For those who worship Lord Shiva, one of the most significant pilgrimages in India is Amarnath, which is situated in Jammu and Kashmir‘s union territory. An encased Shivaling that mimics Lord Shiva and was naturally made out of ice may be found in the Amarnath cave.
The ‘Amarnath Yatra‘ is a strenuous mountain journey that draws millions of tourists to Amarnath each year from all over the world. According to legend, Goddess Parvati received the revelation of life’s ultimate truth from Lord Shiva in this very cave.
Only in July through August, during Sharavan, is Amarnath Cave accessible. There are two ways to complete the Amarnath Yatra: via Pahalgam or Baltal. Despite being shorter, the trekking route on the Baltal trail is steeper. Although it is longer, the majority of devotees favor the Pahalgam path. From the base point, Amarnath may be reached in three to five days on average. Private operators are already offering helicopter services on each of these itineraries. To go on the sacred pilgrimage to Amarnath, believers must register and make reservations in advance.
Places To Visit In Amarnath
1. Amarnath Cave
Every year, thousands of Hindu pilgrims flock to the Amarnath Cave, a Hindu shrine situated in Jammu & Kashmir. It is 3,888 meters above sea level. Amarnath belongs to the class of Hindu shrines that are most well-known. When the cave is open in the summer, thousands of devotees travel there in droves to see the ice stalagmite that has formed inside. They must navigate difficult mountain terrain to get to the cave.
2. Amarnath Yatra
Every year, during the Shravani Mela in July and August (Shravan month in the Hindu calendar), thousands of pilgrims travel the Amarnath yatra path to see the Amarnath Cave, which is only accessible during this time of year. Reached through the town of Pahalgam, the cave is situated at an elevation of 3,888 meters, approximately 141 kilometers from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The shrine is regarded as one of the holiest in Hinduism and has a significant role in the religion. Pratham Pujan, which is held to call upon Baba Amarnath’s blessings, is held to commemorate the yearly “Amarnath Yatra”.
3. Baltal
Baltal, located at a height of 2743 meters, serves as a suitable stopping point for those pilgrims who are religiously drawn to the Amarnath Cave. This location, which is 14 miles from Amarnath, acts as the base camp for pilgrims who have made suitable preparations to pitch tents for the night.
In addition, Baltal is well known for its incredibly scenic surroundings. Reputable towns like Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg are nearby.
4. Pahalgam
Pahalgam Located in Anantnag district, about 90 km from Srinagar, Pahalgam is a beautiful hill station in Jammu and Kashmir that attracts many tourists. Located on the banks of the Liddar River, Pahalgam’s rugged terrain, lush green meadows, and snow-capped mountains make it a perfect destination for adventure lovers. The Kolahoi Glacier tour in the beautiful village of Aru is one of the most popular destinations.
Sheshnag Lake located near Pahalgam is a real delight. Moreover, the long rivers of Pahalgam are a great place for fishing enthusiasts. Baisaran, also called Mini Switzerland, is a beautiful place located 6 km from Pahalgam. You can take a walk or have a picnic in this region, where peaceful meadows, white lakes, and beautiful sculptures are located. Baisaran also offers pony riding, zorbing, etc. Activities are also offered. Activities are also offered.
Well-liked Amarnath Packages
| Packages | Price | Days | Inclusion | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sonamarg, Srinagar | ₹ 16,999* | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Other, Meals | |
| Sonamarg, Srinagar | ₹ 16,900* | 2 Nights / 3 Days | Hotels, Car, Meals | |
| Sonamarg, Srinagar | ₹ 20,350* | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Hotels, Car, Sightseeing, Other, Meals | |
| Pahalgam, Amarnath, Srinagar | ₹ 20,476* | 4 Nights / 5 Days | Hotels, Car, Meals | |
| Pahalgam, Panjtarni, Srinagar | ₹ 28,000* | 3 Nights / 4 Days | Hotels, Car, Meals, Flights |
Best Time To Visit Pahalgam
The ideal months to visit Pahalgam for outdoor adventure activities like skiing, sledding, and trekking are March through November. During this period, the temperature varies from 1 to 12 degrees Celsius. April through June is the busiest time of year in Pahalgam. These months are ideal for touring and fast picnics because the temperature fluctuates from 11 to 25 degrees Celsius. Travelers who are participating in the well-known Amarnath Yatra stop in Pahalgam in July and August.
