Festival · Pahalgam, Kashmir
Amarnath Yatra
Each summer, pilgrims walk to the Amarnath cave at 3,888 m to see a natural ice lingam venerated as Shiva. The yatra starts from Chandanwari near Pahalgam on the 43 km southern route, or from Baltal near Sonamarg on the shorter 13 km northern route, and shapes travel across Kashmir in July and August.
Photo: Gktambe at English Wikipedia · Public domain · CommonsThe Amarnath cave lies in a high side valley about 141 km from Srinagar. Inside, water freezes into a stalagmite that devotees worship as a Shiva lingam. The yatra is organised by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board with the government, over a season of several weeks in the month of Shravan, traditionally ending on Shravan Purnima, the day of Raksha Bandhan.
The southern route from Pahalgam goes by road to Chandanwari, then on foot via Sheshnag and Panchtarni, about 43 km and three to five days return. The northern route from Baltal is about 13 km and can be done in one or two days. Ponies, palkis and helicopter services to Panchtarni operate under official rates.
Advance registration, a compulsory health certificate from an authorised doctor and RFID cards are required, and the trail climbs above 4,000 m at Mahagunas pass. Pilgrims should acclimatise, carry warm and waterproof clothing, and talk to their doctor before travelling. Non-pilgrims should expect convoys and restrictions on the Pahalgam and Sonamarg roads.
Tips for the day
- Register early with the Shrine Board; slots for popular dates fill fast.
- Get the compulsory health certificate from an authorised doctor before registering.
- If you are not a pilgrim, avoid Pahalgam and Sonamarg roads on convoy mornings.
Where it happens
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a riverside town at 2,200 m where the East and West Lidder rivers meet, about 95 km east of Srinagar. Stay two or three nights to see Betaab Valley, Chandanwari and Aru by local taxi, walk the pine forests, fish for trout and, in July and August, watch the Amarnath Yatra begin.
Stay nearby
Photo: Unknown author · CC0 · Commons
Budget
JKTDC Huts and Cottages, Pahalgam
The Jammu and Kashmir Tourism Development Corporation runs cottages and huts in Pahalgam, set among pines near the…
Photo: Suneeta3 · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
Mid
The Pahalgam Hotel
One of Pahalgam's oldest hotels, established in the early 1930s, set in gardens above the Lidder with rooms and su…
Questions
About Amarnath Yatra
How do I register for the Amarnath Yatra?
Registration opens months before the yatra through the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board's official channels and designated banks. You need a compulsory health certificate from an authorised doctor and photo ID, and you collect an RFID card before the yatra. Check current status before you travel.
Which Amarnath route is easier, Pahalgam or Baltal?
Baltal is shorter, about 13 km one way, but steeper, and can be done in one or two days. The Pahalgam route via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni is about 43 km, longer but more gradual, and takes three to five days return.
What is the altitude of Amarnath cave?
The cave is at about 3,888 m, and the southern route crosses Mahagunas pass above 4,000 m. Altitude sickness is a real risk. Acclimatise, ascend slowly, drink water and talk to your doctor before the yatra, especially if you have heart or lung conditions.
Can tourists visit Pahalgam during the Amarnath Yatra?
Yes, but expect heavy security, traffic restrictions and limited access to Chandanwari and some areas. Hotels fill with pilgrims and prices rise. If you want a quiet Pahalgam stay, plan for May, June or September instead.