Introduction

From Pahalgam, the distance to the cave of Amarnath where Lord Shiva is enshrined as an ice-lingam is forty-eight kilometers. Two stories are told about how the sacred cave of Amarnath was discovered. According to one version, there was a Muslim Gujjar herdsman named Buta Malik who was given a sack of coal by a sadhu. When Malik opened the sack he discovered that it was full of gold. Delighted, he rushed back to thank the sadhu, but at the spot where they had met, discovered a cave which then become a place of pilgrimage. Interestingly, even today, a percentage of the donations made by pilgrims are given to the descendants of Malik. The other version speaks of the time when all Kashmir was under a vast lake. Rishi Kashyap drained the water through number of rivers and rivulets and the mountains stood revealed. It was Rishi Bhrigu who was the first to have a ‘darshan’ of this holy cave where Lord Shiva was manifest in a lingam of ice that is believed to wax and wane with the moon's cycle. The route from Pahalgam is via Chandanwari at an altitude of 2896 meters. This is a small valley at and the distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is 16 kilometers. This leg can also be covered by road transport. From Chandanwari the trail goes to Sheshnag Lake. From Sheshnag the climb begins to the Mahagunas Pass at 4276 meters and then descends to the meadow of Panchtarni. On the third day, this is the last camp on the route. The ‘yatra’ is held around the Hindu month of Shravan – and broadly coincides with July and August. This is the time when thousands of pilgrims wind their way up to this holy cave. Substantial arrangements are made by the Shri Amarnath Board along with the state government and army. Telecommunications and medical facilities are available in camps.

Special Attributes

Pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Conservative

Connectivity

Walking, on horseback or in litters

Enjoyed by

Religious minded

Exposure

Yes

Avoidable Season

December, January, February and March

Facilities

Basic, plan accordingly

Things Not Allowed

No weapons of any description

Tip

Check fitness level before taking this on

Type of site

Religious Yatra