Main Info
Amarnath Yatra
The holy Amarnath caves attract pilgrims from all over. The only time of the year when the yatra is open is from the months of July to August. These months signify the Shravani Mela during the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar. This is also the only time when it is feasible to travel up to the caves. The main cave is located at a height of 3,888 m and at a distance of 141 km from Srinagar. The caves are reached through the Pahalgam town which acts as the base. The caves are of immense importance in Hindu mythology. They are also one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. The Amarnath Yatra is conducted annually after the Pratham Pujan, a pooja held to seek the blessings of Baba Amarnath.
The caves are covered by snow-capped mountain ranges. While during the better of the year the caves themselves are covered in snow, it is only during this time that some of it is accessible for pilgrims. Walking the path taken up for the pilgrimage is a task on its own. The rugged terrains make for thin pathways with thousand-feet drops below. The cave is 130 feet high and sees the formation of an ice pole made out of freezing of dripping water from melting snow on the roof of the cave. The structure is considered as the holy Shiva Linga.
The months from May to August see the melting of the snow in the Himalayas above the cave. The water from melted snow seeps into the rocks before fading. Religiously, it is said that the size of the Shiva Linga varies with the cycle of the moon. The growing and shrinking of the Shiva Linga reach their maxima during the festival. The cave is said to be the place where Lord Shiva bestowed the knowledge of the secret of life upon Goddess Parvati. People travel the difficult path to the caves to worship the holy Linga.
Trek From Baltal to Pahalgam
The pilgrims can take either of the two routes to the caves – via Srinagar or Pahalgam. The path from Pahalgam is 5 days long. The difficult trek is filled with dangerously steep slopes that make it difficult to climb. The journey begins from Baltal and then goes through Domial, Barari, and Sangam before reaching the caves.
Trek From Chandanwari to Pahalgam
This trek is 30 km long. This daunting path is taken up by devoted pilgrims annually to worship Baba Amarnath. It is not recommended for pregnant women and children.
Trek Distance
Approximately 36 km
Tips for Visiting Amarnath Yatra
It is prohibited for children below 12 years of age, adults over 75 years of age, and pregnant women. This trek has been considered as one of the most difficult treks and, hence, requires an issuance of a medical certificate before commencement.
How to Reach Amarnath Yatra
Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, can be reached via air. Jammu city can be reached via trains and air. You can approach operators who can help you with the trek from here.