How To Reach Amarnath Temple

Let’s see what the Amarnath Yatra has to offer and find out ways to reach the pilgrimage site.

How To Reach Amarnath Temple Highlights

• Trek Distance: 32 km approximately
• Best Time To Visit: June to July
• Registration: First Come First Served Basis
• Helicopters: Available
• Palki/Ponies: Available
• Srinagar to Amarnath Distance: 101 km approximately
• Jammu to Amarnath Distance: 344 km approximately
• Estimated Cost For the Yatra: INR 25000 to INR 40000 approximately

History Of Amarnath Yatra

Buta Malik went back to the place but could find the Sadhu, and instead found the Amarnath Cave and inside it was an ice lingam. 

However, the pilgrimage of Amarnath Yatra did not begin before the 19th century when a Kashmiri Pandit Mahadev Kaul found the cave again and then wrote about his experience in a book Rajtarangani. Soon the book became popular and curious travellers began exploring the cave, and ever since people started doing the Amarnath Yatra. The pilgrimage officially started in the year 1934 but was paused during the partition of India and Pakistan in the year 1947, and was again resumed in 1949.

How To Reach Amarnath Cave?

Amarnath Yatra Routes

Common questions among pilgrims arises on how to reach Amarnath from Delhi, well in that case, you can take a flight to Srinagar or a train to Jammu, and then reach either Baltal or Pahalgam, if you wish to take the Helicopter route. If you are planning to trek, you can reach Chandanwari or Baltal. 

There are no bus tickets from Delhi to Amarnath, although you can take a bus from Delhi to Srinagar and then plan your trip from there.

If you are wondering how to reach Amarnath by train, then you should know that Amarnath doesn’t have a railway station of it’s own. The nearest railway station to Amarnath temple is Jammu, which is approximately 178 km from Amarnath. From the railway station, there are several Amarnath Yatra Routes that you can resort to.

If you don’t wish to trek, you can either opt for a palki or pony to reach the sacred cave. 

• Approximate Cost For Helicopter: INR 3000 to INR 4000

How To Reach Amarnath Temple From Srinagar?

If you already reached Srinagar and are wondering how to reach Amarnath from Pahalgam or Srinagar, then there are ways that you can opt for a helicopter ride from Pahalgam or start your trek from Chandanwari, located at a distance of 16 km from Pahalgam. 

If you are thinking of how to reach Amarnath temple from Srinagar, you can take a taxi or bus to Baltal, which is approximately 95 km from Srinagar, and from here you can take a helicopter ride.

• Baltal: The Baltal Route is a shorter route, located approximately 15 km from Sonamarg, and covers a total of 16 km in one day. It may answer your question of how to reach Amarnath temple using a shorter route, but let us warn you that it is very challenging. The route goes through steep slopes and is not for beginners.  It is less popular with devotees because it requires the trekkers to return the same day for there are no camping and resting options available. 
• Pahalgam Route: Now if you are wondering about how to reach Amarnath Temple through a route which is usually followed by the pilgrims, who prefer trekking, then you can go for the Pahalgam route. This route covers a total of 32 km and the trek is covered in 2-3 days one way. Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath trek from the Pahalgam route, and it is located 14 km from Pahalgam.

Best Time To Visit Amarnath Temple

Which month is best to visit Amarnath? While the Amarnath Yatra is primarily conducted during July and early August, each month has its unique characteristics:

• June: The Amarnath Yatra typically begins in the last week of June. While the snow is melting and the routes are opening up, there is still a chance of encountering snow-covered paths. Pilgrims visiting during this time should be well-prepared for cold weather and potentially slippery terrain.
• July: This is considered the Best Time to Travel to Amarnath. The weather is relatively mild, and the Amarnath Cave and Temple are most accessible. The chances of rainfall are higher, but it is still the most popular month for the Yatra.
• August: The first week of August marks the end of the Amarnath Yatra season. The weather can be unpredictable, with occasional rains and landslides. However, those seeking a quieter pilgrimage experience might find this period more suitable.

Preparations On How To Reach Amarnath Temple 

• Clothing: Since the weather during the yatra season remains cold, you need to ensure that you have proper clothes, including woollen clothes. If you are planning to trek, then you should have proper trekking shoes. Make sure the shoes are not new to avoid shoe bites. Carry a trekking stick to ease the process of trekking.
• Registration and Permits: Pilgrims must register in advance and obtain the necessary permits from the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.
• Physical Fitness: Since you will be travelling to a high altitude spot, you need to make sure you are physically fit to go for the trek, as well as the journey. Try exercising a month before you go for the Amarnath Yatra.