AMARNATH YATRA

	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. 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. USE FULL INFORMATION  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 2012, 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 a high level of Physical Fitness. You are advised to start at atleast a month prior to the Yatra at least a 4-5km Morning/Evening walk. For Improving the oxygen efficiency of your body, you should start doing deep breathing exercises and Yoga, particularly Pranayam. Your journey shall involve trekking across high mountains, facing strong cold winds. You must carry (i) adequate woolen clothing; (ii) a small umbrella (preferably one which is tied with an elastic band around your head and supported by a strap around the chin); (iii) windcheater; (iv) raincoat; (v) waterproof trekking shoes; (vi) torch; (vii) walking stick; (viii) cap (preferably a monkey cap); (ix) gloves; (x) jacket; (xi) woolen socks; (xii) trousers (preferably a waterproof pair). These items are essential as the climate is highly unpredictable and changes abruptly from sunny weather to rain and snow. The temperature can sometimes abruptly fall to 5 degrees Celcius or lower. For Ladies: saree is not a suitable dress for the Yatra. Salwar Kameez, pant-shirt or a track suit will be better. Ladies who are more than 6 week pregnant shall not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage. Keeping in view the tough nature of the trek, children below 13 year in age and elderly persons above the age of 75 years shall not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage. It would be better if the porter / horses / ponies carrying your luggage travel just in front or behind you, as you may suddenly need something from your baggage. During the Yatra from Pahalgam/Baltal onwards, you should keep spare clothes/ eatables in a suitable water proof bag to ensure against their getting wet. Carry a water bottle, dry fruits, roasted grams/channa, toffees/gur (jiggery), chocolates, etc for use during the journey. Carry some cold cream/Vaseline/sunscreen to protect your hands /face against sunburn etc. You should not trek alone. Always travel in a group and ensure that all those comprising the group, walking in front of you or in the rear, always remain in your sight, to ensure against your being separated from them. To enable prompt action being taken in case of any emergency, you should keep in your pocket a note containing the name/addresses/mobile telephone number of a member of your group with whom you are travelling. You must also carry your Yatra Permit and any other identity card. On your return journey, you must leave the Base Camp along with all members of your group. In case any member of your group is missing you must seek immediate assistance of the Police and also have an announcement made on the Public Address System at the Yatra Camp. You should provide all possible help to your fellow Yatris, travelling with you, and perform the pilgrimage with a pious mind. You must 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 camp and the entire Yatra routes are the abode of Shri Amarnathji. Throughout your pilgrimage you must respect the environment and do nothing to pollute it. All waste materials must be placed in the nearest dustbin. All organic wastes must be put in the dustbin which is green coloured. Lavatories/ urinals, installed in the camps and other places enroute the Holy Cave, should be used. DON'TS Don’t stop at places which are marked by warning notices. Don’t use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave. Only wear trekking shoes with laces. Don’t attempt any short cuts on the route as doing so would be dangerous. Do not do anything during your entire forward/return journey which could cause pollution or disturb the environment of the Yatra area. Use of plastics is strictly banned in the State and is punishable under law.