Amarnath yatra is considered as the most sacred
pilgrimage in the Hindu religion. The journey is of 141 km from
Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at a height of 4,175m.
The yatra is mainly conducted in the month of July and August every
year. The yatra is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Holy Trinity.
About the Yatra
The journey of Amarnath is of 141 km from Srinagar, out of which 45 km
from Pahalgam has to be covered on foot, is believed to be the holiest
of Hindu shrines. The holy cave houses an ice stalagmite, which waxes
and wanes with the moon. The annual Amarnath yatra takes place in July
and august. The Amarnath Cave is high and shallow and extending up to
130 feet.
How to Reach
By road if you want to travel than from Baltal there is a regular bus
service during the pilgrimage time, you can get back to Srinagar that
night. At other times, camp at Baltal and continue to Sonamarg at a more
leisurely pace the following morning. From Sonamarg there are three
buses a day to Srinagar and it takes around five hours to reach.
Things to Carry for the Trip
You should be mentally and physically fit to go for the trip as the
journey includes trekking at a height of 1,4000ft. You should get
yourself medically tested before the journey and forward that
certificate to the registering authority designated for your area of
residence.
You should carry lots of heavy woolens like jackets, sweaters, woolen
thermal body warmers, trousers, monkey caps, mufflers, blankets and any
other warm items. Among other items you should carry sleeping bags,
blankets, windcheaters, raincoats, waterproof shoes with sufficient
grips, tents, torch with sufficient batteries and supporting sticks.
You should carry sufficient amount of money for accommodation at
Pahalgam and meeting other requirements.
You should also posses a registration card.
These are some of the important items you should carry for the holy
trip to Amarnath.
