Amarnath Darshan

Amarnath Darshan - Amarnath Yatra Package 2021

2012-04-07T10:54:00.004-07:00

Amarnath Yatra 2021 (Yatra By Helicopter)

2011-11-24T21:08:00.002-08:00

About Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath is 145 km east of Srinagar in Kashmir and is considered to be one of the major Hindu Dhams. There is an ice Siva-linga here that changes size with the seasons, and also as the moon waxes and wanes it becomes bigger and smaller. On the full moon day the linga is about 6 ft high. Each year on the full moon day of July-August (Sravana) when the Siva-linga attains its maximum height there is a festival at this cave temple. It is said that Lord Siva first appeared on this day.
Amarnath is located in a glacial valley at 3,888 m and is 45 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar. The cave is about 150 feet high and 90 feet long. Within the cave there are four or five ice formations that resemble the figures of different gods. The biggest figure is regarded as Siva (Amarnath). On the left side of the linga is an ice formation called Ganesh, and on the right side is one of Parvati and Bhairava.

The area is covered with snow from September to June. The cave opens only in July and August. This is the rainy season, so pilgrims have to brave the rain to get there. About 25,000 people make this pilgrimage each year. You can also hire ponies and dandies for the trip. It is very crowded during the annual Sravana festival. There is a yearly pilgrimage starting from Srinagar that is led by the Chhari Saheb, the holy scepter.

Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Yatra is one of the most important holy pilgrimage held during July/ August. This is an annual event when thousands of Hindus from different corners of the Globe visit Amarnath caves. The pilgrims trek from Pahalgam to these caves and worship the great ice Lingam. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknown to them, a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva). This is an event you certainly will talk about for the rest of your life.

Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter

Cities Covered : Srinagar - Baltal - Amarnath cave

Day 01: Arrive at Srinagar

Arrival at airport, meet and great by our hotel representative, transfer to Hotel Afternoon visit to famous Mughal Gardens, visiting Nishat ,Shalimar, and Cheshmashahi and Shankracharya Temple. Evening dinner at hotel.

Day 02: Yatra by Helicopter and back to Srinagar

Early morning transfer from Srinagar to Baltal by car.
Upon arrival at Baltal Depart for the Holy Amarnath cave by helicopter. Helicopters start operating at 6:00 a.m. (weather permitting) You will have approxiametly 1 hour for Darshan. Priority pass for Darshan is provided. Return to Baltal via helicopter , you will then be met by our driver and transferred by jeep to Srinagar.

On arrival at Srinagar check in at hotel, overnight stay in Srinagar Dinner and breakfeast included.

Day 03: Srinagar

After breakfast free time until transfer for airport.

Package Includes:

1 Vehicle for all the services as per above program.
Return journey by Helicopter to the Holy Cave from Baltal.
2 Night stay at Hotel Centre Point/ or similar buffet dinner and breakfast included.

Amarnath Exclusive by Helicopter

Duration : 03 Nights / 04 Days

Cities Covered : Srinagar - Baltal - Amarnath cave

DAY-01 Arrive at Srinagar

Arrival at airport, meet and great by our hotel representative, transfer to Hotel Centre Point.
Afternoon visit to famous Mughal Gardens, visiting Nishat ,Shalimar, and Cheshmashahi and Shankracharya Temple.

Day 02: Yatra by Helicopter and back to Srinagar

Early morning transfer from Srinagar to Baltal by jeep.
Upon arrival at Baltal Depart for the Holy Amarnath cave by helicopter. Helicopters start operating at 6:00 a.m. (weather permitting) You will have approxiametly 1 hour for Darshan. Priority pass for Darshan is provided. Return to Baltal via helicopter , you will then be met by our driver and transferred by jeep to Srinagar.
On arrival at Srinagar check in at hotel, overnight stay in Srinagar Dinner and breakfeast included.

Day 03:

After breakfast Leave for Gulmarg by vehicle. Gulmarg is Kashmirs Top ski resort famous for the worlds highest cable car and Golf Course.

Visit the top of the mountain Khilanmarg and see and touch snow.
Return to Hotel and have dinner.

Day 04:

Transfer from hotel to airport. For your return Journey.

Package Includes:

1 Vehicle for all the services as per above program.
Return journey by Helicopter to the Holy Cave from Baltal.Transfer to Gulmarg and back.
3 Night stay at Hotel Centre Point/ or similar buffet dinner and breakfast included

Amarnath Yatra via Baltal

Duration : 04 Nights / 05 Days

Place Covered : Srinagar - Baltal - Domali - Jammu

Day 01: Srinagar - Baltal

Arrive Srinagar by air and then drive direct to Baltal via Sonamarg. The distance of about 115 kms will be covered in about 3½ hrs. Rest of the day free at Baltal for acclimatization and prepare for next day's trek to Amarnath Cave. Dinner overnight in tents at Baltal.

