Every year tens of thousands of Hindu devotees visit this cave, located in the heart of the Himalayas. It is a two hour drive from Pahalgam to Chandanwari and then a trek, which people tread on foot or riding ponies.
So if you are a devotee and you want to have the most tranquil, spiritual time-Amarnath cave is the answer. There are helicopter services available to the cave as well, while Langars line the trek route providing free food.
Situated 96 Kms from Srinagar, Pahalgam is known all over the world for its beauty. Lidder and Aru Rivers and high mountains kiss the valley. Good Hotels are available for accommodation. Arrangements for free Langars (food kiosks) are also made by Non Government Organisations at Nunwan Yatri Camp, 6 kms. short of Pahalgam. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam for the first night. Sheshnag – is actually a mountain which derives its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake. The second night’s camp at Sheshnag overlooks the deep blue waters of Sheshnag lake, and glaciers beyond. There are legends of love and revenge too associated with Sheshnag, and at the camp these are narrated by campfires. The stillness of the Himalayan night increases your inner joy. Once you take bath and enjoy the scenic view, life takes a whole new meaning altogether. On the way to The Holy Cave, one comes across the Sangam of Amravati and Panjtarni rivers. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near the Holy Cave before going for Darshan. There are two smaller Shivlings one of Maa Parvati and other of Shri Ganesh. It may be noted that after having early Darshan of the Shiv Linga at Holy Cave, one can return to Panjtarni well in time the same day.
The distance between Jammu and Baltal can be covered by Taxis / Buses available at Tourist Reception Centre, J & K / bus stand or one can come to Srinagar by air and then reach Baltal by road. The road route followed is:
The journey from Jammu to Baltal, which is about 400 kms, passes through beautiful valleys, waterfalls, and greenery all over gives you a new lease of life. A thrill, which is obviously there in every pilgrim, gets enhanced while passing through this way owing to the Darshan of Holy Cave.
Holy Cave is just 14 Kms from Baltal and the distance can be covered by foot / Ponies. However, Dandies are also available for handicapped and old aged pilgrims.
The width of the pebbled (kuchha) road is a bit narrow as compared to the Chandanwari-Holy Cave route, moreover, there are some steep rises & falls on the way, as compared to the Chandanwari route, but pilgrims can return back to base camp Baltal through this route only in one day
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