New Delhi: The famous pilgrimage of Amarnath is going to start from July 1 this year. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the holy Amarnath Cave every year and a variety of options are provided to the pilgrims to make their journey. Pilgrims can make their journey on foot or by hiring palanquins and ponies. Helicopter facility is also available for Amarnath Yatris.
Traditional routes of Amarnath Yatra
There are two traditional routes for the Amarnath Yatra, one from Pahalgam to the Holy Cave and the other from Baltal to the Holy Cave. Travelers can reach both the base camps from Jammu through buses and taxis.
Pahalgam to Holy Cave route
Pahalgam is at a distance of 315 km from Jammu which can be covered by taxis and buses. However, the distance from Srinagar to Pahalgam is only 96 km. Once you reach Pahalgam, pilgrims can start their journey from Pahalgam on foot or by ponies and palanquins. From Pahalgam, the route covers Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Shahnag, Panchtarni and finally the holy cave and the traveler completes the journey of about 37 km. Pilgrims are allowed to start their journey from Pahalgam from 5.30 am to 10 am.
Chandanwadi
Chandanwari is the first stop from Pahalgam and is located at a distance of 16 km from the base camp and the trail along the way to the river is a treat for the eyes. One can find many ‘langars’ serving food to the pilgrims. Also Read – Amarnath Yatra 2023: Why Is Samosa, Jalebi, Pizza, Burger Etc Banned? Check food items allowed for pilgrims
flea top
As the name suggests, from Chandanwari you have to climb a height to reach Pissu Top which is 3 km from Chandanwari. The legend says that there was a war between the gods and the demons to see Lord Shiva and with the help of the gods Shiva killed so many demons that the pile of their dead bodies turned into a high mountain or Pissu Top.
Sheshnag
The course of the Amarnath Yatra from Pissu Top takes you to Sheshnag where you can stay at night camps and watch the deep blue waters of the Sheshnag Lake. At Sheshnag you can enjoy a bonfire and listen to the tales of love and revenge associated with the ancient mountain peak.
Panchtarni
Panchtarni is the next stop from Sheshnag but you have to climb the highest peak of the trail which is 4.6 km from Sheshnag and there are high chances of the travelers getting sick as they are on their way to reach the Mahagunas top situated at an altitude of 14000 feet. ,
Oxygen deficiency is very common at this altitude so it is advised to immediately contact the nearest medical center. From Mahgunas peak, the pilgrims will descend to the grazing land of Panchtarni which is about 6 km.
holy cave
From Panchtarni begins the final stretch of the yatra and on the way to the holy cave, travelers come across the confluence of the Amaravati and Panjtarni rivers. You can take a bath at Amaravati near the holy cave before going for darshan.
Baltal to Holy Cave route
Baltal is more popular among Amarnath pilgrims because of its short distance. One can go to Baltal via Sonamarg. Pilgrims can reach Sonamarg from Srinagar by road. The trek from Baltal to the holy cave of Amarnath is very steep and is 14 km one way. Only extremely fit pilgrims can visit the holy cave and trek 28 km back to the base.
The journey from Jammu to Baltal is about 400 km and is full of natural beauty consisting of waterfalls, valleys and greenery. Compared to the Chandanwadi route, the pebble (unpaved) road of the Baltal route is narrow and the trek is full of steep ascents and declines.