Amarnath Yatra is one of the most sacred and difficult journeys in the country. The administration of Jammu and Kashmir has decided to resume the Amarnath Yatra after a long hiatus of two years. As the Covid restrictions have been lifted, the pilgrims will be able to start their annual Amarnath Yatra from June 30th this year. This was stated by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha.

Like every year, the army and the administration are reluctant to keep any security flaws this year. So the anti-drone system will be included in the yatra to thwart the terrorist plan. Strict measures will be taken to prevent drones operated by terrorists from entering the airspace. The security forces of Jammu and Kashmir have come up with a definite plan to deal with the drones for the safety of the participants in the Amarnath Yatra 2022. RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) tags, including bar code systems and satellite trackers, will monitor the movements of pilgrims and convoys. It is learned that state-of-the-art CCTV will be installed at the route and campsite. If a pilgrim is in danger or gets lost on the way, the rescue team can easily reach there. An additional 50 CRPF companies will be deployed in Kashmir to ensure the safety of pilgrims on the Amarnath pilgrimage.

Here we will discuss the full story of the Amarnath Yatra. What you must know before planning this holy yatra.

How to reach

By Bus

There are plenty of AC, non-AC private, and government bus services to visit Amarnath Cave, located 971 km from the capital Delhi, which you can book online in advance. If you come from any other city like Kolkata, Chennai, Bombay, or Bangalore then air or rail service will be time-saving for you. Private and state operators provide bus services from Jammu or Srinagar to Pahalgam, and Baltal.

By Rail

To reach Amarnath, you have to reach the nearest railway station, Jammu. Train services to Jammu are available from almost all the states of the country. You will get bus service from Jammu to Pahalgam or Baltal.

By Air

Amarnath’s trip by flight is a very good choice. The nearest airport is Srinagar. Which is connected by air to almost all the states. The distance from the airport to Pahalgam or Baltal is about 92 kilometers. You will also get bus and cab services from Srinagar to reach your base camp.

Where the journey begins

The Amarnath Yatra takes two routes. One is Baltal and the other is the Pahalgam route. State transport and private transport operators provide bus services from Jammu and Srinagar to reach these two base camps.

Yatra Route

Pahalgam Route- ( The most widely used route)
Pahalgam- Chandan wari (Base Camp) – Pishu Top – Zojibal – Naga Koti – Sheshnag – Warbal –  Mahaguns Top – Pabibal – Panjtarini – Sangam – Holy Cave                                                                                                                                    Trek route starts from Chandanwari to Amarnath Cave and the distance is 42 KM, this route takes 5-6 days to complete the yatra.

The distance from Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave is 42 kilometers. This route is the most popular route for Amarnath Yatra. You have to start walking from Pahalgam and reach Chandan wari at a distance of 16 km. Pishu Top is 3 km away from there. Sheshnag is 9 km away from Pishu Top, and Panjtarini is 12 km away from there. Only 2 km away from there, you can enter the holy cave of Amarnath, the abode of Lord Shiva. You can finish this route in 5 to 6 days. Most of the pilgrims prefer this route because it is more picturesque, less steep, and full of natural beauty than Baltal. On this route, also you will get pony service. This is a better route for elderly pilgrims.

Baltal Route- (Uphill route)
Neelgrath – Baltal(Base Camp) – Domail – Brari – Sangam – Holy Cave                                                                                        Trek route starts from Baltal to Amarnath Cave and the distance is 14 KM, this route takes 2-3 days to complete the yatra.

The distance from Baltal to Amarnath cave is 14 kilometers. This route is the way to reach the holy cave in less time. After walking from Baltal, Domail will come after 2 km, from there another 6 km to Barari. 4 km more from Barari to Sangam. This is the final destination from where you have to walk only 2 kilometers to reach the holy cave. Walking is only allowed on this road, and even pony service is not available on this route. It is possible to visit Amarnath in 2 to 3 days by going and coming on this route. This route is most popular for those who are looking for adventure travel. However, since this route is quite difficult and risky due to high altitude and bad weather, it is not recommended for elderly pilgrims.

Helicopter Route 

Staring Point – Baltal Helipad

Starting Point – Pahalgam Helipad

This year, Panjtarini can be reached directly by helicopter from Srinagar, official sources said. The government is planning to launch the helicopter service from Badgam Airport near Srinagar as the congestion may increase this year due to the two-year closure. Earlier, helicopter service was running from Baltal and Pahalgam to Panjtarini, 92 km from Srinagar. It is being explored whether it is possible to build a permanent helipad at the foot of Amarnath cave.

Even if you travel by helicopter, you will be dropped off at Panjtarini, 6 km before the holy cave. From there you can walk, palanquin, or pony ride to enter the holy cave. However, the pony ride will take you down 2 km before the cave due to the steep slope.

Amarnath Weather

The climate of the Amarnath region is ever-changing. During the yatra, the temperature here ranges from 9 degrees to 28 degrees. So winter clothes must carry you on this journey.

Permission to travel

Pilgrims will be able to make this journey from June 30 to August 11. The 43-day journey is expected to be more crowded this year. On the other hand, it has been thought to increase the number of camps in Ramban and Chandanwari. This holy yatra has a limit of 10,000 Pilgrims per day in the year 2022, those who go by helicopter are not included in this number. Passengers between the ages of 13 and 75 are allowed to travel, and women who are more than six weeks pregnant are not allowed to take this spiritual yatra.

Yatra application process

1. This method is followed here if you register earlier. (First come first serve basis).
2. Every passenger is required to submit an application form along with the required documents for obtaining permission and a certificate of a health examination (CHC-Compulsory Health Certificate) is mandatory. You can download the forms by clicking on the link below.
3. You can also get these forms free of cost at 556 approved bank branches across the country. The list of banks is also given on the following website.
4. The registration fee for this trip is 150 rupees per person. Only one person can travel on a permit.

http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/

Camp and food

On both routes of the Amarnath Yatra, completely free refreshments, food, tea, coffee, water, and accommodation camps are arranged by the administration and several NGOs. Langar is also placed during the yatra to places along the road, where you can dine for free.

Finally, I would say that everyone should take part in this holy yatra at least once in their life. Exploring the beautiful nature and spiritual contemplation that takes this journey to another level.

We got a detailed idea about the Amarnath Yatra in 2022. I hope you enjoyed this handy information. You can post a comment and share this with your friends and colleagues on multiple social network sites. Thank you very much.

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