Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Amarnath Temple is one among the most revered Hindu pilgrimage places in India. The Amarnath Temple is located in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Approximately at a height of 12,760 feet, the Amarnath Cave is visited by devotees each year for the darshan (pious sight) of Lord Shiva’s lingam, which is naturally formed with ice.
Helicopter services are available from both Pahalgam and Baltal till Panchtarni. From there, you can either trek up to the cave or hire ponies or palkis. You may even find many devotees who undertake the complete journey from Pahalgam to Amarnath on feet!
Devotees face problems due to extreme and unpredictable weather conditions, which may even cause shortage of oxygen. However, the Pahalgam route is better in terms of providing facilities like accommodation and rest rooms. On your route to the cave, you will find many tea stalls and bhandaras (provisions of free meals). Do not carry too much of baggage with you as it will only cause an inconvenience in traversing the strenuous way to the caves.
This journey is not advisable neither for those who are physically unfit nor for kids. There are tents set up by the localities which can be hired for rest or accommodation. Carry high calorie food items like chocolates and dry fruits to fight against the cold and as easy energy substitutes. Trek extremely carefully, uphill or downhill, as even a minor carelessness can prove to be fatal. You can always call on the BSF and CRPF jawans and army men for any queries or help. They are spread thought the route for your assistance. A good pair of shoes and a stick for a comfortable trek are a must.
The journey is neither easy nor comfortable, but it is because of their faith and the blessing they receive, that each year hundreds of thousands of devotees undertake the Amarnath Yatra.
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