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There are now 2 routes of the Amarnath Yatra. The traditional and more popular route starts at Pahalgam about 96 km from Srinagar and the second route of the Amarnath Yatra begins at Baltal which is ahead of Sonamarg some 115 km from Srinagar.

1. The Amarnath Yatra Route from Pahalgam
Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley, the Amarnath Shrine stands at 3,888 m and is 46 km from Pahalgam. Though the original pilgrimages suggest that the Yatra be undertaken from Srinagar, the more common practice is to begin the Amarnath Yatra at Pahalgam or Chandanwari, and cover the distance to Amarnath shrine and back, in 5 days.

The Yatra route from Pahalgam is
Pahalgam - 16km - Chandanwari - 3km - Pissu Top - 9km - Sheshnag - 4.6km - Mahagunas (pass) - 6km - Panchtarini - 3km - Sangam - 3km - Amarnath Cave

PAHALGAM
Pahalgam is 96 km from Srinagar. This distance can be covered by car, bus or taxi. Surrounded by mountains, Pahalgam (also known as the 'Valley of Shepherds') is an enchanting small town on the banks of the Lidder River (...more on Pahalgam). All essentials are available here. There is also a choice of accommodation in a range of private hotels or in camps run by the Govt. and NGO's. Read more on Pahalgam

CHANDANWARI
Chandanwari (2896 m) is a small shut off valley, at the junction of Sheshnag stream and the stream for Astanmarg. The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16 km. The route is good and can be covered either on foot or by road transport, as Mini buses are also available from Pahalgam to reach Chandanwari. The road runs along the Lidder River and is very scenic. Food is easily available at the many shops along the route and also at free langars.
Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night.

PISSU TOP
From Chandanwari one usually treks straight on to Sheshnag Lake via Pissu Top. It is a steep climb till Pissu Top (3 km) after which the climb is relatively gradual till Sheshnag. The views on the route are said to be the most beautiful.

SHESHNAG
Sheshnag is one of the windiest places in this valley. The Sheshnag Mountain, takes its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical Sheshnag snake. The second night's camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag Lake, and glaciers beyond. A bath in the Sheshnag Lake, a beep breath of the pine-scented air, a look around at the breath-taking beauty of the surroundings, a hot meal at one of the many camps and you are at peace and the tiredness of the journey just vanishes.

PANCHTARNI
From Sheshnag, it is a steep climb of 4.6 km to cross the Mahagunas Pass (4276m). The route then descends to the meadow lands of Panchtarini at a height of (3657 m). The route to Mahagunas (pass) is very scenic and full of rivulets, water falls and springs. At Panchtarni, at the foot of Bhairav mount, five Rivers which apparently originated from Lord Shiva's Hair flow together. ('Panch' = 'five' and 'Tarini' = 'river') Panchtarini is the popular camp before the last leg of the Amarnath Yatra via Sangam and finally to the Amarnath cave shrine.

THE AMARNATH CAVE SHRINE
The Amarnath cave-shrine is just 6 km away from Panchtarni. Just about half-way, one comes to Sangam - that of the Amravati and Panchtarni rivers. (Many pilgrims take a bath here and apply a curious white soil found here and locally called Bhasam - naturally, with reference to the white ash that Shiva loved to coat his body with) .
From Sangam, it's about 3 km to the Amarnath Cave shrine. Inside the calm and tranquil of the Amarnath cave shrine one finally glimpses the massive white ice-lingam revered as Amarnath (Lord Shiva). There are also two smaller lingams denoting his consort Parvati and their son Ganesh nearby.

As there is no place to stay at the Amarnath Shrine, pilgrims start in the early morning from Pachtarini, and mostly reach back by evening.

2. The Amarnath Yatra Route from Baltal
Another shorter route for the Amarnath Yatra has recently been opened starting at Baltal, which is ahead of Sonamarg. From Baltal the Amarnath shrine is only 14 km away.

The Amarnath Yatra route from Baltal is
Srinagar - 110km - Sonmarg - 15km - Baltal - 2km - Domail - 5km - Barari - 4km - Sangam - 3km - Amarnath Cave

Helicopter services at Amarnath

Under license from Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board are - Himalayan Heli Services. 2008 would be the fifth consecutive year for Himalayan Heli Services. Here are some contact details: 1. Himalayan Heli services: Baltal Hanger, For Information and enquiry during the only during Yatra period: Phone no. 09419215597 / 09419215598 2. Himalayan Heli services, Srinagar (for the period of time helicopter service is Operative.) Liaison person, Mobile no. 09419215599. Hotel Green Acre, Raj Bagh, Srinagar. Phone no. (0194) 2135523 3. Himalayan Heli Services Pvt (I) Ltd, 1st floor, 7- Local shopping complex, Madangir, New Delhi 110 062. Fax-011-41649357. Phone 011-24532058 / 24532069 Email Id - Info@himalayanheli.com.

