Amarnath Yatra Planning: Travel Tips

Amarnath Yatra is organized every year by the government of Jammu and Kashmir between the months of June to August. This time of the year also happens to be the festive time of Shravana Mela. There are many Hindu legends interwoven in and around Amarnath Cave one of which say that the Shiva, the Hindu god of destruction, imparted the secret of immortality to his consort Parvati in the cave of Amarnath.

Amarnath Yatra Planning: Travel Tips

Amarnath Yatra is one of the most popular Hindu pilgrimages in India besides Chardham Yatra and Vaishno Devi Yatra which are also undertaken by millions of devotees each year. Then there are temple tours which are undertaken by scores of devotees and tourists alike.

Since it’s a trekking trail from Baltal, the pilgrimage to Amarnath requires physical and mental agility. The lush landscape and rolling hills do provide refreshment both to the eyes and the mind of the pilgrims. Whereas the young and adventurous souls prefer to walk to the cave on foot, aged people and those who have a time constraint often prefer to undertake pilgrimage to Amarnath by helicopter.

Trekking in the Amarnath is a thrilling experience as the place is situated in the narrow gorge nestled along the Lidder Valley at an average altitude of 3,888 meters above the sea level. Pilgrims undertaking Amarnath Yatra could begin either from Baltal (near Zoji La pass) or from Pahalgam.  Each of these destinations is blessed with scenic natural beauty.

You shall need registration for Amarnath Yatra to get the yatra permit, without which you could not go beyond Pahalgam (Chandanwari) and Baltal (Domel) for the Amarnath Yatra.

To register for Amarnath Yatra, you could visit www.shriamarnathjishrine.com and download the Application Form and the prescribed Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC).

It is always advisable to carry enough warm clothes and insect repellents while you are going on a pilgrimage to Amarnath.

Non vegetarian food is not allowed on the Amarnath Yatra route as well as fried rice, creams, butter, fast food, pickles, cold drinks and sweets (jalebi, halwa, gulab jamun etc.) are banned in the area.

Also carry stock of biscuit, sugar, candies, chocolate, assorted dry fruits, milk powder, honey, pickles, and tinned foods along with you to help you regain your energy especially if you are trekking to the Amarnath Cave.

There are certain rules and regulations set by the organizing committee for a smooth Amarnath Yatra; thus every pilgrim is expected to obey these rules so that best can be enjoyed during this holy journey to the abode of Lord Shiva.

On your way back you could always enjoy a refreshing short break in Srinagar and do some Shikara ride, visit to Mughal gardens as well as take short detours to Gulmarg and Pahalgam for skiing and gondola rides.

Scenic surroundings, route to Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir

Spectacular Landscape thrills the pilgrims and tourist en route Amarnath Cave

How to Reach Amarnath:

The nearest airport to reach Amarnath is in Srinagar which also happens to be the capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Srinagar is a beautiful valley having spectacular sightseeing options such as Dal Lake, Nagina Lake, Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Garden, Shankaracharya Temple etc. Jammu is the nearest Railway Station from where there are buses and taxis available to reach either Pahalgam or Baltal from where trek to Amarnath Cave commences. Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road from other cities of India.

And if you are looking for a pre-packaged pilgrimage tour to visit Amarnath, you may visit the website of India Pilgrim Tours.

Author Bio: Contributed by Nikhil Chandra