Location: about 141 km (88 mi) from Srinagar, reached through Pahalgam town ,lies at a distance of 46 km from pahalgam.
HISTORY
Amarnath is also referred by the name ‘Amareshwara’ which is mentioned in the Rajatarangini.References of Amarnath is also been mentioned by Kalhana and its sequel ‘Rajataringini’ that talks about the records of Kashmir. However the early history of this pilgrim destination dates back to the times of Aryaraja (34 BCE to 17 CE) who used to spend his summers here worshipping an ‘ice lingam’. During those days the location of this place was beyond the forest area. The famous Shah Kol canal situated here was constructed by Sultan Zain’l-abidin who frequently visited the city during the years 1420 – 1470.
Major Tourist Activity :
Amarnath Cave
The holy cave of Amarnath is situated inside a steep cliff at an altitude of 4,000mts.It measures about 45 m (150 feet) high, 27 m (90 feet) long and faces south. A massive ice lingam inside the cave waxes and wanes with the phases of moon. There is another ice formation on the left side of the lingam which is worshipped as Ganesha, and on the right there is another ice formation which is worshipped as Parvati.Pilgrims visiting here are given Vibhuti or holy ash.
The Ice Lingam
In Amarnath there is an Ice Lingam that changes its size with different seasons, and also with the moon, as its waxes and wanes. The lingam attains its maximum height of about 6 feet on the full moon day and hence on this day in the month of July-August, a festival is held here when the lingam attains its maximum height for it is strongly believed that Lord Shiva appeared on this day.
Amarnath Yatra
Pahalgam is the base for the religious trek to the abode of Lord Shiva. A narrow spiralling path from Panchtarni leads to the Amarnath Cave. Though the voyage to the cave is quite adventurous and demanding it is worth going to Amarnath, the most acclaimed pilgrimage spot. The Amarnath Yatra in the month of Shravan is officially organized by the Jammu Kashmir government. This place witnesses landslides and other natural calamities quite often, but still it doesn’t prevent the devotees from undertaking this holy pilgrimage since the darshan of the Shiv Lingam is considered to be very sacred.Amarnath Yatra proffers a unique opportunity to all those who undertook the arduous journey since it gives the pleasure of being in the midst of gorgeous nature. Week’s supply of essential commodities and provisions should be carried along with. Also necessary tinned food, a thermos, torch, raincoat, waterproof shoes, heavy woollens, gumboats, walking stick and first aid equipments should be taken. All requirements are available at Pahalgam.The entire yatra is usually completed within 5 to 6 days.
OTHER NEARBY ATTRACTIONS
Chandanwari
Chandanwari is the place from where the famous Amarnath yatra starts which is about 16kms from Pahalgam.The road from Pahalgam to Chandanwari is on fairly flat terrain and can be undertaken by car.Pahalgan is situated at an altitude of 6,500 above sea level and is famous for its snow bridge. The journey to this place is the main highlight and it is really wonderful.
Sheshnag Lake
The waters of this greenish blue lake are covered with ice till June. According to the Hindu mythology the sacred snake Sheshnag has seven heads and this is how the place having seven peaks derives its name Sheshnag. Sheshnag lake is situated at an altitude of 11,330 ft above sea level and at a distance of 13 km from Chandanwari.
Panchtarni
On the way to Amarnath this is the last camping site and it is the place where five streams meet from where it derives its name Panchtarni.Panchtarni is situated at a distance of about 6 kms from Amarnath.
How to Reach?
By Air
The nearest Airport is away in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.
By Rail
The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with country.
By Road
Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on the NH1A Highway. It takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country.
Panchtani stay:
Besides hotels,number of private houses,huts and tents are available in Pahalgam.During the Yatra to the Amarnath cave pilgrims can stay overnight at tented camps along the routes. Panchtarni, which is the last stop before the holy cave, is where pilgrims can stay at night and visit the Amarnath Cave during the day, before beginning their return journey.
Place description: The Amarnath temple is one of the Hindu temples in India. The Amarnath temple is supposed to be 5000 years old and is visited by thousands of Hindu devotees every year. The holy cave of Amarnath is situated inside a steep cliff at an altitude of 4,000 metres.A massive ice lingam inside the cave waxes and wanes with the phases of moon. The legendary pair of white doves sits besides the shrine. There are legends which say that it was here that Lord Shiva explained the secrets of creation and salvation to his consort Parvathi and doves overhead them and as result pigeons born out of them became immortal having listened to the secret of immortality.
Visiting Time: The Amarnath cave is noted for its pillar of ice or the ice lingam is visited by thousands of pilgrims mostly during the month of July and August.
Best Season / Best time to visit Amarnath
The climatic conditions in Amarnath are highly varying but the best time to visit is from April to October.
• Winter (November to April) are chilly with temperature goes down to about -5°C. Snowfall is very common during winters and the region in blanketed with snow.
• Summer (May to October) are pleasant with cooler atmosphere and climate. Average temperature is around 15°C. Summers is ideal for all pilgrimage and enjoying the natural panorama of the region.
• Monsoon showers can occur any time in the year. During rains, the hilly roads become slippery and difficult to climb the curved and caved paths.
The region around the Amarnath shrine remains snow bound for a major part of the year. Summers offer cool and pleasant climate and is the perfect time for Amarnath Yatra. Winters on the other hand extremely cold and chilly. Tourists typically keep off during winters and the snow often causes road blockage.
Weather and temperature: The weather conditions are very uncertain. Rain or snowfall may take place at any time or place during the Yatra . It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur. Sunny weather may turn into rain / snow fall in a short time. The temperature may fall up to -5 degree C.
Camping Spots: The place is known for plenty of camping spots and from Daksum the trail rises fairly steeply to the Sinthan Pass located at the height of 3,748m.
Near By major Cities
Srinagar 85 KM near
Chandigarh 384 KM near
Dehradun 501 KM near
Near By Local Cities
Jammu 194 KM near
Amritsar 328 KM near
Jalandhar 359 KM near
Ludhiana 416 KM near
Near By Air Ports
Srinagar Airport 80 KM near
Satwari Airport 203 KM near
Leh Airport 211 KM near
Pathankot Airport 249 KM near
Near By RailWay Station
Pampore Rail Way Station 65 KM near
Panjgam Rail Way Station 66 KM near
Awantipura Rail Way Station 66 KM near
Brijbehra Rail Way Station 67 KM near