Situated in a narrow gorge at the further end of Lidder valley, Amarnath stands at 3,888 m and is 46 Km from Pahalgam and 141 Km from Srinagar
The trek from Chandanwari to Amarnath cave is on an ancient peregrine route. The 30 Km distances is covered in two days, with night halts at Shesnag (Wawjan) and Panchtami. Vehicular transport and the trial runs along the Lidder River now cover the distance form Pahalgam to Chandanwari (16 Km). Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night out
The first day's trek of 12 Km. from Chandanwari is through spectral, primeval countryside and the main centre of attraction are Shesnag, a mountain which derives its name from its seven peaks, resembling the heads of a mythical snake. The journey to Shesnag follows steep inline up the Right Bank of a cascading stream and wild scenery untouched by civilization. The second night's camp at Wawjan overlooks the deep blue waters of Shesnag Lake, and glaciers beyond it. There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Shesnag, and at the camp these are recounted by campfires, to the stillness of a pinescented, Himalayan night.
The second day's 12-Km trek steadily gains height, winding up across Mahagunas Pass at 4,600 m and then descending to the meadowlands of Panchtarni, the last camp enroute to the holy cave.
From Panchtarni to Amarnath is only 6 Km but an early morning's start is recommended for there is a long queue awaiting entry to the cave. The same day, following
darshan, devotees can return to Panchtarni in time for lunch and continue to Shesnag to spend the third night out. They can also spend the night at Panchtarni itself returning to Chandanwari/Pahalgam like the onward journey