Day 02: Baltal - Amarnath Cave - Baltal

After very early breakfast trek upwards to Amarnath Cave for darshan. The route is ascending right up to the cave. Have a dip in the ice-cold water of Amarnath Stream, which flows, outside the cave. Inside the cave there is scenery of calm tranquility of white and glistering three massive Lingmas stand erect symbol of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and Ganesh. After darshan trek back towards Baltal. Dinner overnight in tents.

Day 03: Baltal - Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar. On arrival in Srinagar, transfer to Houseboats. Dinner overnight Houseboats.

Day 04: Srinagar

Morning sightseeing of Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure, built by Asif Khan brother in law of Jehangir in 1632 A. D) And Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love built by Jehangir fro his wife Empress Noor Jehan). All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. Enroute visit carpet - weaving factory. After lunch Shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting floating and vegetable gardens etc. Dinner and overnight stay in Deluxe Houseboats.

Day 05: Srinagar - Jammu

Departure transfer to airport to connect flight for Jammu. (OR) Early morning drive back to Jammu. A distance of about 300 kms will be covered in about 9 hrs. On arrival to Jammu, transfer to Railway station to board the train for onward destination.

Amarnath Yatra via Pahalgam

Duration : 06 Nights / 07 Days
Place Covered : Jammu - Katra - Srinagar - Sonmarg - Amarnath

Day 01: Jammu-Pahalgam

On arrival at Srinagar airport met and transfer to Pahalgam. Or arrivals at Jammu Railway Station / Airport met and then drive to Pahalgam. On arrival at Pahalgam transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Pahalgham - Chandanwari - Sheshnag

Leave Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) drive for Chandanwari. Pahalgam is the best base for most of the treks. Chandanwari (2896 Mts.) is a small shut off vale, at the junction of Sheshnag stream and the stream for Astanmarg. On arrival to Chandanwari, trek to Sheshnag which is about 13 kms (3576 Mts.). The trial climbs the Pissu Ghati and then climbs gradually to the Sheshnag Lake. Sheshnag is one of the windiest places in this valley. . Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Sheshnag.

Day 03: Sheshnag - Panchtarni - Amarnath -Panchtarni

Start trek from Sheshnag to Panchtarni (3657 Mts.) The walk is through Mahagunas Pass (3200 Mts), and then a gradual walk to Panchtarni.

Further trek Panchtarni to Amarnath cave. Amarnath is only 6 kms away from Panchtarni. Have a dip in the ice-cold water of Amarnath Stream, which flows, outside the cave. Inside the cave there is scenery of calm tranquility of white and glistering three massive Lingmas stand erect symbol of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and Ganesh. Later trek back towards Panchtarni. Dinner and overnight stay in Panchtarni.

Day 04 Panchtarni - Chandanwari - Pahalgam - Srinagar

Trek down to Chandanwari. On arrival in Chandanwari, drive to Srinagar. Transfer to Houseboats. Dinner and overnight stay in Houseboats.

Day 05: in Srinagar

Day 06: In Srinagar

Free for shopping.

Day 07: Srinagar - Jammu

Amarnath Yatra via Baltal with Srinagar & Vaishno Devi

Duration : 07 Nights / 08 Days
Place Covered : Jammu - Katra - Bhawan - Srinagar - Baltal - Amarnath Cave

Day 01: Jammu-Katra

Arrival at Jammu Air Port/Railway Station, transfer to Katra & check in Hotel Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: Katra-Bhawan-Katra

Early morning after breakfast proceed for Darshan of Holy Shrine & back to Hotel late evening. Overnight at Hotel

Day 03: Katra-Srinagar

After breakfast departure for Srinagar

Day 04: Srinagar- Baltal

Drive direct to Baltal via Sonamarg. The distance of about 115 kms will be covered in about 3½ hrs. Rest of the day free at Baltal for acclimatization and prepare for next day's trek to Amarnath Cave. Dinner overnight in tents at Baltal.

Day 05: Baltal - Amarnath Cave - Baltal

Day 06: Baltal - Srinagar

Drive back to Srinagar. On arrival in Srinagar, transfer to Houseboats. Dinner overnight Houseboats.

Day 07: Srinagar

Day 08: Srinagar - Jammu

Departure transfer to airport to connect flight for Jammu. Or early morning drive back to Jammu. A distance of about 300kms will be covered in about 9 hrs. on arrival to Jammu, transfer to Railway station to board the train for onward destination.

