Amarnath is considered as of the most spiritual pilgrimage destinations of India with devotees of Lord Shiva and the yatra is organized every year by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. The main cave is located at the altitude height of 12,756 ft from the sea level and is covered with snow throughout the year and is open only for 36 -40 during the period of summer Every year ‘Amarnath Yatra’ begin with the ‘Pratham Pujan’ which is said to seek the grace and blessings of Baba Amarnath/ Baba Barfani. This yatra attracts numerous devotees from all the locations of world
There is a beliefs, the Amarnath Cave is the location where God Shiva was sharing Amar Katha to Goddess Parvati with the intention of maintaining secrecy. That is the reason he left all his accompanying members behind. His riding friend – Nandi, the bull – was left behind at Pahalgam, the moon atop his hairs / head at Chandanwari, the snake enrolled & adorned around his neck at Lake Sheshnag, the basic essentials 5 showcasing survival of mankind that he carried at Panchtarini and even his beloved son- Lord Ganesha himself- at Mahaguna top.
When he completed the entire narration, he sawthat Goddess Parvati had fallen asleep and a parrot was listening the entire story. With full anxiety and infuriation the Lord threw his Trishul to kill the Parrot. To save himself, the parrot with incarnated soul entered the womb of the saint’s wife. The child was born to become a famous saint Baba Amarnath.
Important Information
Number of devotees allowed per day: 1500 (750 each on two decided routes)
#Age to conduct the Yatra : 14 to 74 years
Key guidelines for Amarnath Yatra
As a safety measure children below 13 years, elders aged above 75 years and ladies more than 6 weeks pregnant are not allowed to conduct this spiritual tour
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How to Reach Amarnath
The two routes managed and maintained to conduct the yatra to reach Amarnath Cave and both these routes excellent connectivity from all the parts of India. To start from Srinagar or Pahalgam, Pilgrim will have to trek to a height of more than 14,000 feet. Hence, most important aspect of this Yatra is you should be physically fit and mentally prepared for the journey .The two routes to Amarnath Yatra are:
Yatra from Baltal to Amarnath Cave:
This is the most popular and shortest route to reach the #cave. The location of Baltal is 14 km from the Cave and have option for the pilgrims to only walk. Mules are not allowed. However, there is optionof ‘Dolis’. The trek via Baltal usually takes 1-2 days to complete. This route is usually undertaken by the pilgrims who are healthy , young and looking for some adventure amidst the religious trip.
Yatra from Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave:
Usually this is most preferable route and is approximately 47 km from the main Amarnath Cave Site. The first point of Yatra starts at Chandanwari which is 16 km from basecamp of Pahalgam & it is at the altitude of at 9,515 feet. There after is Pissu top, which is just 3 km away and located at 11,030 ft, there after Shesnag – 9 km from Pissu top at 11,730 ft, followed by the Panjtarni-12 km ahead and located at 12,000 feet. Pilgrims who are unable to walk to this distance can opt for Helicopter services easily available for it. The trek time is 3-5 days one way and same for return.
Registration process for Amarnath Yatra
In order to register for Amarnath Yatra permit, first step is to submit Application Form and Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued by the Authorized Institutions / Doctors by SASB online.
Note: Application Form and Health Certificate are available free of cost at the various Registration Branch but Doctors Certificate you will have to bring.
#Essential Requirements for Amarnath Yatra
For Pilgrims planning to conduct Amarnath Yatra, make sure all the formalities are completed. It is essential to register for the Amarnath Yatra and to get registered, make sure you fulfill the below requirements.
- All pilgrims/travellers planning to opt for the helicopter services for Amarnath Yatra are required to carry with them a Medical Fitness Certificate from a doctor authorized by SASB (Amarnath Shrine Board), which certifies your fitness for the physically Fit for this kind of strenuous journey.
- Other essential documents you must carry during the Yatra are Voter ID, Driving License, and Passport and passport size 4 photos for your identity.
#Facilities at Shri Amarnath Yatra
Very exotic facilities are available for the devotees with the efforts of the Central Government and State Government Police Forces , Indian Army, along with NGOs and government provided services. There are stalls and resting camps (Pandals) with a continuous supply of variety of food. The conduction and implementation of the Yatra is majorly done by #Shri Amarnath Yatra trust which provides facilities like power supply, telecommunication, firewood etc. Helicopter facilities from base camp to Panjtarni (6 km from the cave) are also available from various private operators, wwho arrange same day or next shuttle packages
#Weather in Amarnath
The weather in Amarnath fluctuates and change quite frequently. Temperature during the yatra fluctuates between 08 -35 degrees so woollens and good footwear is a must to be taken along for the Yatra.
