Information about Shri Amarnath Yatra

Shri Amarnath Yatra Start in the month of Shravan (July - August), the devotees visit this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice - stalagmite, and which waxes and wanes with the moon. By its side are, fascinatingly, two more ice - lingams, that of Parvati and of their son, Ganesha.

Amarnathji stands at 3,888 m and is 45 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage subscribes that the yatra be undertaken from Srinagar, the more common practice is to begin the journey from Pahalgam, and cover the distance to Amarnathji and back in four or five days. Pahalgam is 96 km from Srinagar. One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of

Amarnath Yatra
time. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).

According to other legends, there was once a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik who was given a sack of coal by a sadhu. Upon reaching home he discovered that the sack, in fact, contained gold. Overjoyed and overcome, Buta Malik rushed back to look for the sadhu and thank him, but on the spot of their meeting discovered a cave, and eventually this became a place of pilgrimage for all believers. Today, as well a percentage of the donations made by pilgrims are given to the descendants of Malik, and the remaining to the trust which manages the shrine. According to another legend, when Kashap Reshi drained the Kashmir valley of water (it was believed to have been a vast lake), the cave and the lingam were discovered by Bregish Reshi who was traveling in the Himalayas. When people heard of the lingam, Amarnathji became Shiva's abode and a centre of pilgrimage. Whatever the legends and the history of Amarnathji's discovery, it is today a very important centre of pilgrimage and although the route is still difficult to negotiate but it is still very exciting. Every year, thousands of devotees come to pay homage before Shiva in one of his famous Himalayan abodes.

Since the base point for the pilgrim's trek is picturesque Pahalgam, a large tented township springs up to accommodate the pilgrims. The conduct of the Yatra is a gigantic task in which the State Government takes the assistance of the security departments for providing security and helping to keep the route open. All intermediate halting places have the same kind of facilities as are provided at Pahalgam, and a Yatra Officer is appointed to conduct the pilgrimage.

Useful Tips on the Amarnath Yatra
The Amarnath Yatra is organized by the Jammu and Kashmir Government, in the month of Shravan, and starts mainly from Pahalgam on specified dates. In recent years, the route from Baltal has also been thrown open for the pilgrims to approach the holy Cave.

Pilgrims are advised to carry sufficient woolens such as sweaters, drawers, woolen trousers, monkey cap etc. Other items include wind sheaters, rain coat, sleeping bag or blankets, umbrella, waterproof boots/shoes, walking stick, torch etc. Ladies are advised not to go on the trek in saris, instead pants or Salwar suits with drawers should be used.

Medical posts manned by qualified doctors and nursing staff are established en route to cater to the needs of the pilgrims, free of cost. However, pilgrims are advised to carry along any medicines specifically prescribed for them.


Amarnath Darshan Route
Amarnath yatra via Pahalgam

The Amarnath Cave is situated about 44.8 kms. from Pahalgam and 6 kms away from Panchtarni. It takes about five days to reach the Amarnath Cave from Pahalgam. The Amaranth cave is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. Amarnath cave is situated on the mountains of Lidder valley amidst iced snow at a height on 13,000 feet. The thousands of Hindu pilgrims undertake the tour (yatra) to the Amarnath Cave from all parts of India in the month of Sawan (July-August) to have a glimpse of Shivlinga.


Amarnath Yatra Via Baltal
Baltal, 15 km from Sonamarg at an altitude of 2743 m , is the base camp of Amarnathji yatra . The meandering trek of 14 k from Baltal leads to the Holy Cave . You can easily return the same day by early evening to Baltal where ample tents are available at affordable cost. Panies and Danies from Baltal can also be hired at fixed government rates. Now operate Helicopter Services for Yatris from Baltal and Srinagar during the yatra period.

Sonamarg is situated on Srinagar-Leh road north east from Srinagar.
About 15 kms ahead lies Baltal which is charming little valley lying in the foothills of Zojila Pass. The holy cave is just a days journey from here. At domail 2 kms from Baltal free langar (community Kitchen) facility is available. The trek from here is very steep and therefore needs great caution and care. Some teastalls are available at Brarimarg and Sangam top. Several snow bridges on the fast flwing streams are to be crossed and during rains the road becomes slippery. At sangam top the road meets Pahalgam route. At Baltal Ponies/Dandies/Pack ponies /porters are available on Govt. approved rates..