Amarnath Yatra via Pahalgam with Srinagar & Vaishno Devi

Duration : 08 Nights / 09 Days
Place Covered : Jammu - Pahalgam - Chandanwari - Sheshnag - Panchtarni - Amarnath - Srinagar - Katra

Day 01: Jammu-Pahalgam

On arrival at Srinagar airport met and transfer to Pahalgam. Or arrivals at Jammu Railway Station / Airport met and then drive to Pahalgam. . On arrival at Pahalgam transfer to hotel for overnight stay.

Day 02: Pahalgham - Chandanwari - Sheshnag

Leave Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) drive for Chandanwari. Pahalgam is the best base for most of the treks. Chandanwari (2896 Mts.) is a small shut off vale, at the junction of Sheshnag stream and the stream for Astanmarg.
On arrival to Chandanwari, trek to Sheshnag which is about 13 kms (3576 Mts.). The trial climbs the Pissu Ghati and then climbs gradually to the Sheshnag Lake. Sheshnag is one of the windiest places in this valley. . Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Sheshnag.

Day 03: Sheshnag - Panchtarni - Amarnath - Panchtarni

Day 04: Panchtarni - Chandanwari - Pahalgam - Srinagar

Trek down to Chandanwari. On arrival in Chandanwari, drive to Srinagar. Transfer to Houseboats. Dinner and overnight stay in Houseboats.

Day 05: Srinagar

Day 06: In Srinagar

Free for shopping.

Day 07: Srinagar - Katra

Early morning drive to Katra. A distance of about 255 kms will be covered in about 8hrs. check in Hotel

Day 08: Katra- Mata Vaishnao Devi Temple- Katra

Driving Time (App.): 9-10 hrs

Day 09: Katra - Jammu

Amarnath Yatra

2011-11-24T21:06:00.001-08:00

The annual Amarnath Yatra is one of the most famous annual religious functions of Hindus, wherein devotees travel by foot to pay obeisance to Holy Shiv Lingam at Shree Amarnathji cave in south Kashmir Himalayas. The beginning date of Amarnath Yatra 2020 is in all probability during the first week of July. The Amarnath Yatra Package includes on August 15, 2020 on .

The cave shrine is noted for the formation of a natural Shiva Lingam. The natural ‘ice lingam’ is formed by the ice droplets from the rooftop of the vast cave.

The registration of yatris (pilgrims), on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes, will be through 110 designated branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank all over India and online.

This year the cave shrine can be accessed from Baltal and the traditional Pahalgam route. The Baltal route is shorter but the climb is steep. The traditional Pahalgam route passes through Sheeshnag and Panchtarni – both are important mythological places.

There are helicopter services from Baltal and Srinagar. Tents, huts and toilets will be set up at the base camp for devotees by the shrine board.

The original dates sanctioned by the Holy scriptures for the Yatra is from the Guru Purnima day – the day when the Charri Mubarak Yatra to the Amarnath Cave Shrine begins. But to accommodate the ever growing number of pilgrims, the yatra begins a month early.

BSNL Launches telecom services for Amarnath Yatra

2011-07-08T03:21:00.001-07:00

Pan-India telecom operator BSNL today announced the launch of telecom services covering the Amarnath Yatra pilgrimage, which will enable nearly 3 lakh devotees to stay connected with their loved ones back home. The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the Jammu & Kashmir government in the months of July and August.

"We have made BSNL GSM coverage available on the entire Amarnath Yatra route. Pilgrims may like to carry BSNL mobiles to avail uninterrupted coverage," state-run BSNL CMD R K Updhyaya said.
Every year, around 3 lakh pilgrims visit Amarnath Yatra, for which the devotees have to trek to a height of 14,500 feet.

Somnath Temple – The Religious Haven of the Jyotirlingas

2011-07-01T02:24:00.000-07:00

As I got into the train, I couldn’t believe I had actually managed it. I had come to the point where I finally did live up to my expectation of travelling to a place and then write about it. It is a nice experience to travel just for the sake of enjoying and writing about it. Yes now I have become a travel blogger in the real sense. Have you ever tried to write down your own experiences? If you have, then you are doing the right thing. If you haven’t, then it is not a bad idea to start now. It not only makes you feel worth your time but also gives you firsthand information of what you did during your travel.

Last time I went to Gujarat I had told myself the next time I would visit Gujarat I would surely go to Somnath temple. Located in the Junagadh district of Gujarat, this temple was certainly the most sacred place to visit. One of the famous 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, this temple surely is a perfect calm place to be visited during one of our pilgrimages.

