Every one of us needs to spend some quality time with his family. He searches for a place where he can find peace of mind and be free from hustle and bustle of life. He wants to be away from the complexities of life for some time. India can prove to be a destination for many such people because of its beauty, Flora, Fauna, and diverse culture. A person belonging to any religion is welcomed by Indians wholeheartedly. Every facility is available in this country. Because of this India has become a trending destination for tourists all over the world.
Moreover, a holy pilgrimage to Amarnath cave can prove to be a place where one can feel relaxed and blessed so, today I am going to discuss, how to start your journey, where to start it, expenses per person, registration, etc. I am sure that after reading this article you need not take the help of any other person or site to reach the spot. This yatra usually starts during the last week of June and lasts for 50-58 days.
If you are planning to visit the Baba Amarnath cave then this article is going to be very helpful for you. Dear friends, this is one of the toughest pilgrimage routes that give immense pleasure to our minds and brain. One has to face harsh weather conditions and has to travel a long distance on feet that too on a mountainous route. I am going to explain the best, most economical, and safe route for you.
The First Step
Get yourself registered for the pilgrimage. I will give you the link also, from that you can register yourself. Then you are supposed to reach Jammu Airport or Jammu Railway station from your respective state or country. It depends on you, which mode of transportation you prefer, by Train or by Air. If you are using airways from another state or country, you have another option of landing at Srinagar Airport.
Reach Bhagvati Nagar Yatri Niwas
Moreover, from Jammu Airport or Jammu Railway station, you can hire an auto to reach Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas which will cost you up to Rs 150- Rs 200, and from Bhagvati Nagar buses ply to Pahalgam and Baltal on regular basis. You can go via bus either to Pahalgam or Baltal. Pahalgam and Baltal are the places from where you are supposed to start your journey on foot. You can have a night’s stay at Bhagvati Nagar Yatri Niwas. There is a big hall where you can take a blanket and a mattress by paying a nominal charge of Rs 100. I am now going to elaborate on the difference between both routes.
If You Start Your Journey From Pahalgam
Moreover, the distance from Jammu to Pahalgam is 240kms and it will take 7-8 hours to reach Pahalgam via bus. From Jammu To Pahalgam, the bus charges will be Rs 500- Rs 600 per person. Moreover, from Pahalgam, the distance to be covered to reach the Amarnath cave is 48kms and Out of this 48kms, 16kms distance can be covered by a sharing taxi. Rest 32kms are to be covered on foot.
If You Start Your Journey From Baltal
The distance from Jammu to Baltal is 360kms. It will take nearly 13-14 hours to reach Baltal. The fare from Jammu to Baltal is approximately Rs 800- Rs 900.
In that case, you need to cover the distance of 14kms on foot, which comparatively is less than 32kms. Now, every person will have a desire to reach the destination using the Baltal route. But you will be astonished to know the fact that most of the people travel via the Pahalgam route.
Why People Prefer To Cover The Distance Via Pahalgam
People prefer this route because this route is comparatively a lot easier to walk through. The Baltal route has a very steep slope. Very less number of people can walk on such a steep slope. No doubt the distance to be covered via Baltal is very less as compared to the Pahalgam route but The Baltal route is very hard to walk on.
Journey After Reaching Pahalgam
After reaching Pahalgam you can rejuvenate yourselves by booking a room in a private hotel or a tent provided by the Amarnath Shrine Board. You have to pay nominal charges for booking a tent for you whereas it will be costlier if you book a room in a private hotel. You can refresh yourselves for the next day’s journey.
Moreover, next morning you can use a sharing taxi to reach Chandanwari which is 16kms away from Pahalgam and will take 30-45 minutes to cover the distance to Chandanwari. From Chandanwari you have to cover the distance of 32kms on foot. After covering a distance of 12kms you will reach Sheshnag. At Sheshnag tents are already arranged for pilgrims. Availability of Hotels is not there at Sheshnag. You can take a rest in your tent and enjoy free food at Sheshnag.
Next morning you can again start your journey from Sheshnag to Panjtarni. The distance from Sheshnag to Panjtarni is 16kms. Moreover, after having lunch and rest at Panjtarni you can cover the remaining 6kms on the same day to reach the holy Amarnath cave and you can enjoy your dinner there and can take a rest. Finally, the next day in the morning you can have a glimpse of the holy Linga of Lord Shiva which is naturally formed of snow.
Journey After Reaching Baltal
People who are young and energetic prefer to go through Baltal and because of this energy they can cover a distance of 14kms in a single day. Remember this route is very tiresome, having a steep mountainous slope.
Availability Of Food
Food is available right from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas which too free of cost. Langars are available en route at several places and the base camps also. So, the availability of food is there is in plenty and you need not pay even a single penny for the food throughout the whole journey.
Ways For People Who Are Unable To Walk
Moreover, people who are unable to walk can hire a horse or a chair-type paalki to reach the cave on both tracks, and if you want to hire a horse from Pahalgam, it will cost you nearly Rs 8000 to Rs 9000, and the fare for a chair-type paalki will be nearly Rs25000- Rs30000.
If you hire a horse from Baltal it will cost you nearly Rs4000- Rs5000 and Chair-type paalki will cost nearly up to Rs10000- Rs12000.
Guidelines For Pilgrims
Everyone is requested to go through the link https://shriamarnathjishrine.com thoroughly before planning for the pilgrimage. On this website, you will get every update and news about the pilgrimage.
Get Your RFIT Number Generated
RIFT number means Radio Frequency Identification Tag. As this number will have your full details and will help the authorities to locate you. It will have a date of your departure, time of departure, and your location, in case of any mishappening.
Where To Keep Your Heavy items Or Luggage
Moreover, you can place your heavy and costly items at Baltal or Pahalgam as locker services are available at both places. You can avail of the locker facility at nominal charges of Rs50 per day. Therefore you are not advised to carry heavy luggage along with you as you are supposed to cover a long distance on foot.
Duration Of The Pilgrimage
If you prefer to go via the Pahalgam route it will take 7-8 days for the complete journey whereas if you go via the Baltal route it will take 5-6 days.
Total Expenditure
Total expenditure for a person who can walk will fall in the range of Rs 5000-6000 per person whereas it will be costlier for people who aren’t able to walk.
Helicopter service is also available for the pilgrims if the weather is fair. Helicopter services can be booked on the link given above.
Guidelines For Pilgrims
1. Carry light Belongings with you as it will become difficult for you to carry them.
2. Raincoat or suit is very compulsory as the weather is not predictable in that area. Be ready for such situations.
3. Don’t panic if it starts raining. You can use your raincoat or suit in case it starts raining.
4. Take your food at right time.
5. Have proper sleep.
To me, I have written the complete information. Even if anybody has any doubts, can inbox me at my mail id ashmanworld467@ashok-raina
