Amarnath Yatra

Shri Amarnath Yatra – Route, Dates and All You Need to Know

The Amarnath yatra attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year who visit the site during Shravani Mela in July-August (Shravan month in Hindu calendar) – the only time in the whole year when the Amarnath Cave is accessible. The cave is placed at an altitude of 3,888m, about 141 km from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir and reached through Pahalgam town. The shrine has an important part to play in Hinduism and is considered to be one of the holiest shrines. The annual ‘Amarnath Yatra’ is marked by ‘Pratham Pujan’ which is said to invoke the blessings of Baba Amarnath.

How to Reach Amarnath Yatra Holy Cave :

Though it is tough route still nearly one and a half  lac pilgrims visit  every year . The number of pilgrims is increasing every year. The journey from Jammu onward is by road and there are two routes . 

Best option to reach from City is  by Flight to Srinagar and then book Taxi From Srinagar Airport Taxi service to Pahalgam or Baltal

Other options details are given below.

A) JAMMU – PAHALGAM – HOLY CAVE. (Traditional Route)

Jammu to Pahalgam (315 km) – The distance between Jammu to Pahalgam can be covered by Taxi / Buses. But one can also come to Srinagar by air and then move to Pahalgam by road : 

Srinagar to Pahalgam Taxi

PAHALGAM  – HOLY CAVE.

PAHALGAM :

It is 96 KM from Srinagar .This distance can be covered by car,bus or taxi. Pahalgam is  known all over the world  for its beauty. It is small town situated on the banks of Lidder River. It is surrounded by high mountains. All essentials can be bought here. Good Hotels are  available for accommodation. However the arrangements for stay and Langar are also made  by the Non Government  Service Organisations.

2.  Pahalgam to CHANDANWARI:

The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16km. The route is good .It can be covered by road transport also. Mini buses are also available from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The trail runs along the Lidder River . The route is scenic. Food is available here. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night .

3. PISSU TOP

As the Yatra proceed further from Chandanwari one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top. It is said  that to be first to reach for darshan of  Bhole Nath Shivshankar there was a war between Devtas and Rakshas . With the power of Shiv , devtas could kill the rakshas in such large number that the heap of their dead bodies has resulted in this high mountain. 

Also Read: Shrines and Temples in Kashmir

4. SHESHNAG

This second day’s trek of 12 kms  from Chandanwari is through Pissu Top and   spectacular, primeval countryside, and reaches Sheshnag – a mountain which derives  its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake. The Journey to Sheshnag follows steep inclines on the right bank of a cascading stream and wild scenery untouched by civilisation. The second night’s camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond it. There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Sheshnag, and at the camp these are narrated by campfires . The stillness of a pine scented Himalayan night increases your inner joy. Yatris can take bath and get their fatigue alleviated. It is beautiful and scenic. 

5. PANCHTARNI – Amarnath Yatra

 From Sheshnag one has to climb steep height up across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs.(14000 ft) for 4.6 KM and then descending to the meadow lands of Panchtarni at a height of 3657 mtrs (12000 ft). The last camp enroute to the Holy Cave is made here on third day. Here one faces cold winds which cause the  skin to crack . Hence cold cream / Vaseline are very useful for protection of skin. Some Yatris are also effected by deficiency of oxygen .Some may get the feeling of vomiting . So dry fruit like Allu Bukhara ,sour and sweet  eatables like Lemon are useful to control these symptoms .  The route to Mahagunas is full of rivulets , water falls , springs . Panchtarni is a very beautiful place in the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT. Five Rivers flow  here . It is said that the five rivers origanated from Lord Shiva’s Hairs (Jataon). Pilgrims camp at Panchtarni on the 3rd night. 

6. THE HOLY CAVE SHRI AMARNATH:

The Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath is only 6 kms from Panchtarni. As there is no place to stay hence the pilgrims start in the  early hours of the morning after their stay at Panchtarni. On the way to The Holy Cave one comes  across  the Sangam of Amravati and Panchtarni. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near holy cave  to become pious before going for Darshan. Near the cave is found white soil known as Bhasam. It is the most beloved soil of Shiv ji . The pilgrims apply this Holy soil to their body and then go for Shivlingam Darshan. There are two smaller Shivlings one of Maa Parvati and other of Shri Ganesh. It may be noted that after having  early Darshan of the Shivlinga at Holy Cave one can return to Panchtarni well in time the same day . Some pilgrims camp at Panchtarni while others continue their journey and reach back Sheshnag by the same  evening.

Taxi for Amarnath Yatra

B) Jammu – Baltal – Holy cave (414 KMs)

Jammu – Baltal (400km). –

The distance between Jammu and Baltal can be covered by Taxis / Buses available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K / bus stand or one can come to Srinagar by air and then reach Baltal by road. The road route followed is :
JAMMU – Udhampur – Kud –  Patnitop – Ramban – Banihal – KaziGund – Anantnag – Srinagar – Sonamarg – Baltal.

Taxi in Srinagar

The journey from Jammu to Baltal which is about 400 kms. is full of beautiful Sites and one can experience of being in Heaven , a  Paradise on earth. Passing through beautiful valleys, steeped mountains, one is sure of forgetting , oneself as a person ,for a while . A thrill, which is obviously there in every pilgrim gets enhanced while passing through this way owing to the Darshan of Holy Cave. In nutshell, a journey which can go down to your memory throughout the lifetime

From Baltal Holy Cave is just 14 Kms

This distance can be covered by foot / Ponies. However, Dandies are also available for handicapped and old aged pilgrims.

The width of the pebbled (kuchha) road is a bit narrow as compared to the Chandanwari-Holy Cave route, moreover , there are some steep rises & falls on the way , as compared to the Chandanwari route, but pilgrims can return back to base camp Baltal through this route only in one day.