Even if I am not an Indian, the country has so grown into me, that I have stopped feeling the stares that are thrown towards me when I enter a temple. So when I set upon my visit to Somnath temple, none of my friends were surprised. Rohan just sent the car to me and soon I was speeding to Delhi to take the flight to Mumbai. I used to love to travel second class by train but age has caught up on me and my son no longer allows me to travel by train. He has told me that I have the permission to travel only if I promise I would travel by flight. So now I have but to agree to his request and soon the flight to Mumbai got over safely and when I took the train to Veraval, I was almost fagged out. But the urge to reach Somnath was what kept me going. Somnath is approachable from Veraval by bus or car. It is just around 5 km from the station. As I got out of the train, and called my son, I saw the driver come up with the placard with my name on it. I had reached Somnath!

I could also have taken the flight from Mumbai to Diu, but I wanted to travel by train at least once. Diu is around 95km from Somnath. I stayed at a guest house given by the Shree Somnath Trust. The charges were between Rs. 250 to Rs. 600. I chose to stay in the Rs.600 one as there were not Rs. 200 accommodations available. There were lot of rooms here and the Trust ensured that the people staying here are comfortable. It was night by the time I had settled down so I just decided to have dinner and plan my itinerary here next day.

A good night’s sleep and the tiredness wore out. I went to the Bhalka Tirth first. Legend says that this was the place where Lord Krishna was hit by a hunter named Jara and walked some steps away and then embarked on his journey to Nijdham on the banks of the River HIran. This was the place where Lord Krishna is believed to have got affected by his wound. Bhalka Tirth is also known as Mahaprabhuji’s Bethak. Here I saw a tulsi tree which is believed to have been planted here in memory of Lord Krishna.

The next place I went to was Dehotsarg Tirth. This is the place where Shri Vallabhacharya was believed to have given discourses on Shrimad Bhagavat Gita. This went on for seven days. As I walked through the temple I saw pillars. They were made of marble. I counted the number of pillars. There were 18 of them. Each pillar had the Bhagavat Gita inscribed on it. As I walked along I was struck by the architectural intelligence of the temple. Then I saw the idol of Lord Krishna playing the flute. This was a beautiful tribhangi idol which really enthralled me. I was so glad I had come here.

From here I went to a cave called the Baldev Gufa. This again was a legendary place. This is the place where Baldev, Lord Krishna’s elder brother is believed to have vanished. It is said that he went to the netherworld from here. Baldev, according to Hindu mythology was supposed to be Sheshnag’s incarnation. Sheshnag is the king of snakes.

Seeping in the surroundings and accepting that Somnath temple was a good bet in a travelogue, I gathered as much information as I could to write my blog well. The next place I went to was the Laxminarayan Mandir. There was an idol of Bhagwan Laxminarayan here.

After the two temples and the lovely ambience I was filled with pleasure and joy to visit this place. I then went to the Shree Parshuram temple. This was a sacred place which lay on the banks of the River Triveni. It is believed that Bhagwan Parshuram, did his penance here thus relieving himself from the curse they were in. Bhagwan Somnath is believed to have responsible for relieving Parshuram of the Kshatriya killings. I went to a Parshuram temple here and was filled with awe seeing the kunds.

It was a wonderful feeling to be in a religious place and it is not certainly the same as being on a vacation. The mind gets calmed, the body gets disciplined and the soul is cleansed. I felt all this and actually felt rejuvenated and energetic. The next place I went to was the Triveni Sangam Snanghat. The rivers Hiran, Kapila and Saraswati met here and the Hindus consider this to be salvation. I just loved the arrangement made by the Shree Somnath Trust for bathing here.

I returned to my guesthouse after going to all these places. It was already dusk and the car that I had hired would be available only for 8 hours. So I came back and rested and contemplated on what to see the next day. Dinner was a simple affair of rotli and sabzi with kadhi and chaas. A good night’s sleep and the next morning I was ready to do some more sightseeing. I took a car on hire and then went to the Shree Shashibhushan Mahadev temple. This temple is around 4km from the highway. Located on the banks of the sea, this too has a legendary story. The Jara poacher is believed to have aimed from here when he tried to shoot Bhagwan Sri Krishna. I was quite curious to know who built this temple and tried to find out information on my cell phone. Information said that Shri Bhav Brihaspati built this temple. The Gods worshipped here are Bhagwan Shashibhushan and Bhidbhanjan. There are apparently lot of spiritual traditions followed in this temple.

