Facts
Amarnath cave is located in Jammu and Kashmir.
The cave is situated at distance of about 140 KM from Srinagar and an altitude of 3,888 M or 12,756 ft. from sea level.
As per legend, the cave was accidentally discovered by a Muslim shepherd boy. Now it’s a pilgrimage site for Hindus. Each year during pilgrimage, most of the facilities are provided by local Muslim youth. What a live example of brotherhood.
It is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. Round the year it is covered with snow. The holly cave is only accessible during the months of July & August.
Yatra | Trek
Registration need to done in advance via Jammu & Kashmir Bank by paying a nominal fees. Now also available online.
There are 2 routes to reach Amarnath cave. One via Pahalgam, which is easy but long, another via Baltal, which is difficult but short. Pahelgam route, takes 3 days; while the Baltal route takes only 1 day. If you are short of time then do to-and-fro by Baltal route. Baltal route also have a helicopter service, to the base of the cave. But, believe me, from that height you will miss the natural beauty & the thrill of trekking. I would recommend the route we took i.e. onward via Pahalgam and return via Baltal.
We came to Jammu Tavi station via train, from there we took cab, to reach yatri niwas, or traveler rest house, explicitly made for Amarnath jatries. At 4 am, after getting our registration checked, we are ready to board bus for Pahalgam in Srinagar.
Yatri Niwas. Don’t go by the condition you see here. At that time it was not fully complete and we are just waiting for our bus.
On the way, it is so well organized, at regular intervals there are arrangements for breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & snacks. believe it or not, all free of cost, all donated by devotees of lord Shiva.
