Cave. During the July–August pilgrimage season, crowds are heavy and traffic is controlled. You need to hire a local taxi from town to get there, and a half-day round trip is typical. The site was closed for an extended period after 2025 and partially reopened from 2026, so check before you go.
Opening hours
Daytime only (restrictions during pilgrimage season and security periods)
Nearby sights
- Betaab Valley
- Tulian Lake
- Baisaran Meadow
- Pahalgam Golf Course
- Lidder River
- Pahalgam
- Mamleshwar Temple (Mamal)
- Aru Valley