Filled with a lot of piety and respect I went ahead to the Shree Veneshwar Mahadev temple. Again , as with other temples there is a legend attached to it. The story goes that the story of princess Veni is dedicated to this temple. As I went to the temple I saw the fort of Prabhaspatan. This was the place where the Mughal Mahmud Ghazni tried to adbuct the princess Veni when she came to this temple to worship. It is also believed that when he tried to do this, the Shivling was split into two and the princess was buried in this Shivling. Thus the temple came to be known as the Veneswar temple. Quite a story and a great legend to live with. I felt good I came to see this temple.

All this over and it was already evening. I had dinner at a local hotel and then waited for the sound and light show. The entire show was very mesmerizing and enchanting. I liked it and felt I should have brought my son who would have certainly enjoyed the show. The show started at 8 in the night and ended after an hour. The charges were Rs. 20 per head.

AS I walked back, I purchased some small items, like an idol of Somnath, some photos and I loved the dolls which were there on sale. It was really nice to shop for small things like these. I had dinner at the Prasadam Hotel, again run by the Somnath Trust. After dinner, I had buttermilk at the Amul Counter which was near the Shopping Complex.

I was impressed with the tall shikharas dotting the entire city. These shikharas devoted to Lord Shiva and completely respecting the 12 Jyotirlingas are a complete booster for the locals.

I did love the city Somnath which means the land of moon. Did you know that earlier this place was known as the Prabhas Patan. Hindus throng here just to have a glimpse of the Lord. It is also believed that Somnath was the place where Moon worshipped Lord Shiva. So Shiva is known here as Somnath. The place looks beautiful lying on the Arabian coast in the State of Maharashtra. The River Saraswati flows here into the sea while Somnath is located on the same bank.

I had read through Somnath temple the previous night on the Internet and was quite impressed to know that the temple is made of gold, silver and wood. The God of Moon Soma and the God of Sun Ravi got it constructed together. The Rajputs of Solanki added the stones in 11th century. Mahmud of Ghazni wanted to take all the wealth here and plundered the place. Mahmud destroyed the temple and took away all the wealth from here. Thus Mahmud started the trend of destruction of temples. It is sad that the temple was destroyed eight times. It was thanks to Sardar Vallabhai Patel that the temple got reconstructed.

I loved the 50 m tall shikhara of the temple and also of the lovely scene of the Arabian Sea pouring its waves into the place. Besides the temple architecture of the Chalukyan style was a real beauty. The carvings and the idol of Nandi along with the Shiv ling rendered a person completely mesmerized. As I entered the courtyard of the temple the hall was huge. Called the mandapa this was witness to many testing times in history. The coiled pyramid here was conspicuous all over the place. The sea nearby enhanced the beauty.

I walked still further and saw the Deep Stambha. This was placed at the edge and the en tire experience was ecstatic. The conch shell on the side completed the beauty of the place and the arrow pointing towards the South Pole was the cherry on the pie of my travel here.

What I really liked about the place was that the whole place had a very calm and serene look and the Shiv bhajans which rendered the air with a charm took you away completely to another world. As I returned to my guest house and decided to sit with my laptop to write this blog I only felt that one should have time and one should have the patience to know what to do with the time available. A visit to Somnath temple is a good way to use time and knowledge.

Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter( Via Baltal)

2011-06-27T05:50:00.001-07:00

Arrive Srinagar

Day 01 : Arrive Srinagar Airport, meet & Assist & drive to Srinagar . Check in at Hotel Upon arrival.visit Mughal Gardens, Shalimar Bagh.Overnight stay at Hotel.

Proposed Hotels

SunShine / SuperDeluxe Houseboat.

Srinagar – Baltal - Srinagar

Day 02 : Morning Check out of Hotel at Srinagar and drive to Baltal for Darshan at Holy Cave, Reach Baltal and proceed to the helipad, to take a Helicopter ride to Panjtarni. Trek from Panjtarni to Holy Amarnath Cave(5Kms). After Darshan Trek down to Panjtarni for return journey by Helicopter to Baltal. Drive back to Srinagar. Overnight stay at Hotel.

Proposed Hotels

SunShine / SuperDeluxe Houseboat.

Srinagar Departure

Day 03 : After Breakfast, check out from the Hotel & transfer to Srinagar Airport for Departure.

Number of Passengers	Standard
02 - 03	14900 Per Person
04 - 05	14500 Per Person
06 and Above	13500 Per Person

Tour Inclusions		Tour Exclusions
* 02 Nights Accommodation in Srinagar. * Daily Breakfast & Dinner. * Helicopter Tickets for Amarnath Darshan. * All transfers & sightseeing by Non AC Vehicle.		* Airfare/Railway Fare. * Meals not mentioned in the itinerary. * All items of personal nature. * GST 2.58% Govt Service Tax.