Though the Baltal route is far shorter than the Chandanwari-Amarnath cave route, it is also steeper, narrower and more difficult. You can go trek on foot, or hire a pony or a Palki. This route joins the Chandanwari route at Sangam.

The Baltal route is actually more popular mostly for its helicopter service, which in about 7 minutes can drop you at the Holy Cave! (The return journey would take another 7 minutes from the Amarnath cave to Baltal by Helicopter)

Amarnath Yatra: How to Reach

How to reach Pahalgam
Pahalgam is well connected to Srinagar (96 km away) by road though a regular service of State and private buses. It is also possible to easily hire a Taxi or shared jeep from Srinagar to Pahalgam the journey takes approx 3 hours
Pahalgam is connected to Jammu via NH1A, it is reached easily by regular buses or taxis that ply on this busy highway. The journey takes approx 11 hours.

How to reach Baltal
Baltal is approx. 15 km ahead of Sonamarg from Srinagar, and is easy to reach by Bus, taxi or shared jeep.

How to Reach Srinagar
By Air: Srinagar airport is well connected to all major cities by regular flights.
By Rail: Nearest Railway Station to Srinagar is Jammu. Jammu Railway station is very well connected by regular trains from all parts of the country.
By Road: Srinagar is also well connected to Jammu by road through regular State and Private Buses, taxies and shared Jeeps.

How to Reach Jammu
By Air: Jammu has a large airport and is well connected to all major cities by regular flights.
By Rail: Jammu Railway station is connected extensively to all parts of the country by good network of trains
By Road: Lies on NH 1, and is well connected to all nearby states by a regular service of State and privately operated buses and taxis.

The Amarnath Yatra dates for 2008 are 18th June, 2008 to 18th August, 2008

Amarnath Yatra Registration centers: There are 8 registration centers for the Amarnath Yatra set up for the purpose across India.

1. JKTDC office: 201-203 Kanishka Shopping Plaza, 19-Ashoka Road, New Delhi-110001, Tel.: 91-011-3345373
2. J&K Govt. Guest House, Kautilya Marg, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi-1100021
3. 2nd Floor, 36/36-A North Usman Road, Chennai Tel.: 044-8235958
4. 25 North Wing, World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, Colaba, Mumbai, Tel.: 022-2189040
5. 12 Chowringhee, Kolkata, Tel.:033-2285791, Tel : 033-2285791
6. Airlines House, Lal Darwaza, Ahemedabad, Tel.: 079-5503551
7. 5th Floor, Left Wing, Chandra Vihar Complex M.J. Road, Hyderabad Tel.: 040-4734806
8. Tourist Reception Center, Vir Marg, Jammu Tel.: 0191-520432

No pilgrim is allowed to proceed for the Amarnath Yatra without proper registration which starts about 1 to 2 months at the registration centers

What to wear on the Amarnath Yatra
Pilgrims are advised to carry sufficient woolens as the temperature range between 18 and -7 degrees. It can also get windy and rains are unpredictable, so a light wind-cheater and rain coat is good to have. Other items like sleeping bag or blankets, umbrella, waterproof boots/shoes, walking stick, torch are also advised. It is recommended that Ladies do not trek in saris, instead pants or Salwar suits with drawers should be used.

Provisions
Essential rations are available at fair price rates from the specially established Govt. Depots at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni. Numerous wayside tea-shops and small restaurants are set up by private parties. However, it is always good to carry some biscuits, toffees, dry-fruits, tinned food etc.

Medical Assistance
Medical posts manned by qualified doctors and staff are established along the route to cater to the needs of the pilgrims, free of cost. However, if you are on prescription medicines please carry a good supply. It is also recommended to carry common medicines you feel you might need.

Insurance
In view of the hazardous nature of the Yatra, it's always better to insure yourself, preferably before departure from your home town. However, arrangements for insurance are also available sometimes at the two base-camps during the Yatra period.

Fitness
It is important to be medically fit to undertake the Amarnath Yatra. Getting fit for this journey is very recommended.

Amarnath Yatra Rates Circular for Services