Chandanwadi
It is situated about 16 km from Pahalgam. The road is motor able and mini buses and other vehicles ply on this route. The trail runs along the lidder river and is very beautiful. Although vehicles do ply on this route, many people prefer to walk this distance. The climb is moderate difficulty and the gradient is gradual. It may take 4-5 hours by walk depending on the physical fitness.
Pissu top
Legend has it that once there was a ferocious fight between Devas and Asuras as to who will have Darshan of Lord Bholenath First. The fight is believed to be so ferocious that the modern day Pissu Top is believed to have been formed out of the heap of bodies of Asuras killed during this fight. Located at 11000 feet, it is about 3 km from Chandanwadi. The climb is steep and it may take up to 2 hours to reach Pissu top from Chandanwadi.
Seshnag
The Seshnag Mountain comprises of seven peaks and is located on the banks of the Seshnag Lake. Of the seven peaks, three are referred to as Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh, after the holy trinity of Hindu Mythology. Seshnag is gifted with great natural beauty and is a treat to the eyes. The Seshnag Lake which is fed by the Seshnag glacier is a treat to the tired and weary legs and eyes. One can see huge Himalayan trout’s in this lake. All around this place are tall pine and deodar trees which provide a perfect backdrop to your conversations around fire at nights. The distance between Chandanwadi and Seshnag is about 14 km, and is mostly downhill. Therefore this leg of the Yatra can be easily covered in 3-4 hours.
Most people will stay here for the night as this place has good facilities for staying (There no pucca accommodation here, but the facilities here are better than at panchtarani or cave).
Panchtarani
To reach panchtarani, one has to climb a steep hill for 4.6 Km to reach Mahagunas Parbat, and then descend through a glacier to reach the meadows of panchtarani. This is the last camp before Cave and is another scenic spot. Shepherds can be seen grazing their cattle here.
From Panchtarani, the cave is just six km through Sangam. Sangam is the spot where the northern route from Baltal and the traditional southern route meet (hence the name Sangam). From here on, there is a single common route to the Cave. The climb to the cave from Panchtarani is steep and may take 3-4 hours.
