{"id":34251,"date":"2019-07-08T20:40:21","date_gmt":"2019-07-08T15:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.thomascook.in\/?p=34251"},"modified":"2026-03-18T12:47:37","modified_gmt":"2026-03-18T07:17:37","slug":"guide-to-gods-journey-the-amarnath-yatra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.thomascook.in\/blog\/india-holidays\/guide-to-gods-journey-the-amarnath-yatra\/","title":{"rendered":"Guide to God\u2019s Journey: The Amarnath Yatra"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Legend has it, that the Goddess Parvati once turned to Lord Shiva asking him when he started wearing the bead of heads (known as Mund Mala). Shiva responded, \u201cwhenever you are born\u201d. To this Parvati wondered why she experienced the cyclical nature of life, death and rebirth. What was the secret? Shiva told her that it was the secret of the Amar Katha (the story of immortality). When Parvati implored Lord Shiva to share this story, he decided to whisper the story to her in a sacred and secret ground \u2013 the Amarnath cave. Thus, began an arduous journey to the cave – fit to test the gods.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Today, mere mortals trace this journey to the cave, as Lord Shiva decried that those who reach the cave, are worthy of moksha (a transcendent state where a soul is released from the cycle of rebirth).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The Amarnath Yatra is not just a journey within oneself to explore the concept of life. It is also a test of one\u2019s faith, one\u2019s strength and one\u2019s body.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

As you seek to undertake the journey that challenged Lord Shiva and Parvati, we thought you could use some guiding points for this trek. Let\u2019s get started on the journey of life.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Stairway to Heaven \u2013 Routes<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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Image Source : Himalayan Heli<\/figcaption>\r\n<\/figure>\r\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n

There are 2 routes to reach the sacred Amarnath cave. One from Pahalgam<\/a> and another from Baltal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Pahalgam <\/strong>\u2013 You can approach Pahalgam from two points \u2013 from Jammu (315 kms away) or Srinagar (96 kms away), via bus, taxi or car. From Pahalgam, devotees will either walk or drive to Chandanwari (16 kms away). From there, devotees will climb to Pissu Top and then follow a steep incline to reach Sheshnag lake. A steep 4.6 km climb leads to Panchtarni \u2013 the last camp before the holy cave. 6 precious kilometres away is the Amarnath cave.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Baltal <\/strong>\u2013 From Jammu, devotees will traverse a length of 400 kilometres to Baltal. From there, they can either travel via ponies or on foot to reach the cave. This route is shorter, but slightly more perilous. The path is narrow and steep and is a feat of endurance.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Finally, a third route is available. Although the previous two routes offered the comfort of the car, the precision of the pony and firm grip of the footstep, the third route is via the skies. Devotees can complete the journey in a day by taking a helicopter from Pahalgam to Panchtarni.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Amarnath Awaits – Dates<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

If 2019 is the year to put your faith to test, then luckily, the Amarnath Yatra is just around the corner. The dates of the yatra are decided and released by the Amarnath Shrine Board. This year, pilgrims will take the first steps of the yatra on 2nd July. The last day to visit the holy shrine will be 15th August. For those who cannot join the yatra this year, the cycle begins again next year.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Amarnath Yatra – Trekking and Training \u2013 Health and Fitness<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Rocky roads, high altitudes, rain slicked paths, sheets of sleet and thick drifts of snow \u2013 the Amarnath Yatra puts its pilgrims to the test. This is a test of both faith and physique \u2013 both of which are deeply intertwined on this journey. In this way, the yatra almost becomes symbolic of life itself.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

The body is your greatest instrument on this yatra. It needs to be fit and so preparation is key. You need to start preparing at least 2 months in advance. Learning breathing techniques to cope with the high altitudes is key. Next is building the stamina necessary for a trek like this. Establishing a steady sleep cycle, healthy eating habits and drinking lots of water will increase your body\u2019s stamina and strength before the trek.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Do note, that if you suffer from any kind of lung disease, high blood pressure or heart problems, you will need to check with your doctor before embarking on the pilgrimage. Since 2014, it is mandatory to obtain a medical certificate<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

On the trek, do not overexert yourself. Walk slowly and steadily. While the trail is mostly flat, there are some areas where you will need to climb. Follow the advice of your guide and proceed with caution.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n

Part of the Pack \u2013 What to Carry<\/h2>\r\n\r\n\r\n
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This trek, with extreme temperatures and landscapes, demands comfort and protection. When you\u2019re packing for the trek, make sure you include:<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n