One of the significant religious sojourn to Hindu holy pilgrimage, Amarnath yatra attracts thousands of faithfuls from different part of the world to visit the mystic Amarnath caves every year in the month of July/August. Amarnath caves are situated at 145km east of Srinagar in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir and located at a height of 14,000 feet above the sea level and require sheer mental strength to achieve the peak. The trek is no doubt tough and adding insult to the injury, coincide with rainy season when pilgrims have to brave past the chilling rainy conditions to reach the place for greater good.
Amarnath cave temple is an unknown mystery for many as it is said that here Lord Shiva unfolded the secret of immortality to his wife Parvati. Meanwhile a mating doves eavesdropped on this conversation and eventually learnt the secret. And henceforth, they reincarnate again again in the cave since time immemorial. Though a mythological grapevine but some devotees claimed that they have seen the pair of doves in the caves. The main motive of the trek is to pay reverence to the great ice lingam, which is also a holy wonder for many. The ice lingam(phallus) of lord Shiva in Amarnath cave changes size with the seasons, and also as the moon rises and ebbs, the size changes bigger and smaller respectively. On the full moon day the linga is pinnacled to its maximum about six feet high. It is truly amazing and must be witnessed once in life. The annual yatra (travel) to Amarnath cave temple is been organized by Jammu and Kashmir government every year in the month of July-August. The cave is open to visitors for a month or so. Base camp of Amarnath yatra is arranged at Pahalgam and from there pilgrims trek to 14,000 feet to reach the cave to behold the beauty of ice lingam.
Invaluable Suggestions
Amarnath yatra is a tough job to do and require physical and mental strength to climb 14000 feet. Therefore, before you journey get yourself medically checked and certified fit for the journey. You need to submit the certificate to the registration authority designated for your area of residence.
Pack your bag with cold fighting apparels. You must carry woolen clothes, body warmers, water proof shoes, sleeping bags, water proof tents, raincoats, torch and walking sticks.
You must carry dry food stock such as biscuits, dry cakes, milk powder,dry fruits, tinned food and lots of chocolates. Carry sufficient water with you.
You can purchased firewood quota ,which is available en route.
Remember to rent only registered pony carriers, porters and dandyman. They are prefixed by government.
At not a single point loose contact with your pony that carry your belongings
Maintain a steady pace and discipline as it is a holy expedition. Instruction from your guide should be clung to.
You need to take an accommodation at Pahalgam. Therefore, take sufficient money with you.
Medical facilities during travel is free under state government. Still it is advisable to carry your personal medical kit.
Alcohol is strictly prohibited
Do not dare to relax where warning signs are fixed.
Tourists without registration card, ill clad, aged will not be allowed to passed beyond Pahalgam and Baltal.
Carry a your name, address and accompany's details with you.
It is advised to insure yourself before the yatra.
You are not allowed to touch the lingam or not throw anything in the cave.
From Pahalgam – Pahalgam is located 96 kms from Srinagar and 46 kms from Amarnath. Its common practice to start the trek from Pahalgam where all the base camp is been held.
From Baltal- The second way to reach Amarnath is from Sonmarg via Baltal altitude about 3000 meters. Baltal is a charming small valley situated at the foothills of Zojila Pass.
From Air – The nearest airport is in Badgham district. It is well connected to major Indian cities.
From Rail - Nearest railway head is in Jammu, which is 300 kms away.
From Road - Convenient road service is available to reach on the NH1A highway. It will take around 10 to 12 hours to cross the dizzy mountainous path.
