| Category |
Details |
| Place |
Amarnath Cave, Jammu & Kashmir, India |
| Altitude |
3,888 meters (12,756 feet) above sea level |
| Best Time to Visit |
July to August – during the Amarnath Yatra when the shrine is open and the ice Shiva Lingam is visible. |
| Winter (November - March) |
Temperature: -10°C to -5°C. Amarnath experiences extreme cold with heavy snowfall. The roads may be closed due to snow, and trekking is not possible.
Preparation: Necessary to carry heavy woolens and survival gear. |
| Spring (April - June) |
Temperature: 0°C to 15°C. The snow begins to melt, and the weather becomes warmer. This is the period when the roads are cleared for the pilgrimage. It's still chilly at night.
Preparation: Light woolens, jackets, and trek gear required. |
| Monsoon (July - September) |
Temperature: 10°C to 20°C. The weather is pleasant, but rainfall is frequent, making trekking difficult. Landslides can occur, and roads can be slippery.
Preparation: Waterproof jackets, trekking poles, and sturdy shoes. |
| Autumn (October - November) |
Temperature: 5°C to 10°C. The weather begins to cool down, and it's a great time to visit. Early snowfall may occur.
Preparation: Woolens and trekking gear are recommended. |
| Average Temperature |
- Summer: 15°C to 20°C during the day, drops to 0°C at night.
- Winter: Temperatures may fall below freezing at night.
- Monsoon: 10°C to 15°C with heavy rainfall during the yatra season. |
| Rainfall |
Heavy rainfall in the monsoon season (July-August), which makes the trek challenging. In winter, snowfall is prevalent but doesn't affect the Yatra directly unless the snowfall is heavy. |
| Snowfall |
Winter months (November-March) bring heavy snow and freezing temperatures. Snow also starts to accumulate during early autumn (September-October), especially on higher ground. |
| Trekking Conditions |
- Pahalgam to Amarnath: Moderate to difficult trek (47 km). Can be challenging during monsoon due to slippery paths.
- Baltal to Amarnath: Shorter but steeper (14 km). Steep trek can be dangerous in rainy conditions. |
| Helicopter Services |
Available during July to August for pilgrims to avoid the difficult trek. The weather conditions during these months are usually favorable for helicopter travel. |
| Helicopter Timing |
Helicopter services operate from 6:00 AM till 4:00 PM during the Yatra season. |
| Precautions |
- Prepare for sudden weather changes and carry warm clothing even in summer.
- Avoid visiting during extreme winter or rainy seasons for safety. |