Tourist Places To Visit In Amarnath

The trek through the difficult terrains of south Kashmir Himalayas to the holy cave of Amarnath is a journey of faith. It is an incredible journey that is physically exhausting but worth every bit once you reach the cave and witness the stunning Shivaling right before you. The cave, the legend behind the shrine, the stunning landscape, the snow-covered mountain peaks and the long trek is an experience of a lifetime. Visited by hundreds and thousands of pilgrims every year, Amarnath Yatra is a coveted journey for many. We will take you through the major tourist attractions in and around Amarnath.

The biggest attraction in Amarnath is undoubtedly the Cave where a lingam of Amarnath or Shiva is formed of ice-stalagmite every year. Legend has it that Lord Shiva had revealed the secret of creation to Goddess Parvati inside the Amarnathji Cave which was overheard by a couple of mating pigeons. Heaving learned this secret they have been reborn again and again and made the cave their eternal and heavenly abode. July – August, which also coincides with the auspicious Hindu month of Sharavana is the only time of the year that the cave is accessible and when one can view the ice lingam. The Amarnath Yatra or the journey to Amarnath draws thousands of pilgrims every year who brave all odds to pay homage to Lord Shiva.

Baltal Valley is a picturesque place near Sonmarg, located on the banks of River Sindh and at the foot of the high mountain pass Zoji La in the Himalayas. Apart from the stunning landscapes, Baltal has over the years gained popularity because it is one of the main starting points of the Amarnath Yatra. From here a 15 km trek takes pilgrims to the holy shrine of Amarnath. It is an alternate and shorter route by foot to reach the cave.

Located in the Anantanag district of Kashmir, Sheshnag comes en route to the Amarnath Cave. While trekking from Pahalgam, pilgrims have to go via Sheshnag and also take a night’s halt at this place. Accessible only by trek, the Shesnag Lake is beautiful set in the midst of the towering mountains and rugged landscape. According to legend, it is believed that Lord Shiva left his snake (Sheshnag) here while revealing the secrets of creation to Goddess Parvati. It is believed that even now Sheshnag resides in this lake.

Zoji La pass where Baltal Valley is located in Sonmarg district is a critical link between Ladakh and Kashmir Valley. It is situated on National Highway 1 between Leh and Srinagar. This high altitude pass remains closed during winter and if you do get an opportunity to drive through the pass in winter you will have to drive between thick walls of ice on both sides. Tourists get treated to amazing sights from Zoji La.

Located in the Anantnag district of Jammu & Kashmir, Pahalgam is a tourist town. It is a stunningly beautiful place with sprawling lush green meadows, crystal clear water bodies and surrounded by high mountain ranges. It is one of the key points of the Amarnath Yatra as most of the trips to the holy cave begin from Pahalgam. Tourists from Srinagar and Jammu reach Pahalgam by bus or taxi. From here they trek up to Amarnath. It is a 45 km journey which takes about 3-4 days with night halts at different places. Helicopter services also transport people from here to Amarnath.