A cave with a significant implication in Hindu mythology, it is at Amarnath that Lord Shiva is believed to have revealed the secrets of immortality to his wife Parvati. Situated in a narrow gorge, the Amarnath Cave stands at a height of 12,755 ft. It is believed that in every lunar month, the icy Shivalinga in the cave begins to take its shape on the first day of the bright half of the month. It reaches its full size on the full moon day and on getting its fullest shape, begins to wane and disappear on the new moon day. This process repeats itself each month. Legends have it that Shiva made the gods immortal

and have  made the cave their eternal abode. In fact many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay respects before the ice. The trek to Amarnathji, in the month of Shravan (July - August) has the devout flock to this incredible shrine, where the image of Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice - stalagmite, and which waxes and wanes with the moon. By its side are, fascinatingly, two more ice - lingams, that of Parvati and of their son, Ganesha.

The origin of Amarnath Yatra dates back to the year 1850 A.D, when a Muslim shepherd from Batakot, named Buta Malik first discovered the cave in which lay enshrined the naturally formed Shivling made of ice. According to tale, there was once a Muslim shepherd named Buta Malik who was given a sack of coal by a sadhu. Upon reaching home he discovered that the sack, in fact, contained gold. Overjoyed, Buta Malik rushed back to look for the sadhu and thank him, but on the spot of their meeting discovered a cave, and eventually this became a place of pilgrimage for all believers. So pleased was the Dogra king Maharaja Gulab Singh by this discovery that he proclaimed that a representative of the Malik family would always be present at the holy shrine, together with the other priests during the period of the pilgrimage each year. Further, one third of all the offerings made at the shrine each year were to be given to the Malik family as reward. Till date, a percentage of the donations made by pilgrims are given to the descendants of Malik, and the remaining to the trust, which administers the shrine.

From Pahalgam: Located in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley, Amarnath stands at 3888 mts and 46 kms from Pahalgam and 141 kms from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage initiates the Yatra to be undertaken from Srinagar, the more common practice is to begin the journey from Chandanwari and cover the distance to Amarnath and back in 5 days. Pahalgam is 96 Kms from Srinagar. The trek from Chandanwari to the Cave is on an ancient though unfamiliar route. Pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first night out.

The first day's trek of 12 kms from Chandanwari is through magnificent primitive countryside, with the centre of attraction being Sheshnag, a mountain which derives its name from seven peaks resembling the head of a mythical snake. A gushing stream accompanies you with wild scenery unaffected by modern civilization. The second night camp at Wavjan faces the deep blue waters of Sheshnag Lake and glaciers beyond it. Campfires recount the tales of love and revenge associated with Sheshnag.

The second day 12 km trek steadily gains height winding across the Mahagunas Pass at 4600 mtrs and then descending to the meadow land of Panchtarni the last camp enroute to Amarnath Cave.

From Panchtarni to Amarnath the distance is 6 kms and an early morning start is recommended for there is a long queue awaiting entry at the cave. The same day devotees after darshans can return to Panchtarni in time for lunch and continue upto Sheshnag for a night halt.

From Baltal: The second approach to Amarnath is from Sonamarg via Baltal at 3000 mts. Sonamarg is situated on Srinagar-Leh road northeast from Srinagar. About 15 kms ahead lies Baltal which is a charming little valley lying in the foothills of Zojila Pass. The holy cave is just a day’s journey from here. The trek from here is very steep and therefore needs great caution and care. Some tea stalls are available at Brarimarg and Sangam top. Several snow bridges on the fast flowing streams are to be crossed and during rains the road  becomes  slippery. At  sangam top  the  road  meets  Pahalgam

route. At Baltal Ponies and porters are available on Government approved rates.

Note:

Registration: For performing this Yatra, you are required to get yourself registered. Applications for registration should be sent to the nearest registration office, along with two passport size photographs duly affixed at the indicated places, a self addressed pre stamped envelope (for speed post) and a medical fitness certificate from an MBBS doctor. Each yatri has to submit a separate application for registration. Every yatri will be issued a registration-cum-identity slip by the registration authority, which they need to carry during the yatra period to facilitate a smooth passage.

Insurance: In view of the hazardous nature of the Yatra, pilgrims are advised to get themselves insured suitably. It is advisable that insurance cover may be got done before leaving their place of residence.

Health: Because this is an exhausting trek in prohibitive terrain and weather conditions, it calls for exceptional fitness levels. Evening walks or running for about 4-5 kms per day, at least two months prior to the Yatra should be good practice. Deep breathing exercises will also increase the body's efficiency of using oxygen.