Amarnath yatra

Amarnath yatra is considered as the most sacred pilgrimage in the Hindu religion. The journey is of 141 km from Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated at a height of 4,175m. The yatra is mainly conducted in the month of July and August every year. The yatra is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Holy Trinity.

About the Yatra
The journey of Amarnath is of 141 km from Srinagar, out of which 45 km from Pahalgam has to be covered on foot, is believed to be the holiest of Hindu shrines. The holy cave houses an ice stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the moon. The annual Amarnath yatra takes place in July and august. The Amarnath Cave is high and shallow and extending up to 130 feet.

How to Reach
By road if you want to travel than from Baltal there is a regular bus service during the pilgrimage time, you can get back to Srinagar that night. At other times, camp at Baltal and continue to Sonamarg at a more leisurely pace the following morning. From Sonamarg there are three buses a day to Srinagar and it takes around five hours to reach.

Things to Carry for the Trip
You should be mentally and physically fit to go for the trip as the journey includes trekking at a height of 1,4000ft. You should get yourself medically tested before the journey and forward that certificate to the registering authority designated for your area of residence.

You should carry lots of heavy woolens like jackets, sweaters, woolen thermal body warmers, trousers, monkey caps, mufflers, blankets and any other warm items. Among other items you should carry sleeping bags, blankets, windcheaters, raincoats, waterproof shoes with sufficient grips, tents, torch with sufficient batteries and supporting sticks.

You should carry sufficient amount of money for accommodation at Pahalgam and meeting other requirements.

You should also posses a registration card.

These are some of the important items you should carry for the holy trip to Amarnath.