Spirituality begins within. It connects you to your soul. People always seek to find answers and travel to distant places to attain spiritual knowledge. India is one country, where spirituality is deeply rooted, and which better place than Amarnath to explore your own divinity and take on the path of enlightenment.
Amarnath Cave is a Hindu shrine located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The cave can be reached through Pahalgam town. This shrine is an important part of Hinduism and is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in India. Thousands of Hindu devotees make an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave across challenging mountainous terrain. The Amarnath temple is one of 18 highly revered temples throughout South Asia, that commemorates the location of fallen body parts of the Hindu deity Sati.
The experience of visiting this place is heavenly and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you shouldn’t miss. So, make your plans as soon as you can.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Amarnath is between May-September as the weather remains pleasant and the trek can be easily done. So, book your tickets now!
Opening and Closing Dates
This year, Shri Amarnath Yatra will start on 29th June 2020 and its registrations will start from 1st April 2020. The pilgrimage is concluded on Shravan Purnima, better known as Raksha Bandhan.
Major Attractions
- Sonamarg, one of the base camps for devotees and tourists, is an extremely serene place that gives you the feeling of contentment.
- The Sheshnag Lake is another major attraction which is located at a distance of 27 kms from Pahalgam. Its beauty is unmatched.
Through Pahalgam
While traveling through Pahalgam, why not explore it as well. With untouched and gorgeous natural beauty, this place is a feast for the eyes. Little houses, green fields, and valleys, farms of saffron will take your breath away. You can go on fishing trips and little treks. The sparkling water of River Lidder, which flows near Pahalgam, has several picnic spots around it. It is a go-to spot for trout fishing as well. The saffron plants can be seen in full bloom in November. There’s horseback riding available here.
The Journey/ Trek
It is believed that Amarnath Cave is where God Shiva was narrating Amar Katha to Goddess Parvati and wanted to keep it a secret. Therefore, he left all his companions behind.
There are two Amarnath Yatra routes that pilgrims can travel through.
From Baltal to Amarnath Cave:
It is the most popular and shortest route. It is 14 kms from the cave, where people can only walk. Ponies are not allowed. However, one can be carried on 'Dandies'. It usually takes 1-2 days to complete the trek through this route. This route is advised to be taken by people who are young, healthy, and looking for some adventure amidst the religious trip.
From Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave:
The most preferable route, it is around 47 kms from the cave. It starts at Chandanwari, which is 16 km from the Pahalgam base camp. Then, there is Pissu Top, which is 3 km away, and Shesnag - 9 km from Pissu Top, followed by Panjtarni which is 12 km ahead. The one-way trek usually takes 3-5 days.
Amarnath is one of the most famous pilgrimage destinations of India and is organized every year by the government of Jammu and Kashmir.
There are stalls and resting camps with a continuous supply of food throughout the way. The successful organization of the Yatra is done by the Shri Amarnath Yatra Trust which provides facilities like power supply, telecommunication, firewood, etc.
This journey of faith and devotion is not an easy one. However, the base camps provide you relief with all the necessary amenities to refuel your energy. Not only this, they provide you with captivating views. Don’t forget to capture this beauty.
Alternate Way
Don’t want to trek for long? Want the journey to be extra comfortable? Then do an online helicopter booking. Helicopter facilities from the base camp to Panjtarni are available from various private operators.
Some Quick Tips
- Pregnant ladies should refrain from doing this Yatra.
- Children below 13 years of age and elderly people over 75 years of age are not allowed to do this trek.
- Food and water are available along the way, but if you can carry your own, it is great.
- Tents will be available as accommodation. And it tends to be overcrowded.
- Carry coats, jackets, sweaters, and other winter wear.
- Because it snows, carry your best footwear.
- A medical examination will be held before you’re allowed to do the Yatra. Carry any medicines you might need.
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