Location : Jammu & Kashmir
Significance : Holy Cave dedicated to Lord Shiva
Best time to Visit : mid-June to August
Best time to Visit :4,175m (13,700ft)


About the Amarnath Pilgrimage Yatra
Hindu mythology says that a religious trip into a godly land washes away all your committed sins. One very expedition comes with a turn towards the pilgrimage destination of Amarnath, 145 km east of Srinagar in Kashmir. The region has been taken as living land of Lord Shiva with Goddess Parvati. According to history, along with an unknown pair of doves inside the cave have seen the secret conversation between the heavenly Shiva and Parvati, along with an unknown pair of doves. The Yatra takes place annually and is organized by the Jammu & Kashmir State Government during the month of July and August. Every year about 400, 000 people cherish the journey and the religious festival of Shravani Mela within the area.

About the Amarnath Caves
The most popular shrines in Hinduism, Amarnath caves is situated at an altitude of 3,888m and is at a distance of 141km from Srinagar. The cave measures about 150ft high and 90ft long and is dedicated to the God Shiva and his magical creation. The main attraction of the cave lies in an ice stalagmite known as the Shiva Linga. It is learnt that the Linga gets waxed during May to August and gradually diminishes with time. This lingam is believed to grow and shrink with the changing phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival. Two other ice formations resembling wife, Parvati and son, Ganesha standing on the right side. Before a darshan to the Amarnath caves some pilgrims take a refreshing bath at Amravati polish their body with the most beloved white soil, Bhasam found near the cave

Pilgrims Journey to Amarnath
There are two possible routes to reach the holy cave of Amarnath-
Jammu to Panchtarni to Amarnath Holy Cave
This route is tough and yet a number of pilgrims follow the path. tough route still nearly one and a half lac pilgrims visit every year . The journey from Jammu takes place via road and the routes goes as such Pahalgam - Chandanwari - Pissu top –Sheshnag – Panchtarni (6 km) and lastly to the holy cave of Amarnath

Jammu to Baltal to Holy cave
This easy route can be easily undertaken with a smooth travel via four Wheelers. The roads covers several beautiful sites and follows the cited path. Jammu- Udhampur- Kud- Patnitop-Ramban- Banihal- KaziGund- Anantnag- Srinagar- Sonamarg – Baltal and at last after a 14kms safari by foot or ponies, you are set to explore the holy Amaranth caves. It has been calculated that Baltal is 400 kms from Jammu. Sometime the width of the road gets disturbed and gets more narrow in comparison to the Panchatarni route, which makes the travel complicated.

Climate of the Amaranth region
The climatic conditions dominating the religious Amarnath is very uncertain. The cave may get showered with rain-drops or snow may cover the path and place in no time during the yatra. The temperature may fall up to -5 ° C and as such devotees are suggested to take all their necessities with them.

Preparing Yourself for Amarnath Pilgrimage Yatra
Health
The Yatra involves trekking at an altitude of 14, 000 ft. As such check, if you are physically and mentally fit to undertake journey. Collect a medically certified reports and forward it to the registering authority designated for your area of residence. Carry a first-aid kit, filled with essential medicines.

Clothes
Carry sufficient woolen clothes, rain coat, sleeping bag or blankets or a set of bedding items water proof tent

Necessary stuff
Load your luggage with healthyfood items, water bottle, plastic plate and Spoons. Also carry a walking stick of proper hand grip.

Official formalities
Prior registration of pilgrims to Amarnath are undertaken before a month ahead of the commencement date, so do plan as early as possible and have a regular contact with the concerned authority.

Yatra Time
While you are moving for your Amarnath Pilgrimage Yartra, ensure that you maintain discipline and a follow a steady trekking process.

How to reach Amarnath Region
By Air :Indian Airlines had daily flights to Delhi and Srinagar. There are also flights to Bombay, Calcutta, Chandigarh and Leh. The Indian Airlines office(542-735) is at the Tourist Reception Centre on Vir Marg.

By Rail :Several railheads connect Jammu from Delhi. The Shalimar Express departs from Delhi at 4.10 pm and arrives in Jammu at 7 am. There are direct trains from Jammu to Bombay and Calcutta (Jammu Tawi Exp # 3152, daily, 6.15 pm, 46 ½ hr).

By Road :State transport buses ply regularly between Jammu and Srinagar as well as other neighboring cities. Jammu is situated at a distance of 315 km from Pahalgam, a distance which can be covered by taxis or buses. Buses are available at the tourist reception center located at Raghunath Bazaar. Another option is to travel to Srinagar by Air and board a bus from there. A third option is to take a bus to Baltal from Jammu (400 Km), from where the holy cave is located at a distance of just 14 km.

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