Chandanwari: Doorway To Lords Adobe

Chandanwari, 16kms. from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath yatra which takes place every year in the month of Sawan (July-August). The destination is the Amarnath cave, believed to be the abode of lord Shiva.
Although the road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain, and can be undertaken by car, from Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper, being accessible on foot or by pony.11kms. from Chandanwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag, after which , 13 kms. away is the last stop, Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms. away from there. During the month of Sawan, an ice stalagmite forms a natural Shivling which waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.

The State Government makes extensive arrangements every year for the successful completion of the pilgrimage trip, registering each one of the over one lakh pilgrims, registering pony owners and dandi walas, providing camps en route, and ensuring safe, comfortable and speedy progress of the yatris. If your making your trip to Pahalgam,not during the period of the yatra, you can still take a pony ride up to Sheshnag lake, returning late evening.