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Amarnath Trekking holds profound importance for Hindus all over the world. Winding through the majestic Himalayas to the Amarnath cave temple, this is a journey of devotion, self-discovery and faith. Held in the Hindi month of Shravan which falls between July and August, the trek is about 40 kilometres long and is a great way to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city and reconnect with your adventurous as well as spiritual self.
Quick Details About Amarnath Trekking
Location: Anantnag District, Jammu and Kashmir
Starting Point: Chandanwari
Ending Point: Amarnath Cave
Altitude: 5,486m above sea level
Duration: 3-5 days
Level Of Difficulty: Moderate to difficult
Best Time: May to July
Nearest Railway Station: Jammu Railway station
Nearest Airport: Jammu International Airport
About Amarnath Trekking
Photo: Gktambe / Wikimedia Commons
The Amarnath Yatra trek attracts lakhs of devotees every year from July to August. This is because this is the only time when the cave is accessible. Located at a distance of 141 km from Srinagar, the cave temple of Amarnath is at a height of 3,888 m. Considered to be one of the holiest shrines of Hinduism, the yatra is marked annually by ‘Pratham Pujan’ for invoking the blessings of Lord Shiva. The cave witnesses the formation of an ice Lingam with the water dripping from the cave ceiling. As per Hindu belief, this lingam shrinks and grows as per the phases of the moon.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Srinagar In Winter
How To Register For Amarnath Trekking
Photo: Harsh Chauhan / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
The registration for the Amarnath trekking is done on a first come first serve basis. Every registrant has to fill out a form and submit a health certificate to get a Yatra permit. These forms are available at registered bank branches free of cost as well as online. There is a group registration scheme too for yatris looking to travel in groups.
Amarnath Yatra Routes
Two routes can be followed to reach the Amarnath Cave temple. These are Baltal to Amarnath and Pahalgam to Amarnath.
1. Baltal- Amarnath Route
Photo: Nckumbhkar / Wikimedia Commons
The starting point of this trek is from Baltal with the next stop being Domali which is around 2 km away. From there on, it takes around 6 km more to reach Barari with 4 more km to Sangam. It takes just 2 more km then to reach the Amarnath Cave. This is one of the shorter Amarnath Trekking routes that takes just 1 to 2 days for a complete round trip. In total, this trek covers 14 km of difficult terrain and weather conditions with no ponies.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit Near Kashmir
2. Pahalgam- Amarnath Route
Photo: Guptaele / Wikimedia Commons
The base camp of this yatra lies at Pahalgam reaching Chandanwadi. The distance between both places is about 16 km. From Chandanwadi, a further 13 km trek goes to Sheshnag and a further 4.6 km to Panchtarni. There on, it’s just a 2 km walk to Amarnath Temple. It takes almost 3 to 5 days to complete this route. Though it is longer, it is the most preferred one due to the ease and natural beauty of this trekking route. There is also the option of hiring a pony or a palki to make the route easier.
Where To Stay
Photo: Alessandro Capuzzi / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
There are several camps with prefabricated huts that are available for staying overnight at Baltal, Sheshnag, Panjtarni and Nunwan. Organised by the temple shrine board through several private contractors, they cost around INR 250- 375 per night. Other accommodation options include huts and private tents that are placed at multiple places along the whole Amarnath trekking route. These have the option of cot and floor both with mattresses, quilts, pillows and blankets. Prices of these camps range from INR 250- 1000 per night. The tents are available at the following places:
Baltal Route: Baltal, Manigam, Holy Cave
Pahalgam Route: Chandanwari, Nunwan, Panjtarni, Sheshnag
Suggested Read: Offbeat Places In Kashmir
Where To Eat
Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
During the Amarnath Yatra route, there is a full facility for refreshments, water and food available for free. There are langars set up at several locations during the trekking period. For those looking to cook their food during the trekking, there is a ration available at fair prices at government depots located at Sheshnag, Chandanwari and Panjtarni. Several small restaurants and tea stalls are also located on the route. One should carry ready snacks like biscuits, chocolate, dry fruits, and roasted chana for the trip. There is a cafeteria too at the Neelgrath helipad waiting lounge.
Other Factors To Consider
Photo: dlxmedia.hu / Unsplash / Wikimedia Commons
Tips For Travellers
- One can book tickets for the bus facility made available by Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation during the Amarnath trekking period. These start from Srinagar and Jammu to Baltal and Pahalgam.
- Emergency medical aid centres and base hospitals are made available to trekkers during the complete route.
- There is a cloakroom facility by Amarnathji Shrine Board at Amarnath Cave, Baltal and Nunwan for INR 10 for 24 hours.
- Baltal base camp also has a parking facility.
- One needs to completely prepare for this trek before registration by being fit and walking 4-5 km every day.
- Yoga, breathing exercises and pranayam can be done for oxygen-efficient improvement.
- Keep drinking lots of water to avoid dehydration
- In case of altitude sickness, descend quickly.
- In case of any serious illness symptoms, it is best to contact the nearest medical aid centre.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol or caffeine during the trek.
Suggested Read: Kashmir Temples
Amarnath, considered one of the holiest shrines by Hindus, attracts a lot of devotees every year from all over the world. From the routes to how to register, it is best to read carefully and understand the route you want to take while booking your tour package with TripXL. This will help you in having a hassle-free Amarnath Trekking experience.
Cover Photo: Harsh Chauhan / Unsplash
