Chandanwari, Pahalgam: Complete Travel Guide

Chandanwari is one of the high altitude destination near Pahalgam in Kashmir, which is known for its mountain scenery, seasonal snow and its most importance on the traditional route for Amarnath Yatra. It is around 16 km far from Pahalgam at 2,895 meters above sea level. For reaching there you travel first to Pahalgam and then from there following up the Lidder River from which you can enjoy the beautiful mountain view along the way before reaching Chandanwari.

Where is Chandanwari?

Chandanwari is located in the Pahalgam which comes in the district anantnag of Jammu & Kashmir. It is aroud 16km from Pahalgam and lies at the altitude of about 2,895 meters above the sea level. The road from Pahalgam follows the Lidder River towards the higher part of the valley. As Chandanwari is also well know because of the old traditional route of the Amarnath Yatra. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board identifies Chandanwari as the access point on the Pahalgam side of the pilgrimage route.

chandanwari-green-mountains
chandanwari

What Is Chandanwari Famous For?

Chandanwari is mainly famous for its seasonal snow, the place where it lies, as it is 2,895 meters above the sea level, its high altitude mountain landscape and its connection with the Amarnath Yatra. Not only this but its also know for the scenic road from Pahalgam. The route which follows the Lidder River and takes you from the greener lower valley to a chill colder and more rugged mountain landscape. During the snow season, Chandanwari can have large snow covered areas and is also a good popular place for visitors who want o see snow around Pahalgam and do snow related activites. One thing to remember always is that snow conditions are different every year, so you should not expect the same amount of snow every year.

Chandanwari is also famous because it is the starting/access point of the traditional route used for the Amarnath Yatra. From Chandanwari, the pilgrimage trail continues towards the Pissu Top, Sheshnag and Panchtarni before reaching the Main Destination.

How to Reach Chandanwari ?

There are mainly three ways to to reach there but to the exact Chandanwari  you can reach by road only while as other two options are for how to reach Kashmir Srinagar first and after reaching Srinagar how you can reach to Chandanwari from sringar by road

How to reach Chandanwari by Air

If you live outside the Jammu & Kashmir and want to visit Chandanwari then the best and fastest way to come here is by taking a flight. As this will take you very less time than other two options. First you need to take a flight to Srinagar which will land you at the International Airport of Srinagar (SXR). You can look for the flights you take as there are both direct flights to Srinagar for some cities and connecting one also, so make sure to check before booking. After you reach Srinagar you will need to travel around 96km to reach Pahalgam which will take you around 2 – 3 hours depending upon the traffic and weather conditions. You can book a private cab or travel in a shared one.

how-to-reach-aru-valley-by-air
how-to-reach-kahsmir-by-train

How to reach Chandanwari by Train

There is no railway station in Chandanwari , so you require to complete the last part of your journey by road. If you are travelling from any other part of India, you can take a train to Jammu Tawi or Udhampur Railway Station. After reaching Jammu you can now take the Jammu Tawi–Srinagar Vande Bharat Express to reach Kashmir. You can then continue your journey by road towards Pahalgam, as there is no direct railway connection to Chandanwari. From Pahalgam, Chandanwari  is around 16 km away and takes around 30–40 minutes by road. Local taxis are available in Pahalgam for travelling to Chandanwari.

How to reach Chandanwari by Road

The common and easy way to reach Chandanwari by road is to first travel to Pahalgam and then continue towards Chandanwari. Pahalgam is well connected by roads to places like Srinagar, Jammu and Anantnag, and buses and taxis are also available for the journey. From Pahalgam, Chandanwari is around 16 km away, and it usually takes around 30–45 minutes to reach by road, depending on the road and traffic conditions. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari passes through beautiful mountain scenery, forests and the Lidder Valley, making the journey enjoyable along with the destination. If you are travelling from Srinagar, you can first reach Pahalgam by taxi or bus and then take a local Pahalgam taxi towards Chandanwari, as the local sightseeing routes from Pahalgam are generally served by local union taxis.

chandanwari-snow

Accommodation at Chandanwari

As there are no regular hotels or guest houses in Chandanwari where you can plan to stay overnight, as most travellers visit Chandanwari as a day trip from Pahalgam and then stay in a hotel or guest house there. During the Amarnath Yatra, temporary camps may be available for piligrims, but that is different from a regular tourist accommidation. 

