General Information about Amarnath Yatra
Category |
Details |
Place |
Amarnath Cave, located in Jammu & Kashmir, India. |
Distance from Srinagar |
Approx. 141 km from Srinagar. |
Duration of Yatra |
The Yatra typically lasts for around 40-50 days, generally from June to August, depending on the opening of the shrine. |
Opening Dates |
Usually in the month of July (during the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar). Dates vary annually. |
Closing Dates |
Generally in August (on the occasion of Raksha Bandhan). |
Best Time to Visit |
July to August is the best time for the Yatra. It is during this period that the Amarnath Cave opens and the famous ice Shiva Lingam is visible. |
How to Reach |
1. By Air: Nearest airport is Sheikh ul-Alam International Airport (Srinagar).
2. By Road: Can be reached via Jammu-Srinagar Highway.
3. By Helicopter: Helicopter services are available from Pahalgam & Baltal. |
Yatra Route |
1. From Pahalgam: 47 km trek to the Amarnath Cave.
2. From Baltal: 14 km trek, shorter but steeper. |
Modes of Travel |
1. On foot: The primary mode of travel for pilgrims.
2. By Horse/ Palki/ Pony: Available for those who cannot walk the full distance. |
Registration |
Online registration is mandatory through the official Amarnath Shrine Board website for security reasons and to manage the number of pilgrims. |
Facilities Provided |
Medical facilities, tents, langars (free meals), and temporary shelters are available along the trekking routes. |
Average Temperature |
- Summer (June-August): 15°C to 20°C - Winter (November to March): Below freezing. |
Difficulty Level |
Moderate to difficult due to high altitude and weather conditions. |
Spiritual Significance |
The Yatra is a pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave, where an ice Shiva Lingam is worshipped, believed to represent Lord Shiva. |
When Amarnath Yatra starts?
Amarnath Dham Kapat opens from June to July. So, best time to visit Amarnath Temple is during June. During rain pilgrimage is restricted due to landslides and hampering of transport. Pilgrimage resumes after rainy days.
Note: Amarnath Yatra is starting on June 29, 2025 (tentative) and closing on 19 August, 2025(tentative).
There are 2 ways to reach Amarnath Shrine in Jammu Kashmir:
Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter
Nearest Helipad from Amarnath Shrine are:
- Panchtarani Helipad (6 KM Trek)
- Baltal Helipad (16 KM Trek)
Nearest Railway Station from Amarnath is Jammu Tawi Railway Station (200 KM). Another Railway Station near Amarnath is Sri Mata Vaishno Devi, Katra (150 KM). You can hire private vehicle or take a bus from Delhi / Haridwar to Amarnath.
Places to visit
Places to visit in Amarnath are Amarnath Jyotirlingam , Amarnath Cave , Lidder River , Lidder Valley and Sheshnaag Lake.
Fairs and Festivals in Amarnath Dham
Amarnath Yatra takes place during Shravan. Shravan is the holiest month in Hinduism dedicated to Lord Shiva. Amarnath Yatra ends with Shravani Purnima .
Best Things to Do in Amarnath
Pilgrims visit the Holy Shrine of Amarnath to have Darshan of Amarnath Jyotirlingam . It is more a journey of will-power and inner courage than mere pilgrimage.
Nearby tourist places from Amarnath:
Amarnath generally remains frozen throughout the year. During summer Amarnath Yatra takes place only in the months of June and July when glaciers and snow melts clearing the way for pilgrimage on treacherous treks.
Where to Stay in Amarnath
There are numerous options for accommodation in Sri Nagar Baltal and Pahalgam Base Camps for Amarnath Yatra.
NOTE: Holy Voyages arranges for affordable accommodation for holy pilgrimage of Hindu pilgrims on Amarnath Shrine.