Amarnath Yatra is a major religious pilgrimage for Hindus. The journey of Amarnath is done to have a glimpse of the naturally made Shiva Linga of Lord Shiva. This journey is very difficult. There are two ways to complete this Yatra. One starts from Pehelgaam and another one from Sonmarg Baltaal. The route from pehelgaam is simple and convenient. The route from Sonmarg is just 14 KM but it is very difficult and has security concerns also. People following this route do it at their own risk and also govt of India is not responsible for any mishap on this route.
Pehelgaam is at a distance of 315 KM from Jammu. The Yatra on foot starts from here. The first stop is at Chandanbadi which is at 8 KM from Pehelgaam. The devotees spend the first night here. On the next morning, they resume the Yatra for Pissoo Ghati along Lidder river. This part of Yatra is simple as compared to the rest of the Yatra.
The next stop from Chandanbadi is Sheshnaag. The route is dangerous and has steep height. One can see pissoo ghati here. This area is very dangerous. There are many beautiful lakes of blue water coming out of hills. The devotees spend night here and resume their third day Yatra from here.
Panchtarni is at a distance of 8 miles from Sheshnaag. One has to cross Baivwell and Mahagunass on the way to Sheshnaag. The place gets its name because of five small rivers flowing here. It is surrounded by high hills from all the sides. The devotees have to be extra careful here because of lack of oxygen at this place.
The holy cave is at a distance of only 8KM from here. The whole of route is filled with ice all along the way. This route is very difficult. One forgets all the tiredness as soon as he reaches the holy cave and attains spiritual bliss on witnessing the the Shiva-linga made of natural ice.
There are also some age restrictions for the Amarnath Yatra. No one below 13 years of age or above 75 years of age can take part in Amarnath Yatra. There is a ban on Amarnath Yatra for women who are more than 6 weeks pregnant.
Devotees are advised to keep with them warm clothes, medicines and light snacks in adequate amount. It is also advised to keep torch, match, fireworks, polythene. Also to keep following the directions from security forces and advisory from govt of India.
Shri Amarnath ji Yatra will commence on 25 June 2025 and will culminate on 09 August 2025. This year Shri Amarnathji Yatra is 45 days long. (*date may be vary)
Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave distance is approx 36 to 48 km and completes in around 3 to 5 days (one way). Most of the pilgrims prefer this route as it is not only a bit easier than the Baltal one but also scenic. So, if you have senior devotees with you, this is the better route.
There are also some age restrictions for the Amarnath Yatra. No one below 13 years of age or above 75 years of age can take part in Amarnath Yatra. There is a ban on Amarnath Yatra for women who are more than 6 weeks pregnant.