On the way to Jammu

Yatra Start from Barnala

The Game Starts Now

Ye Dosti - Hum Nahin Torenge

Ek main or Ek Tu

Oh Saati Chal

Numero Uno

Bigg Boss

Spiritual Sites

Spiritual Sites

Maa Vaishnodevi  Website dedicated to Mata Rani, hosted simultaneously in English & Hindi. The Great Goddess Website dedicated to Maa Vaishnodevi, the Great Goddess. Jai Mata Di Detailed website dedicated to Maa Vaishnodevi. Devi Mata Yatra Visit to the Holy shrine. Information on other forms of Devi Durga. Mataji Website on Maa Durga. Tirupati Balaji  Website on Tirupati Balaji's Temple, Andhra Pradesh, India Hanuman Website on Lord Hanuman. Free Hanuman Chalisa cassettes. Krishna Website on Lord Krishna by ISKCON. Khatu Shyamji  Website on Lord Khatu Shyamji's temple, Khatu (Rajasthan). Form of Lord Krishna.  Lord Mahadev (Shiva) Website on Lord Mahadev (Shiva). Free Shiv Mahima cassettes. Shirdi Sai Baba Website on Shirdi Waale Sai Baba. Real Video darshan. Islam Website on Islam. Krishna Pictures  Pictures of Krishna Lila Satya Sai Baba Website on Satya Sai Baba. Nirankari Website on Sant Nirankari Brahma Kumaris World Website on Brahma Kumaris World

Travelling Expenditure

Bus Fare (Per Person)
				DELUXE		SEMI-DELUXE		ORDINARY		ARTP
Jammu To Pahalgam				Rs. 200.00		Rs. 155.00		Rs. 130.00		Rs. 220.00
Jammu To Baltal				Rs. 240.00		Rs. 200.00		Rs. 160.00		Rs. 270.00
Taxi Fare (Per Person)
			TATA SUMO ( 7 Seater )				AMBASSADOR / VAN ( 5 Seater )
Jammu To Pahalgam			Rs.360.00				Rs. 520.00
Jammu To Baltal			Rs. 550.00				Rs. 760.00
Other Expenditure: Chandanwari to Holy Cave Rates as per  J&K Government (up & down)
Coolie Labour		Rs. 1100.00
Dandi		Rs. 7000.00
Ponny		Rs. 2300.00
Baltal to Holy Cave Rates as per  J&K Government (up & down)
Coolie Labour		Rs. 700.00
Dandi		Rs. 3500.00
Ponny		Rs. 1100.00
NOTE : The above  rates are fixed by J & K Tourism .These are maximum rates. However , Yatris can avail the above facilities at lower rates depending upon their bargaining power.

Photo Darshan

View  of  Chandanwari Side taken  from Pissutop

Beautiful View  of Sheshnag Lake

View of  Holy Cave as seen  from out side

View Pigeons In Holy Cave

Inside View of Holy Cave

Useful Information and Tips

Provisions

One can also buy ration at fair prices from the specially established Govt. Depots at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panjtarni. Numerous tea-stalls and small restaurants can be of great relief. However, pilgrims are advised to carry with them biscuits, toffees, tinned food etc. to cater to their immediate needs. Firewood or gas can be obtained at Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni and near the Cave.

Insurance A Yatri duly registered by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board for the Yatra 2010, having a valid Yatra Permit issued by the SASB will be entitled to an insurance cover of Rs. One lac in case of death due to accident while undertaking the Yatra. Accommodation Insulated huts and tents are installed during the Yatra at various Camps. These are available on rentals. Registration Get a registration done about a month ahead of the date fixed for the commencement of Yatra.

