Experience the Amarnath Yatra Trek

Pahalgam

Revered Annual Pilgrimage

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pahalgam_amarnath_yatra_trek

Overview

Located at an altitude of 12,756 feet, Amarnath Cave Shrine is one of the 18 Maha Shakti Peeths and can be undertaken by two routes—from Pahalgam as well as Srinagar.

Suggested Duration - 4-5 days

What To Expect?

Embark on the yatra trek from Pahalgam and head to Chandanwari, climb till Pissu Top and then head towards Sheshnag Lake. Once you reach Amarnath Temple, offer prayers to Lord Shiva and get captivated by the ice stalagmite Shiv Lingam placed here.

Tips

  • Children below 13 years, elderly people above 75 and pregnant women are not allowed to undertake the trek.
  • En route the cave, you’ll find many resting tents. Set up by the NGOs, they are available to pilgrims for free and offer food as well.
  • The yatra takes place in July and August only.

Amarnath, Pahalgam Overview


Amarnath is set amidst the tranquil town of Pahalgam in the KashmirValley. It is a place that offers spiritual solace and natural grandeur. The Amarnath Cave situated here holds utmost prominence for followers of Lord Shiva as it is believed to be his divine adobe. Pilgrims undertake an arduous journey each year to seek blessings from the deity.

The pilgrimage to Amarnath is a test of devotion, endurance, and faith. Pilgrims undertake the arduous trek, enduring physical challenges, to witness the natural phenomenon of the ice lingam, symbolising Lord Shiva. The sight of the ice lingam is believed to grant spiritual fulfilment and blessings.


Amarnath is known forIt houses a naturally formed ice lingam, which is believed to represent Lord Shiva.
TimingsOpens: Morning: 6:00 AM
Closes: 6:00 PM
Pony Rides: 6:00 AM to 3:00 PM
Entry FeeNot Applicable
Tips & Restrictions
  • The best time to visit the temple is during the months of July to August.

  • Restricted items include Shoes, food and Drinks, smoking and Tobacco Products and revealing clothes.
FacilitiesAccommodation, medical facilities and prasad & langar
Required Time4-5 Days(approx)

Best time to Visit Amarnath

A trip to Amarnath found nestled within Pahalgamis best enjoyed throughout summer, particularly between June and August when an extraordinary event called the annual Amarnath Yatra occurs. Thousands upon thousands of faithful pilgrims journey here each year for this occasion. Rest assured that your visit will be filled with delightful weather prospects whilst experiencing temperatures ranging from approximately 10 to 15 degrees Celsius throughout this duration.


More About Amarnath

The annual event known as the Amarnath Yatra attracts countless devotees desiring spiritual awakening and connection with divine forces. This revered pilgrimage takes participants on an expedition to uncover Pahalgam's impressive land and uniquely spectacular Amarnath Cave, where they can soak up its distinctiveness once they arrive there around July or August which has favourable climate conditions suitable for visiting it. The itinerary guides visitors through various stages designed purposefully for worshippers' removal from their daily routines here are some details on what one might expect during such an undertaking:

Start the Yatra by boarding the designated vehicles from Pahalgam to Chandanwari. Begin the trek from Chandanwari, which is the first stop of the Yatra. Then you have to trek to Sheshnag, located at an altitude of approximately 3,658 meters. From Sheshnag, head to Panchtarni, situated at an altitude of about 3,962 meters. And once you have reached Panchtarni, that�s the last camp before the Amarnath Cave. Start early morning for the final ascent to the Amarnath Cave, located at an altitude of approximately 3,888 meters.


Amarnath Services

During the revered Amarnath Yatra, it is ensured that pilgrims have access to several beneficial services for their convenience and comfort. Here are some notable service offerings:

  • Registration:Devotees are required to register themselves for the Yatra through the official website or authorised registration centres. This helps in managing the crowd and ensuring safety.

  • Accommodation:Various accommodation options are available at different Yatra camps and base camps. These include tents, prefabricated huts, and government-managed guesthouses. Prior booking or registration is necessary to secure accommodation.

  • Medical Facilities:Medical camps and facilities are set up along the Yatra route and at the base camps.

  • Security and Prasad distribution:At every step of planning for the Yatra experience, the focus remains on ensuring the utmost safety for all participating devotees. Adequate security measures in place include the deployment of local police and paramilitary forces along with provisions made for Langar facilities, offering free meals at several points throughout the route. Prasad distribution counters are also set up near the Amarnath Cave, where devotees receive blessed food offerings.

  • Yatra Guides and Escorts:Trained Yatra guides and escorts are available to assist pilgrims throughout the Yatra.

  • Ponies and Palkis:For those who find it difficult to trek, ponies and palkis (palanquins) are available for hire. These provide an alternative mode of transportation for the elderly or physically challenged devotees.

Amarnath Aarti

In honour of Lord Shiva�s presumed presence as an ice lingam within the sacred walls of Amaranth Cave during his revered annual pilgrimage, "The Armanth Yatra," devotees conduct a spiritual ritual known as "Amarnath Aarti." The gathering takes place every evening, attracting countless pilgrims seeking harmony with God while expressing reverence towards him. It's through this prayerful devotion that a divine connection maintains between man and God.

The Aarti is performed by the priests or pujaris, who are specially appointed for this purpose. The ceremony begins with the blowing of conch shells and the ringing of bells, creating a divine ambience. The priests chant sacred hymns and recite mantras dedicated to Lord Shiva, invoking his blessings and divine presence.

Devotees join in the Aarti by singing bhajans (devotional songs) and offering their heartfelt prayers to Lord Shiva. The atmosphere is filled with devotion, as pilgrims light diyas (oil lamps) and wave them in circular motions, symbolising the offering of light to the deity.


Nearby Tourist Spots

Exploring the surrounding areas of the temple can lead to discovering captivating tourist spots that celebrate the rich cultural and natural legacy of this region. Delve deeper into these destinations for a truly authentic experience.


Restaurants and Local Food in Amarnath

The restaurants near Amarnath, Pahalgam, provide a delightful dining experience and showcase the rich culinary heritage of the region. Whether you're seeking traditional Kashmiri flavours or craving international cuisine, these eateries offer a wide range of options to satisfy your taste buds.

  • Mom's Recipe:Located near Amarnath in Pahalgam, Mom's Recipe is a popular restaurant known for its delicious Indian and Kashmiri cuisine.

  • Taste Buds:If you're craving a diverse culinary experience near Amarnath, Taste Buds is a great choice as they serve vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes cooked with fresh ingredients.

  • Sifar Pahalgam:Experience true hospitality and unforgettable flavours at Sifar Pahalgam, an intimate restaurant located in the bustling heart of Pahalgam near Amarnath.

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