Hotel Baisaran

Hotel Baisaran Pahalgam is located on Chandanwari Road, opposite Poshwan Park in Pahalgam, making it a good option for the travellers planning to explore the Pahalgam are and Chandanwari route. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, a garden and a lounge area along with the facilities such as Wi-Fi, parking and dining. Its location also keeps the guests close to Poshwan Park and other places of Pahalgam.

Hotel MountView

Hotel MountView Pahalgam is situated in the Pahalgam area and this one have views of Lidder River and surrounding by mountains. The hotel have comfortable rooms, a resturant and facilities for guests, making it a good option for travellers who are looking for a more comfortable stay in Pahalgam. The location of this also makes it easy for exploring the nearby tourist places and planning of trip towards Chandanwari.

Hotel Alpine Resort

Hotel Alpine Resort Pahalgam is located on Chandanwari Road near Poshwan Park, making this place a good option to stay while exploring Pahalgam and planning a visit towards Chandanwari. The property have rooms with mountain surroundings and facilities such as parking, Wi-Fi and dining. It can be a better option for travellers who want to stay close to the main Pahalgam area while keeping easy access to the Chandanwari side also.

Paradise Guest House

Paradise Guest House Pahalgam is located on Chandanwari Road next to the Lidder River, near Pahalgam Club and Poshwan Park. It is a smaller guest-house option for travellers looking for a simple stay in Pahalgam, with rooms, parking, Wi-Fi and dining facilities available. Its location near the river and Chandanwari Road makes it a decent base for exploring Pahalgam and visiting Chandanwari when the route is open.

Where to Stay for a Chandanwari Trip?​

Pahalgam is the best place for you to stay if you are planning to visit Chandanwari, As Chandanwari is around 16 km from Pahalgam, so you can plan to stay in Pahalgam and then travel to Chandanwari during the day time. There are many hotels, resorts, cottages and guest houses in Pahalgam, also some properties in the Chandawari Road.

Chandanwari Distance From Srinagar

If yo are travelling from Srinagar to Chandanwari first you will need to reach Pahalgam then from there you can go to Chandanwari. As distance from Srinagar to Pahalgam is around 90 to 95 km depending on the starting point and one you reach Pahalgam from there you need to travel more 16 km to reach Chandanwari. Your total travel time depends on the traffic, road conditions and how long you stop on the way.

Chandanwari Distance From Pahalgam

The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is around 16 km. The journey will normally take you 30 mintues to an hour depending on the road, traffic, weather and local travel arrangements. The distance is short but the drive itself is an important part of the trip, as the road follows up the Lidder River which takes you gradually into the higher mountain landscape.

Best Time To Visit Chandanwari

The best time to visit Chandanwari depends on what you want to see.

chandanwari-snow

Chandanwari in Winter

Winter changes Chandanwari completely. As of the higher altitude weather will be much colder and heavy snow. Road conditions can also change very quickly after snowfall, so if you are thinking about visiting make sure to always check conditions of road and weather also before visiting here.

chandanwari-green-mountains

Chandanwari in Summer

Chandanwari in summer is known for its green surroundings coolermountain weather and the possibility of seeing the leftover snow at eh higher points. The road is also attarctive during this period because Lidder River carries  snowmelt from higher mountains.

chandanwari-autum

Chandanwari in Autum

Chandanwari in autumn, especially in September and October is a good time to visit if you want less crowd cool weather, clear mountain views and the changing colours around the Pahalgam Valley. The weather is usually more comfortable for sightseeing, while the summer greenery starts fading.

