Amarnath - A haven for pilgrims.
For those who worship Lord Shiva, one of the most significant pilgrimages in India is Amarnath, which is situated in Jammu and Kashmir's union territory. An encased Shivaling that mimics Lord Shiva and was naturally made out of ice may be found in the Amarnath cave.
The 'Amarnath Yatra' is a strenuous mountain journey that draws millions of tourists to Amarnath each year from all over the world. According to legend, Goddess Parvati received the revelation of life's ultimate truth from Lord Shiva in this very cave.
Only in the months of July through August, during Sharavan, is Amarnath Cave accessible. There are two ways to complete the Amarnath Yatra: via Pahalgam or via Baltal. Despite being shorter, the trekking route on the Baltal trail is steeper. Although it is longer, the majority of devotees favour the Pahalgam path. From the base point, Amarnath may be reached in three to five days on average. Private operators are already offering helicopter services on each of these itineraries. To go on the sacred pilgrimage to Amarnath, believers must register and make reservations in advance.
Best time to visit Amarnath
May through July is when Amarnath is most beautiful. The majority of the year is spent out of tourist access to the Amarnath Cave and Temple. Every year, the Amarnath Yatra is announced and takes place for a set amount of time. According to the Hindu calendar, it normally starts on the auspicious day of Skandshasthi in July and finishes on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in August. The area experiences reasonably temperate temperatures throughout these months, ranging from about 10°C to 25°C, making hiking and spiritual pursuits agreeable. But throughout the trip, it's critical to be ready for unforeseen weather conditions and difficulties associated to altitude. Additionally, due to the religious significance of the pilgrimage, it's advisable to book accommodations and make travel arrangements well in advance.
How to Reach Amarnath
The Srinagar airport is the one closest to Amarnath. In any case, the trip starts in Pahalgam, which is two hours' bus ride from the airport. The Jammu Tawi Railway Station continues to be the closest train station to Pahalgam. From there, you can take a helicopter, walk, or ride a pony to go to Amarnath.