DO's Prepare for the Yatra by achieving Physical Fitness. It is advisable to start a preparatory Morning/ Evening walk, about 4-5 km per day, at-least a month prior to the Yatra. With a view to improving oxygen efficiency of the body, it may be useful to start deep breathing exercise and Yoga, particularly Pranayam. As the Yatra involves trekking at an altitude of 14,800 ft, do have yourself medically examined for the journey. An yatri needs to certify his medical competence to undertake the Yatra while applying for the Yatra Permit at the time of registration. Embark on the Yatra only after obtaining a valid Yatra Permit after due registration as per the procedure prescribed by the SASB. You have to trek through high mountains, facing strong cold winds. Do carry woolen clothing, a small umbrella (which covers the head with elastic around forehead and supported by a strap around the chin), wind-cheater, raincoat, sleeping bag, waterproof shoes, torch, stick with proper hand grip, cap (preferably monkey cap), gloves, jacket, woolen socks and trousers. These are essential as the climate is unpredictable and changes abruptly from sunny weather to rain and snow. The temperature may sometimes abruptly fall to 5 degrees Celsius or lower. For Ladies, saree is not a suitable dress for the Yatra. Salwar kameez, pant-shirt or a track suit will be more comfortable for yatris. Keeping in view the tough nature of the trek, small children should not undertake the Yatra. Make sure that the ponywalla, the labouror, the dandiwalla is properly registered and carries an ID Card. You can get these allotted at rates fixed by the local administration, at the camps at Baltal, Nunwan (Pahalgam), Panjtarni etc. Keep the porters and horses/ ponies with your luggage alongside as it may be difficult to trace them in case you get separated from them. This is necessary as you may suddenly need something from your luggage. During the Yatra from Pahalgam/Baltal onwards keep your clothes and eatables in a suitable water proof bag to avoid the belongings getting wet Carry sufficient money to pay for your accommodation at base camps and at other stations enroute to the Holy Cave and for meeting other personal requirements. To enable urgent necessary action in case of any emergency please keep in your pocket a note containing the name/address/mobile telephone number of any Yatri proceeding for Darshan on the same date as you are doing. Also carry your identity card/ driving license and your Yatra Permit issued by the SASB. Carry all the medicines which you take daily and, also some general medicines such as Glucose, Disprin, Combiflam, Move/Iodex, etc. Carry a water bottle, dry fruits, roasted baked grams/channa, toffees, sufficient chocolates, etc. for use during the journey. Keep some Cold Cream/ Vaseline/ Sun Screen with you to protect the skin from the cold winds/ sun. To have clear vision on sunny days keep dark glasses / goggles handy. While trekking, relax for a short while on steep inclines and don’t exert yourself beyond your normal capacity. The best way to perform the Yatra is to maintain a slow and steady pace. You will unnecessarily exhaust/tire yourself by walking fast. Provide all help to fellow Yatris, traveling with you and perform Yatra with a pious mind. Yatris are advised to strictly follow the instructions issued by the Yatra Administration from time to time. Earth, water, air, fire, and sky are integral parts of Lord Shiva. The Base Camps and the entire Yatra routes are the abode of Shri Amarnathji. You must, therefore, respect the environment and do nothing whatsoever to pollute it. Use of Plastic is strictly banned, and punishable under law. Use latrines / bathrooms in camps erected by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. Don’t defécate in the open. Cash offerings should be put in donation boxes of Shrine Board only. You may also prefer to donate through this website. DON'TS Don’t stop at places which are marked by warning notices. Don’t smoke and don’t carry/consume any kind of narcotic or alcoholic substance. Don’t use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave. Wear shoes with laces. Don’t attempt any short cuts on the route as doing so would be dangerous. Do not break traffic discipline or try to overtake others in difficult stretches of the route. Do not do anything during the entire Yatra which could cause pollution or disturb the environment of the Yatra area. Use of polythene is banned in the State and is punishable under law. Do not touch or tamper with Holy Lingam and / or place or throw anything on the Holy Lingam. Do not use flash cameras inside Cave. Do not light incense sticks (agarbatties) or Dhoop inside cave.  Do not pay more than the prices fixed for porters, ponies, dandies, rations, fire wood, accommodation etc. Do not pay more for Helicopter service than the rates displayed. Don’t stay overnight at Holy cave due to low oxygen.