Modes of Transport for Chandanwari

Srinagar To Chandanwari Taxi Service

You can hire taxi service from Srinagar to Pahalgam and then take a local Pahalgam taxi to Chandanwari . The taxi from Srinagar can drop you at your hotel or in Pahalgam, but outside taxis are generally not allowed on the local sightseeing route to Chandanwari . You can then book a local union taxi from Pahalgam for Chandanwari .

Srinagar To Chandanwari Shared Taxi

Shared taxi service is available for travelling from Srinagar towards Pahalgam, but there is no direct shared taxi service that takes you directly to Chandanwari . You can first take a shared taxi from Srinagar to Anantnag or Pahalgam, and after reaching Pahalgam, you need to take a local taxi towards Chandanwari .

Srinagar To Chandanwari Bus Service

There is no direct bus from Srinagar to the Chandanwari , So first you can take a bus from srinagar to Pahalgam, as busses are available to travel from Sringar to Pahalgam. After reaching Pahalgam you can take a local taxi towards Chandanwari which is around 16 km from Pahalgam and it will take you usually  30 minutes.

Srinagar To Chandanwari with Bike Rental

You can rent a bike in Srinagar and travel by road towards Pahalgam, but you should not plan to take the rental bike directly to Chandanwari . Outside vehicles are restricted on the local Pahalgam sightseeing routes, so after reaching Pahalgam, you need to arrange a local union taxi for Chandanwari . Also Bike rental service in Srinagar is available at Tripmore at best prices.

Srinagar To Chandanwari in Selfdrive Car

If you are travelling in your own car from sringar to Pahalgam by road then you can do it, but after reaching pahalgam if you want to visit places like Chandanwari or other local sightseeing for that you will need to take a local taxi, you can not drive in your own car as that is not allowed there for visitors.

Taxi Options Available

These are some Taxi Options Available to chose for your  Kashmir Trip:

  • Maruti Swift Dzire
  • Toyota Etios
  • Honda Amaze
  • Toyota Innova
  • Toyota Innova Crysta
  • Tempo Traveller
  • Urbania Tempo Traveller
best-taxi-service-in-kashmir
Are There Shops Near Chandanwari?

Yes, you can find small tea stalls, dhabas and local vendors near Chandanwari, mostly around the main parking and tourist area. You can get basic things like tea, kahwa, Maggi, snacks and simple food, but there are not many shops as like you will find in Pahalgam.

Is There an ATM Near Chandanwari?

No, there is no ATM at Chandanwari. The nearest ATM is at Pahalgam, so it is better to withdraw some cash before travelling towards Chandanwari. Some local shops may accept UPI or other digital payments when the network works.

Is Mobile Internet Available at Chandanwari?

Yes, Mobile internet is available at Chandanwari, but the connection can be slow at some places.As new connection towers also are added, so connectivity can be better, but its recommended that you should not solely rely on mobile data while exploring the valley.

Is Mobile Network Available at Chandanwari?

Yes, mobile network is available at Chandanwari, as at some point signal can go weak. But overall the network connectivity is good and usable.

Chandanwari Itinerary

You can plan your Chandanwari trip by staying in Pahalgam for one or two nights at any hotel and then visit Chandanwari for sightseeing. If you are staying in Pahalgam, you can plan your trip like this:

  • Day 1 : Srinagar to Pahalgam: On the first day you can leave from Srinagar in the morning and reach Pahalgam. After reaching and checking in to your hotel and having lunch and then spend the rest of your day exploring pahalgamand nearby town areas. you can walk along the Lidder River and visit local market before returning to your hotel.
  • Day 2 : Pahalgam to Chandanwari: After breakfast, leave for Chandanwari by local transport. Chandanwari is around 16 km from Pahalgam, and the route follows the Lidder River with mountain views along the way. Spend a few hours exploring Chandanwari, enjoying the scenery and seeing snow if it is available, then return to Pahalgam
  • Day 3 : Pahalgam to Srinagar: After breakfast, you can spend some time around Pahalgam or visit another nearby attraction depending on your plan and then start your return journey to Srinagar.

