Amarnath Yatra: The Journey Of A Lifetime

It’s an extremely difficult terrain wrought with dangers at every step. Travellers have to often brave not just rocky roads and extremely high altitudes, but also sleet, snow and pounding rain. However, these physical challenges mean little to devotees who are usually prepared to face the worst on their journey to the holy cave of Amarnath, as they embark on their annual pilgrimage, known as the Amarnath Yatra. The cave, which contains a holy lingam, symbolic of Lord Shiva, is considered to be one of the holiest spots for Hindus the world over. The pilgrimage is undertaken by lakhs of devotees every year and is not only a test of faith and devotion, but also one’s physical fitness and endurance.

What You Should Know

The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the Jammu & Kashmir government between the months of July and August, depending on the weather conditions. Since travellers must brave altitudes of nearly 3,900 metres above sea level, weather plays a crucial part, especially since the famous caves are covered in snow almost the entire year. Undertaking the yatra is no mean feat, although the government tries its best to makes things comfortable for the pilgrims. The first step is to register with the government, for which travellers have to fill in a form declaring their age and fitness. These forms are available in Jammu and Srinagar as well as J&K tourist offices in most major cities – New Delhi, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Chennai, Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Travellers also need to be insured, taking into account the very dangerous nature of the journey.

The Journey, Route & Accommodation

The yatra is usually undertaken either from Srinagar or picturesque Pahalgam. Travellers need to walk the entire distance on foot – a journey which usually requires at least five days. There is another shorter northern route, but it is fraught with dangers and has a very steep climb. Yatris can take a bus or hire taxis from Jammu or Srinagar to Pahalgam. Tented accommodation as well as food is provided by the government for a nominal charge en route. Several charitable organisations and NGOs also provide tented accommodation for travellers free of cost. For those who find it impossible to undertake the journey on foot can reach as close as 6 kilometres short of the cave by helicopter, run by various private operators. For those who prefer to travel on foot the journey may be arduous but it has its advantages – breathtaking views of mighty snow-clad mountains, rolling meadows, and stunning vistas.

Amarnath Cave - The Ultimate Destination

The main reason for undertaking the yatra is the darshan of the holy lingam found within the Amarnath Cave. Each year, the melting snow on the Himalayas allow some water to seep into the cave that takes the form of a lingam, which according to Hindu belief symbolizes Lord Shiva. The formation of the lingam, though scientifically explained, is considered to be nothing short of a divine miracle and is the reason why thousands of people undertake the journey. Seeing the lingam and offering prayers is considered to be of great religious significance. Two other ice formations inside the cave are said to represent Shiva’s consort Parvati and his son Ganesha.

Do Remember…

The Amarnath Yatra is a difficult journey, despite the facilities and security provided by the J&K government and various non-profitable organisations. Travelers should therefore keep the following things in mind when undertaking the journey:

• Sickness and death en route the caves in not unknown and can occur due to various reasons; it is therefore strongly recommended that those undertaking the yatra be insured.
• The weather is chilly even in the summer months and travellers must be suitably clad in warm clothes, and carry extra woolens.
• It can rain at any time and carrying a raincoat/mackintosh, and a portable umbrella is recommended.
• Those who are not very physically fit, prone to asthmatic attacks or other ailments should not undertake the journey on foot.
• Registering with the government in advance to undertake the yatra is essential.

You can also sign up for Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage tour packages on MakeMyTrip.com or book your bus and train tickets online.