The Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organised travel system, evolved over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit of wander, adventure and spirituality
Amarnath Cave
One of the holy Trinity, Shiva is a living God. the most sacred and the most ancient book of India, the Rigveda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, rituals and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time. But Shiva( God), Destroyer, the mendicant, is undefinable : He is a great yogi. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati (wife of Shiva) the secret of creation in a Cave in Amarnath. Unkown to them a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves pair when they trek the ardous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam.
Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley, Amarnath stands at 3888 mtrs and 46 Kms from Pahalgam and 141 Kms from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage subscribe that Yatra be undertaken from Srinagar , the more common practice is to begin journey from Chandanwari and cover the distance to Amarnath and back in 5 days. Pahalgam is 96 Kms from Srinagar. the trek from Chandanwari to Cave is on an ancient peregerine route.
Favourite spots:
Maha Ganesh Top
How to Reach ?
This is in Kashmir. You can go by air to srinagar and also can go by Train to JAMMU. Daily trains are also available from Delhi to Jammu.The nearest Airport is away in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with country. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineers road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country.
What's really great:
Sheshnag Lake
The first day's trek of 12 Kms from Chandanwari is through spectacular primeval country side and the main centre of attraction is Sheshnag a mountain which derves its name from seven peaks resembling the head of mythical snake. . The second night camp at Wavjan overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake . The second day 12 km trek steadily gains height winding across Mahagunas Pass at 4600 mtrs and then descendeing to the meadow land of Panchtarni the last camp enroute to Amarnath Cave. The same day devotees after darshans can return to Panchtarni in time for lunch and continue upto Sheshnag for night halt. The second approach to Amarnath is from Sonamarg via Baltal alt. 3000 mtrs. The holy cave is just a days journey from here. At domail 2 kms from Baltal free langar ( cost of free community Kitchen) facility is availa.
Accommodations:
food camp
Government accommodation at Pahalgam/Sonamarg/Jammu is controlled by J&K Tourism Development Corporation which can be reserved directly through the Manager Reservations, JK TDC, TRC Jammu (Tel: 0191-579554, 546412) and Manager Reservations, JK TDC, TRC Srinagar (Tel:0194-472644, 457927) Private hotels/tented accommodation at Pahalgam/Sonamarg can be reserved in advance by the Tourist Officer Pahalgam/Sonamarg or on the spot. Similarly the hotel accommodation at Srinagar can be reserved in advance/ on spot by the Tourist Officer, Enquiry and Reservations, TRC Srinagar (Tel: 0194-452690, 479548, 472449). The tented accommodation arranged by the Govt. through private registered agencies, is available at all stations enroute the Holy Cave during the entire yatra period on first come first serve basis against cash payment on spot.
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