Amarnath Yatra

2011-06-21T01:23:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Many people of India especially devotees of Lord Shiva have a dream of pilgrimage to holy Amarnath cave in Kashmir. It is an adventurous as well as scared journey. It is our belief from very early period that if yatra path will be as much as difficult the fruits of pilgrimage will be rewarding accordingly. I also had a dream of this holy yatra from my childhood. My daddy had done it 31 yrs before in 1979. He used to describe yatra details and his experience among his friends many times. The curious part of his narration was the difficulties arises in the route and how it were overcome though resources, facilities and assistance from Govt. & non govt. organizations were very limited in those days. His description sparked a lit in my childhood mind and I often used to dream for yatra since then. But it is our firm belief that until and unless the divine calls, one will not be able to attend him un-hindered irrespective of all favorable circumstances. Even the most beautiful thought will not make progress unless we have constant will for them through nobler feelings, more exact sensations & better actions.

My dream came into reality in july, 2010. My several times prayer at “Trayamkeshwar” (Nashik), “Sri SAI Nath“ (Shirdi), “Shanidev” (Shignapur), trekking to “Bhimashankar” and fourteen times “Kanwaryatra” from Sultangunj to “Baba Baidyanath”Deoghar (Jharkhand) were considered by GOD ‘Ashutosh’, Favorable situation came to me to accomplish Amarnath Yatra.

It was widely advertised through electronic as well as print media that “Ice Shiv Lingam” at Amarnath had formed in 18 feet high shape this year. Therefore yatra period would be for almost two months, i.e., from 1st july to 25th August 2010. So large number of people from every corner of the world got inspired to take benefit of this opportunities. Among more than hundred crores of people in India, only a few lacs think about this arduous pilgrimage. In that lacs, only a few thousand become lucky or say graced by ‘Baba Bholenath’ to perform the yatra. Most of the people hesitate to launch this arduous pilgrimage to imagine difficulties and unsafe conditions in the route. It is good proverb that “seek opportunity not security. A boat in a harbor is safe, but its bottom will rot out in time.” Hanumanjee took all opportunity to do the work of his divine master and became successful in each and every challenge. That’s why he became the most popular and respected God of India. To visit Amarnath is the best form to pay homage to our Divine Lord Shiva.

There are two trekking routes for holy cave. One starts from Pahalgam which is 48 kms to cave but now a days trekking starts 12 kms ahead from chandanwari (36km) which takes 3 days to reach the cave. Second route is from Baltal. This route is steep climb of 16 kms to the cave, which is very tiring and exhaustive. So people prefer the traditional Pahalgam route. We planned our upward journey from Pahalgam and return via Baltal route.

History

Exact period in not known when AmarnathYatra took start. According to Puran, Bhrigu Rishi visited Amarnath Cave. In the Maurya dynesty, Kashmir came under Ashoka’s rule and yatra was done by sages/ sadhus/ sanyasi and shiv-bhakts. Kalhan has written in his ‘Rajtarangini’ (i.e. History of Kashmir) in 11th century that AmarnathYatra was in use for one thousand years before Christ. But yatra remained closed time to time for several hundred and thousand years due to disturbance caused by outside invaders in Kashmir in medieval age. Discontinuation of yatra also occurred due to natural calamity many times. For instance, one recent occurrence happened in 1928 when river of panchtarani suddenly overflooded at night when pilgrims were sleeping in tents near river bed. Nearly two thousand people swept away. Since then no body looked towards for twenty years.

There are many myths and legends about Kashmir and Amarnath Yatra. In primitive age Kashmir was a big lake which was ruled by King Nagraj. With due permission of his Guru Kashyap Rishi, he invited some human being. With human being some demons also came and begane to live. Later on demons began to vex men as well as King Nagraj. Now Nagraj went to his Guru and told his problem. Rishi prayed God Shankar WHO gave him a “silver stick” and directed them to take it to his abode at that holy cave where HE will appear and bless HIS devotees. “Silver Stick” i.e., ‘Chhadi’ is symbol of safety and authority. Since then yatra is done by a monk (Mahant/ Hindu prist) with this “Chhadi Mubarak”. A large number of hermits/ anchorites and devotees accompany this monk. The group reaches the holy cave on full moon day of Sawan (Which falls in August) every year and perform puja archana and religious rituals.

