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Occasion: Amarnath Yatra

Location: Jammu and Kashmir

Best Time to visit: June- July

Famous Attraction: The snow clad shrine of the Lord Shiva in the beautiful northern India of Jammu and Kashmir

Excursion Trip: Jammu and Kashmir, Vaishno Devi, Pahalgam, Srinagar, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Leh/Ladakh, Kargil.

The Trip to Amarnath Yatra is the well known yatra that is devoted to the Lord Shiva or Mahadev which is located at the height of the around four thousand kms, on the mountain of Amarnath in the Jammu and Kashmir. The Yatra of Amarnath is popular in the pilgrimage for the Hindus. The Amarnath Yatra starts every year around the month of June and July that is during the festival of Sharavan Mela.

There are many mythological stories are linked up with the Amarnath Yatra. According to the tales of Amarnath, it is said that it is here in the cave of Amarnath Lord Shiva has revealed the secrets of immortality to his wife Parvati and therefore the place has been named as Amareshwar. Amarnath Yatra attracts many tourists from not only in India but from all over the world. Tourists are mainly attracted by the darshan of ice shiva linga along with the formation of two other ice formations which represents Shri Ganesha and Mata Parvati.

Amarnath Yatra is organized every year by the Jammu and Kashmir government during the month of Sharavan (July to August). It is situated at the height of 14,500 ft and it is full of enthusiasm and thrill. The place is surrounded by the cave and prayers are performed before the Shiva Linga.

Climate:

The climate of the place is very uncertain. Snowfall and Rain can come anytime, at any place during the yatra. The temperature can fall up to -5 degree C. There is no prediction of rain, sunny weather can turn into rain at any time.

Significance of Amarnath Cave:

This is the cave that is chosen by Lord Shiva for explaining the secret behind immortality and the creation of the universe to his wife Parvati. Mata Parvati has insisted to speak the secret behind the immortality. He was in search of the lonely cave where no living being could listen it. He chose the Amarnath cave. During this he left his Nandi (the bull which he drives) at Pahalgam. Lord Shiva has left five elements (Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky) which makes the living being.

Discovery of Holy Cave:

The story was narrated by the people about the Holy Cave is of a Gujjar (shepherd) Buta Malik who has given the credit for the discovery for the discovery of the holy cave. The story of the discovery of Amarnath cave goes on like a saint named Buta Malik gave a bag full of coal. On reaching home when he opened the bag it was full of gold coins. That made him thrilled and happy. He ran to thank the saint. But when he gone back the saint was disappeared. Instead of that he found the holy Shiv Lingam in that cave. He then announced for the discovery to the Holy Amarnath cave.

Things to do:

Trekking in the Amarnath is a thrilling experience for the devotees who came to visit the Amarnath from not only in India but also from the devotees from round the globe. The place is situated at the narrow gorge and the farther end of the Lidder Valley at around 3,888 meters above the sea level. The Amarnath Cave is located at at approx 45 km from Pahalgam and is 141 km from Srinagar. The Amarnath Yatra trekking is considered as the most sacred and most ancient trek of the country. The extending of the Amarnath Cave is high and shallow.

Do’s and Dont’s for the pilgrims:

• The people who are not mentally or physically fit must not go for the Yatra as it involves the traveling to the altitude of 14,000 ft.
• The devotees who are going for the Amarnath Yatra must also carry the woolen which can include sweaters, woolen body warmers, trousers, monkey caps, mufflers, and other cold fighting apparel
• A visitor must also carry the eatable stocks like biscuit, sugar, candies, chocolate, assorted dry fruits, milk powder, honey, pickles, and tinned foods.
• Ration foods and firewood must also be carried which is available to en route and can be purchased.
• Alcohol is strictly prohibited in the area.
• Don’t overstrain on steep gradients.
• Don’t relax at places where warning signs are fixed.
• Don’t break traffic discipline.
• Do not pay more to any of the hired services for which the prices are fixed.

How to reach Amarnath Yatra?

Air: The nearest Aerodrome for visiting Amarnath Yatra is Srinagar. Srinagar is the most beautiful valley which is having the world famous sites like Dal lake, Nagina Lake, Shankaracharya temple, Mughal Gardens, etc. Therefore the place is called as the ‘Paradise on Earth’. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu. On some week days flights also pickup passengers from Chandigarh and Amritsar.

Rail: Jammu is the nearest Railway Station to the place. Jammu is the beautiful place which is known as the winter capital of the state. And is also known as the ‘city of temples’. It is well connected with all stations of India.

Road: Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road. Buses and Taxis are also available for this part of the journey .These can be hired on daily as well as full tour basis.