Fairs & Festivals of Amarnath
The Amarnath Yatra is the primary annual event that draws devotees from across India and beyond. Held in the months of July and August, this pilgrimage is organized by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and coincides with the Hindu month of Shravan. Special pujas and rituals are performed, and the yatra involves a 36- to 48-kilometer trek, which can take several days. Due to the harsh terrain, the yatra is supported by a network of camps, medical facilities, and security, creating an atmosphere of devotion and community. The yatra period sees a vibrant gathering of pilgrims, sadhus (holy men), and support staff, marking a period of intense spiritual and communal fervor.
Read more +Best Time to Visit Amarnath
The Amarnath Yatra is open to pilgrims only for a limited period each year, usually between late June and early August. This period, during the summer months, is the only viable time to reach the cave due to heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures throughout the rest of the year. During the yatra season, daytime temperatures range from 9°C to 25°C, while nighttime can be much colder, often dropping below freezing. It’s essential for travelers to prepare for cold weather and high-altitude conditions, even in summer, as the trek to Amarnath is demanding and involves steep paths and rapidly changing weather.
Read more +How to Reach Amarnath
The primary base for the Amarnath
Yatra is Pahalgam, which is connected by road to Srinagar. Buses and taxis are available from
Srinagar to Pahalgam. Another route begins from Baltal, also reachable by road from Srinagar.
The nearest railway station to
Amarnath is Jammu Tawi, located about 315 kilometers from Pahalgam. Jammu Tawi station is
well-connected with major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, from where pilgrims can
take road transport to the yatra’s base camps.
The nearest airport is Srinagar
International Airport, approximately 80 kilometers from Pahalgam. From Srinagar, visitors can hire
taxis or take buses to reach the yatra starting points of Pahalgam or Baltal.
Tourist Attractions in Amarnath
Beyond the Amarnath Cave, the surrounding region offers various destinations for nature lovers and pilgrims. Pahalgam, known for its lush meadows and the Lidder River, serves as a starting point for the yatra and is a popular hill station in itself. Baltal, another base for the yatra, offers camping and trekking experiences amidst scenic landscapes. Nearby, Sonmarg, known as the “Meadow of Gold,” is renowned for its stunning alpine scenery, with opportunities for trekking, fishing, and sightseeing. Srinagar, the capital city, provides a perfect blend of natural beauty and cultural experiences with its famous Dal Lake, Mughal Gardens, and vibrant markets, making it a must-visit stop on any journey to Amarnath.
Read more +Location
Amarnath Cave is situated in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, set amidst the Himalayas at an elevation of approximately 3,888 meters. Located close to the town of Pahalgam, the cave is accessible only during the yatra period, as harsh winters and challenging terrain make it otherwise difficult to reach. The remote location of Amarnath, coupled with the natural ice formation and its spiritual significance, imbues the cave with an aura of mystery and reverence, drawing thousands of pilgrims on an annual journey of faith and endurance.
Read more +