Most common and popular legend about this holy cave is related to Shiv-Parvati. The divine consort of Shivaji is Parbati who requested Shivaji to tell her about creation of universe and secret of death and rebirth. Then Shivaji started searching a very lonely place where “Amarkatha” would be narrated before Parbati. He saw the cave with his divine eyes and moved towards it with Maa Parbati. When he reached a very beautiful and lonely place on the bank of river Lidder (Also called NilGanga) where he asked Nandi (OX) to remain there and do not allow any creature to go ahead. So that place was called ‘Bailgam’ and later on it converted into Pahalgam. After a few miles ahead he washed all his Bibhuti and Chandan of his body so that place is called ‘Chandanwari’. A few miles away Shivji separated snake (reptile) from his neck and kept him to remain on the bank of a glacial lake called Sheshnag lake. Again a few miles ahead he told his son ‘Ganesha’ to seat on a mountain top (14,700 feet m.s.l.). This place is called Mahagunush Top. When he reached at a flat ground he opend his dreadlocks(Jata) and shook vigorously. A few drops of water fell down on earth and became five streams. That’s why this place is called “Panchtarani”. When he reached holy cave made a thunder voice due to which all living creature fled away. But a pair of pigeon’s egg in a hole burst and squabs (nascent born pigeons) came out. Now Shivji kept his eyes closed and started to deliver “Amarkatha”. In the mid of katha Ma Parbati went into sound sleep but squabs heard Amarkatha in full and became immortal. This pair still remains in the hole of cave and give darshan to pilgrims.

An another myth is also common in Kashmir that one muslim shepherd “Buta Mallik” of Pahalgam saw this cave and ice-lingam while he was grazing his sheep in that region. He became much excited and informed some Hindu sages about natural formation of an Ice-Shiv-Lingam. He showed the forgotten route also. Since then this pilgrimage is regularly done by devotees in every Srawan month of Hindu Calendar.

There is some twist in this story. According to traditional story which is very common in Kashmir is like this. One Muslim shepherd namely Butta Mullick was given a sack of coal by a Hindu Anchorite. Opening the sack he found it full of gold. Overjoyed, he rushed to look for that very sadhu to express gratitude to him. He followed the sage to far distance place where sadhu disappeared and he reached to the cave and found a very beautiful “Ice-Lingam”. The route was forgotten by hindu devotees due to many bad occurrences for several hundred years. Buta came and described the whole incident to Hindu sages. He also showed the route. Since then Yatra again started. In 1858 A.D. Dogra King Gulab Singh pleased and decreed that representative of Mullick family would always be present at the holy cave shrine along with a mahant and pandit of Ganeshpora during the yatra every year. One third of the offerings received at Holy cave would go to Mullick’d family. Buta’s family was also granted a large estate near Pahalgam and exempted from paying land revenue to the state. Presently Subhang Mallik of Buta Mallik’s family acts as main priest of the Amarnaath Shrine. He does evening AARTI of Shankar Jee everyday during yatra period.

An another story has come to notice with some historical facts that a monk (Hindu Priest) of Hoshangabad (Now in M.P.) used to go Amarnath yatra with “Chhadi Mubarak” in 16th century. But it was very tiring and time taking. It took several months of one trip. Fifth Sikh Guru Arjundev (1581 to 1606) gave a piece of land at Amritsar and provided facilities to the mahant to start his yatra from there. From That period yatra was continued from Amritsar. In 19th century, Dogra King Gulag singh was made king of Kashmir by Maharaja Ranjit Singh. Gulabsingh donated land for hermitage (DashnamiAkhada) at Srinagar to start yatra of “Chhadi Mubarak”. Since then it is continued till the date. Now a days “Chhadi Mubarak” yatra starts from Dashnami Akhara of Srinagar under leadership of Mahant Krishnanand Saraswati. Several hundred sages, hermits, anchorites & devotees accompany the procession. This yatra is 143km long and procession takes halt at Pampur, Bijbehara, Anantnag and proceeds through Matan, Aishmukam and Pahelgam. The procession takes rest at Pahelgam for two days and then proceeds for Holicave. Thousands of Pilgrims/Yatries accompany the holy procession from Pahelgam and passes through Chandanbari, Sheshnag, Panchtarmi and reaches the Holycave on “Raksha-Bandhan”(full moon night of Sawan month of Vikrami calendar which fall in July-August). After Puja-Archana at Holycave the “Chadi Mubarak” returns.

The history and the geography of the Himalaya in general and Kashmir in particular were recited by daddy. He told us that yatra would be more interesting if we had the following information of visiting place i.e., geographical location, history (when this place came to the knowledge), topography, people and caste-system, eating habits, cloths and garment, houses, belief and religion, cultural function and festivals, Govt.’s development work, their views of govt.’s plan, social lockout, village pradhan’s power and prestige, home industries, their cattle, agriculture and business. Without knowing above information of visiting place is like water pouring on bald-head. The more we know the more we can see that we know a little.