Traditional Route

A. JAMMU-Pahalgam-Holy Cave B. JAMMU-Baltal-Holy Cave From Jammu: How to Reach Amarnath Holy Cave:  A. JAMMU - PAHALGAM - HOLY CAVE Jammu to Pahalgam (315 km) - The distance between Jammu to Pahalgam can be covered by taxi / buses which are available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K Govt.,Raghunath Bazaar only early in the morning. Another option is going to Srinagar by air and then proceeding to Pahalgam by road. PAHALGAM - HOLY CAVE  PAHALGAM Situated 96 Kms from Srinagar, Pahalgam is known all over the world for its beauty. Lidder and Aru Rivers and high mountains kiss the valley. Good Hotels are available for accommodation. Arrangements for free Langars (food kiosks) are also made by Non Government Organisations at Nunwan Yatri Camp, 6 kms. short of Pahalgam. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam for the first night.  CHANDANWARI The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16 kms. Mini buses run from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The trail runs along the Lidder River with a fabulous scenic view. There are many Langars that offer food to the Yatris.  PISSU TOP As the Yatra proceeds further from Chandanwari one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top. It is said that to be the first to reach for darshan of Bhole Nath Shivshankar, there was a war between Devtas and Rakshas. With the power of Shiv, devtas could kill the rakshas in such large number that the heap of their dead bodies resulted in this high mountain.  SHESHNAG Sheshnag – is actually a mountain which derives its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake. The second night's camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond. There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Sheshnag, and at the camp these are narrated by campfires. The stillness of the Himalayan night increases your inner joy. Once you take bath and enjoy the scenic view, life takes a whole new meaning altogether.  PANCHTARNI From Sheshnag one has to climb a steep height across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs.(14000 ft) for 4.6 Km and then descend to the meadow lands of Panjtarni at a height of 3657 mtrs (12000 ft). Due to cold harsh winds it is strongly recommended that Yatris should carry their quota of  Woolens and Vaseline! Some Yatris are also affected by deficiency of oxygen. Some may get the feeling of nausea. Dry fruits, sour and sweet eatables like Lemon appear to control these symptoms but it is best to contact the nearest medical post immediately. The route to Mahagunas is full of rivulets, water falls and springs. At Panjtarni, at the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT, Five Rivers flow which apparently originated from Lord Shiva's Hair (Jataon). Pilgrims camp at Panjtarni on the 3rd night.  THE HOLY CAVE SHRI AMARNATH On the way to The Holy Cave, one comes across the Sangam of Amravati and Panjtarni rivers. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near the Holy Cave before going for Darshan. There are two smaller Shivlings one of Maa Parvati and other of Shri Ganesh. It may be noted that after having early Darshan of the Shiv Linga at Holy Cave, one can return to Panjtarni well in time the same day. JAMMU-BALTAL-HOLY CAVE  Sonamarg-Baltal From Jammu, one has to go by road to Srinagar and then to reach Baltal via Sonamarg.  Baltal- Holy Cave This is a 14 km. steep trek – one way. Only the very fit can go and come back the same day after trekking for 28 kms. It is possible to hire ponies or palkies. Baltal is, more popular because of its shorter distance.

How to Reach

By Air Srinagar, the nearest aerodrome, has world famous sights to see, such as Dal Lake, Nagin Lake, Shankaracharya Temple and Mughal gardens like Shalimar, Nishat and Cheshma-shahi.  Known as "Paradise on earth" and being the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir, the city is well connected by air and road. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu. On certain weekdays flights also pickup passengers from Chandigarh and Leh. By Rail Jammu is the nearest Railway Station. Jammu is the  winter Capital of Jammu & Kashmir. Also known as "CITY OF TEMPLES", one may visit old temples such as Raghunath Temple, Mahadev Mandir and other temples. Railway station is very well connected and there are lots of express trains to various towns in India. By Road Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road. Buses and Taxies are  available for this part of the journey. These can be hired on daily as well as on full tour basis.

Plan a Yatra

JAMMU - PAHALGAM - HOLY CAVE
Jammu - Pahalgam - Chandanwari - Pissu Top - Sheshnag - Panchtarni - Holy Cave


 JAMMU - BALTAL - HOLY CAVE
Jammu - Baltal - Domail - Barari - Holy Cave

PLACE	ALTITUDE		DISTANCE	FROM
	MTRS	FEET
CHANDANWARI	2895	9500	16.0 KM	PAHALGAM
PISSU TOP	3377	11000	3.0 KM	CHANDANWARI
SHESHNAG	3352	11730	11.0 KM	PISSU TOP
MAHAGUNAS	4276	14000	4.6 KM	SHESH NAG
PANCHTARNI	3657	12000	9.4 KM	MAHAGUNUS TOP
SANGAM	-	-	3.0 KM	PANCHTARNI
HOLY CAVE	3952	13000	3.0 KM	SANGAM

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1. PAHALGAM :
          It is 96 KM from Srinagar .This distance can be covered by car,bus or taxi. Pahalgam is  known all over the world  for its beauty. It is small town situated on the banks of Lidder River. It is surrounded by high mountains. All essentials can be bought here. Good Hotels are  available for accommodation. However the arrangements for stay and Langar are also made  by the Non Government  Service Organisations. 

2. CHANDANWARI:
          The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16km. The route is good .It can be covered by road transport also. Mini buses are also available from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The trail runs along the Lidder River . The route is scenic. Food is available here. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night .

3. PISSU TOP : 
          As the Yatra proceed further from Chandanwari one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top. It is said  that to be first to reach for darshan of  Bhole Nath Shivshankar there was a war between Devtas and Rakshas . With the power of Shiv , devtas could kill the rakshas in such large number that the heap of their dead bodies has resulted in this high mountain. 


