AMARNATH YATRA
Amarnath cave is a Hindu shrine located in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 m (12,756 ft), about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir and reached through Pahalgam town. The shrine forms an important part of Hinduism, and is considered to be one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. The cave is surrounded by snowy mountains. The cave itself is covered with snow most of the year except for a short period of time in summer when it is open for pilgrims. Thousands of Hindu devotees make an annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave on challenging mountainous terrain to see an ice stalagmite formed inside the cave.
Route
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Amarnath pilgrims en route the holy shrine
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Devotees travel on foot, either from Srinagar or from Pahalgam. The latter journey takes approximately 5 days.
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The State Road Transport Corporation and Private Transport Operators provide the regular services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Also privately hired taxis are available from Jammu & Kashmir.
HOW TO REACH
Flight
The nearest airport is Srinagar. One must then take a cab to Baltal which is 62 kms away from Amarnath to reach the destination. One can also instead head to Pahalgam from Srinagar.
Road
Amarnath is on a very treacherous terrain, hence it is not very well connected by road. One travels to Jammu and then one has to go by road to Srinagar and then to reach Baltal or Pahalgam. Baltal is the shortest trek on the way up to Amarnath, but slightly difficult. Pahalgam trek is longer and relatively safer and more suited for families and elder people. People can also hire ponies and palkies to counter the strenuous terrain. From Baltal, it is a 1-2 day trek (15 km) to reach Amarnath. However, the Pahalgam route is relatively longer and takes around 3-5 days (36-48 km).
Train
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There are no direct trains to Amarnath. The nearest station is Jammu, at a distance of 178 kms from Amarnath. From Jammu, one can hire cabs to reach either Baltal or Pahalgam. From Baltal, it is a 1-2 day trek (15 km) to reach Amarnath. However, the Pahalgam route is relatively longer and takes around 3-5 days (36-48 km).