Amarnath Yatra Packages

2011-06-21T01:04:00.000-07:00

For Amarnath Yatra Package

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Tour Inclusions
* 02 Night Accommodation inSrinagar.
* Daily Breakfast & Dinner.
*Helicopter Tickets for Amarnath Darshan.
*All transfers & sightseeing by Non AC Vehicle.

Tour Exclusions
* Airfare/Railway Fare.
* Meals not mentioned in the itinerary.
* All items of personal nature.

Amarnath Yatra Packages

2011-06-17T23:34:00.000-07:00

Amarnath is name of lord Shiva Amarnath ji shiv lingam is a natural shiva lingam made of snow. According to Hindu mythology lord Shiba resides at Kailash Parvat which is a part of Himalaya, lord Shiva never made any house or shelter for himself or his bride. Amarnath cave is known as residence of lord Shiva , Accoring to legend lord Shiva recounted to parvati the secreat of Amaratva , A paid of pegion heard this conversation and after knowing secreat are born again & again and have made Amarnath cave their nest , Many pilgrims have reported seeing pigion pair while trekking towards Amarnath Cave.

Pissu Top Information:

Pissu Top is a beautiful place and It is said that there was a war in between Devtas & Rakshas , Devtas & Danvas were fighting for Darshan of lord Shiva , Devatas got win in war over Danvas and Pissu top is a result of their dead bodies of Rakshas .

Sheshnag Information:

Sheshnag is a beautiful mountain which derives its name from its Seven Peaks, These 7 peaks resemble the heads of the mythical snake (Shesh Nag). The yatra to Sheshnag follows steep inclines on the right side of a lovely stream and awesome wild scenery untouched by civilization. The Yatra camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake & glaciers beyond Sheshnag. There are many legends of love and revenge associated with Sheshnag, and people at camp always narrate these stories with yatries at campfire time, The beauty of a pine scented Himalayan night increases your enjoyment. Amarnath Yatris can take bath and get their fatigue alleviated at lake.

Panchatarni Information:

To reach Panchatarni ( 12000 ft above sea level) from Sheshnag , One has to climb Mahagunas Pass, which is situated at 4276 meters.(14000 feet) above sea level, Panchatarni has last enroute stay camp for Amarnath Yatra , At Panchatarni yatries face cold winds which cause the skin to crack . Its sugested to carry cold cream or Vaseline , Boro Plus to avoid skin cracks, Some Yatris are also effected by deficiency of oxygen here .Some may get the feeling of vomiting . People carry dry fruit like Allu Bukhara ,sour and sweet eatables like Lemon to control these symptoms . The route to Amarnath cave via Mahagunas is full of streams, rivulets ,water falls , springs etc. Panchtarni is a lovely place , situated in the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT. Five Rivers flow at Panchatarni area . It is said that the five rivers near Panchatrni are originated from Jatas ( Hair) of Lord Shiva.

Amarnath Cave Information:
Panchatarni to Holy Cave of Amarnath ji distance is 6 Kms , Pilgrims have to travel from Panchatarni to Amarnth Shrine in same day because there is no place to stay in between. These is beautiful sangam of river Amaravati & Panchatarni, Some pilgrims take bath at river Amarawati before Darshan of Amarnath ji, Some people take bath of holy white soil known as " Bhasm" , situated on way to Amarnath ji cave.There are two more Small Shivalingas at holy cave ,one of Maa Parvati & Shri Ganesha. After Darshan may people return to Panchatarni for night stay and many people travel to Sheshnag same day.

Amarnath Yatra 2019

2011-06-16T04:01:00.000-07:00

Annual Pilgrimage to Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath ji in South Kashmir Himalayas would start from 1st week of July, 2020 and conclude on August 15, 2020 on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima. A decision to this effect was taken in a meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) held in New Delhi. Governor, Jammu & Kashmir Shri. N N Vohra, who happens to be chairman of the SASB, chaired the meeting that lasted three and a half hours.

In another significant decision, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board decided to enhance Heli capacity for the pilgrims during Amarnath Yatra 2020 and reduced one way fare from Pahalgam to Panjtarni from last year’s Rs 3800 to Rs 3495 this year per adult passenger and from Rs 1900 to Rs 1745 for children in the age group of two to 12 years.

The Shri Amarnath Yatra 2020 Registration of yatris (pilgrims), on both Pahalgam and Baltal routes, will be through 110 designated branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank all over India and online. Official website of Amarnath Shiva Temple Darshan.