INCLUSIONS

These are the things that are included in our Kashmir Tour if you let us plan your trip:

  • 3-star Standard Hotel
  • Deluxe Houseboat
  • Breakfast And Dinner
  • Lavish Welcome Drinks
  • Airport To Airport Transfers
  • 1 Hour Complimentary Shikara
  • Driver Eating, Night Haults
  • Driver Cum Guide
  • Pahalgam Sightseeing(Aru, Betaab And Chandanwari).
 

EXCLUSIONS

These are the things that are Excluded in our Kashmir Tour Package if you let us plan your trip:

  • Personal Expenses Like Shopping,
  • Tips And Drinks
  • Park Entry Tickets
  • Activities Like Pony, Gondola Etc
  • Anything Not Mentioned In The Itinerary

Best Time to Visit Chandanwari

The best time you can plan to visit Chandanwar iValley is from April to June and September to October. In the months like April and May, the valley starts getting better and you can still find snow in Chandanwari depending on the snowfall of that year, while as if you are visiting in September and October then you will get the clear weather, cooler temperature and autumn colors. If you want to see snow in Chandanwari , then late spring and early summer can be a good time, but make sure to check the road conditions first before travelling there.

What to Pack for a Chandanwari Trip

Now if you have decided to visit Chandanwari here are some of the things that you should carry before visiting here to have a comfortable trip.

For a Chandanwari trip, carry comfortable walking shoes, a warm jacket and extra layers because the weather can be cold and can change during the day.

For your skin protection make sure to bring sunglasses, a cap, drinking water, sunscreen and a small backpack, while a rain jacket can also be useful if you are coming here during the rainy season.

In winter or if you are visiting when there is snow, carry warm clothes, gloves, woollen socks and proper warm shoes for cold conditions. It is also better to keep some cash with you for local taxi, food and small things as there are not many facilities around Chandanwari.

Things to Do in Chandanwari

  • Enjoy the views of the mountains
  • See snow in Chandanwari when it is available
  • See the snow bridge in early summer
  • Enjoy the Lidder River and the road from Pahalgam
  • Take photos of the mountains and snow
  • Walk around Chandanwari and enjoy the weather
  • See the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra
chandanwari

Book Your Chandanwari Trip with TripMore

If you are planning a Chandanwari trip as a part of your Kashmir holiday, Tripmore can help you plan your Pahalgam stay, sightseeing and local transport. Our Kashmir Tour Packages also have Pahalgam sightseeing with places like Chandanwari , and we can also help you plan the rest of your Kashmir Trip according to your travel dates, your budget and the number of days you are giving to your trip. You can choose a suitable Pahalgam tour Package or customize your Kashmir Trip as according to you with Tripmore.

Why choose Tripmore For Chandanwari Trip?

At  Tripmore Tour and Travels we believe in Quality, Safety and Hospitality. we will provide you the best Kashmir Tour Package services which will make you Kashmir trip more comfortable and full of adventure that too hassle-free. We work with only the best service providers across the valley, and try to bring value to you. We have 4.8+ rating on Google and we continue to be the best in the valley.

Also See, Kashmir Tour Packages 

tripmore-google-reviews

Chandanwari is famous for its snow, mountain views and the Amarnath Yatra route. It is also known for the road from Pahalgam which follows the Lidder River and offers good views of the mountains.

Chandanwari is around 16 km from Pahalgam. The journey usually takes around 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the road and weather conditions.

To reach Chandanwari from Srinagar, you first need to travel to Pahalgam and then continue towards Chandanwari. Pahalgam is around 96 km from Srinagar and Chandanwari is another 16 km from Pahalgam.

Chandanwari is around 2,895 metres above sea level, which is about 9,500 feet. Because of its higher altitude, the weather can be colder than in Pahalgam.

You can first travel from Srinagar to Pahalgam and then take local transport towards Chandanwari. The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is around 16 km and follows the Lidder River.

No, you can not take direct to there for that you need to take a local taxi from pahalgam as they dont allow there to travel to sightseeing places there in you own transport.