Published By: Ishita Vohra

Complete Guide to Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath is the most well-known pilgrimage journey in India and is coordinated every year by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. The altar has a significant part to play in Hindu culture and is viewed as probably the holiest place. The main cave is situated at a level of 12,756 ft from the ocean level and stays covered with snow most of the year with the exception of a few months in summer. The trip initiates from two routes, Pahalgam and Baltal during the Shravan months, which falls between July and August.

In spite of the fact that it is one of the difficult paths and involves risk, the journey is worth experiencing. Thus, here is the complete guide for Amarnath Yatra-

From June to August, an ice formation also called Shivalingam is formed inside the cave that melts with the moon's cycle. When the water drops from the rooftop freeze inside the cave forming a vertical shaped lingam during a specific timeframe.

The level of the ice Lingam is around 13 feet which fluctuates every year. The cave highlights two more ice lingams that portray Goddess Parvati and Lord Ganesha. Moreover, Shri Amarnath Shrine Board deals with the yatra and makes a few arrangements for devotees to make it as smooth as possible.

This 56-days yearly journey has now been diminished to 38 days by SASB because of the ongoing Covid circumstance. According to the most recent updates by Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, the Yatra is supposed to begin from 27th June 2022 till 11th August 2022. In any case, the dates are speculative until further notice and may change whenever.

According to the guidelines, guests should have an enrolment card. Without having one, travelers are not permitted to continue with the yatra. Besides, enrolment happens a month before the date for the beginning of the Yatra. The registration for Shri Amarnath Yatra 2022 will start according to the dates set by the Shrine Board. To stay aware of the updates, you can actually look at the government site of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.

There are two ways that take you to the caves. One is through Pahalgam, while the other one is Sonmarg-Baltal. You can choose the one that suits you the best.

Baltal lies 14 km from the cave. Although the distance is short, the trek is riskier, and one necessary to have incredible physical strength. You can finish the trip in 1-2 days.

The way through Pahalgam is around 46 km. Other than this, the adventurous trek requires around 3-5 days to arrive at the caves.

Whichever route you choose, you will find the best facilities even in the midst of such unpleasant circumstances. The State Government Police Forces, Central Government, and different non-benefit associations guarantee that devotees have a completely safe journey. Other than this, there are also stalls and camps on the two routes where devotees can take rest, eat and freshen up themselves.