4. SHESHNAG:
         This second day’s trek of 12 kms  from Chandanwari is through Pissu Top and   spectacular, primeval countryside, and reaches Sheshnag – a mountain which derives  its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake. The Journey to Sheshnag follows steep inclines on the right bank of a cascading stream and wild scenery untouched by civilisation. The second night’s camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond it. There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Sheshnag, and at the camp these are narrated by campfires . The stillness of a pine scented Himalayan night increases your inner joy. Yatris can take bath and get their fatigue alleviated. It is beautiful and scenic. 


5.PANCHTARNI: 
       From Sheshnag one has to climb steep height up across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs.(14000 ft) for 4.6 KM and then descending to the meadow lands of Panchtarni at a height of 3657 mtrs (12000 ft). The last camp enroute to the Holy Cave is made here on third day. Here one faces cold winds which cause the  skin to crack . Hence cold cream / Vaseline arevery useful for protection of skin. Some Yatris are also effected by deficiency of oxygen .Some may get the feeling of vomiting . So dry fruit like Allu Bukhara ,sour and sweet  eatables like Lemon are useful to control these symptoms .  The route to Mahagunas is full of rivulets , water falls , springs .Panchtarni is a very beautiful place in the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT. Five Rivers flow  here . It is said that the five rivers origanated from Lord Shiva's Hairs (Jataon). Pilgrims camp at Panchtarni on the 3rd night. 


6. THE HOLY CAVE SHRI AMARNATH: 
The Holy Cave of Shri Amarnath is only 6 kms from Panchtarni. As there is no place to stay hence the pilgrims start in the  early hours of the morning after their stay at Panchtarni. On the way to The Holy Cave one comes  across  the Sangam of Amravati and Panchtarni. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near holy cave  to become pious before going for Darshan. Near the cave is found white soil known as Bhasam. It is the most beloved soil of Shiv ji . The pilgrims apply this Holy soil to their body and then go for Shivlingam Darshan. There are two smaller Shivlings one of Maa Parvati and other of Shri Ganesh. It may be noted that after having  early Darshan of the Shivlinga at Holy Cave one can return to Panchtarni well in time the same day . Some pilgrims camp at Panchtarni while others continue their journey and reach back Sheshnag by the same  evening.
2) Jammu – Baltal – Holy cave (414km) 


Jammu – Baltal (400km). –
The distance between Jammu and Baltal can be covered by Taxis / Buses available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K / bus stand or one can come to Srinagar by air and then reach Baltal by road. The road route followed is :
JAMMU – Udhampur – Kud -  Patnitop – Ramban – Banihal – KaziGund – Anantnag – Srinagar - Sonamarg – Baltal.
The journey from Jammu to Baltal which is about 400 kms. is full of beautiful Sites and one can experience of being in Heaven , a  Paradise on earth. Passing through beautiful valleys, steeped mountains, one is sure of forgetting , oneself as a person ,for a while . A thrill, which is obviously there in every pilgrim gets enhanced while passing through this way owing to the Darshan of Holy Cave. In nutshell, a journey which can go down to your memory throughout the lifetime.


Baltal to Holy Cave 

From Baltal Holy Cave is just 14 Kms.

This distance can be covered by foot / Ponies. However, Dandies are also available for handicapped and old aged pilgrims.The width of the pebbled (kuchha) road is a bit narrow as compared to the Chandanwari-Holy Cave route, moreover , there are some steep rises & falls on the way , as compared to the Chandanwari route, but pilgrims can return back to base camp Baltal through this route only in one 

The Holy Cave

Behind the discovery of the Holy Shrine lies an interesting story. Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked Shivji to let her know why and when he started wearing the beads of heads (Mund Mala), to which Bhole Shankar replied, “whenever you are born I add more heads to my bead”. Parvati said, “I die again and again, but you are Immortal. Please tell me the reason behind this”. "Bhole Shankar replied that for this you will have to listen to the Amar Katha" Shiv agreed to narrate the detailed story to Maa Parvati. He started for a lonely place where no living being could listen to the immortal secret and ultimately chose Amarnath Cave. In the hush-hush, he left his Nandi (the Bull which He used to ride) at Pahalgam. At Chandanwari,he released Moon (Chand) from his hair (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released the snakes. He decided to leave his Son Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat. At Panjtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind (Earth,Water, Air, Fire and Sky) which give birth to life and of which he is the Lord.  After leaving behind all these, Bhole Shankar entered the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati Maa and took his Samadhi. To ensure that no living being is able to hear the Immortal Tale, he created Kalagni and ordered him to spread fire to eliminate every living thing in and around the Holy Cave. After this he started narrating the secret of immortality to Maa Parvati. But as a matter of chance a pair of pigeons overhead the story and became immortal. Many pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons at the Holy Shrine even today and are amazed as to how these birds survive in such a cold and high altitude area.