Sri Ganesaya namaha, Srirama, Om Namassivaya, Sri Sarasawatyai namaha
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Since there is not much information about some of the details around the internet, our group thought of starting a discussion at least somewhere so that others can benefit from this.
Be ready with Gear (its cold in July as well)
May Siva give the strength and thought to complete this discussion.
May Ganesa avoid obstacles in your path.
Amarnath Siva
Since there is not much information about some of the details around the internet, our group thought of starting a discussion at least somewhere so that others can benefit from this.
See and chant Siva in every aspect (see Siva in Mountains, pebbles, stones, humans, animals etc)while doing the yatra.
All the material discussions with fellow travelers etc - please keep to what is needed only.
Though it is not easy yatra, I wish Siva grants easy darsan for all of you.. have a safe trip..
you will witness spectacular, breathtaking, mind-blowing views , sites, peaks, and feel near to Kailasa (the Siva’s abode).
Details:
Firstly keep yourself fit (do yoga everyday, with pranayama) at least 1 year - 6 months before yatra. This will aid in oxygen issues in the altitudes.
Importantly: do not fake medical certificates. I know some people just give the reports for 1000 rupees. I am glad we did not do this and went through proper tests before hand. Being fit is very important in life in general :)
Keep required documents like Adhar card (Govt. Issued photo identity) Helicopter tickets etc both hard and soft copies (carry cellphones - they allow soft copy ids) so that if you miss one the other is there. general tip: don't misplace them ;)
Srinagar at the moment is under tight security due to Militants attacks, you can see Jawans(soldiers) every foot of Srinagar all the way to Amaranth. Kudos to Modi Govt.. so avail the resources and keep safe. report any suspicious incidents immediately without hesitation. Jawans are very patient and help visitors. the locals will listen to them. Jawans here we salute your services to the motherland.
Route Map
There are two ways to do the yatra 1) By longest path (Pahlgam to Amaranth around 205 km take vehicle) 2) By Helicopter (base camp is Sonmarg till Panchtarani. Starting from Panchtarani to Amaranth is 6 -7 km)
Below ages 13 and above 75 are not allowed on this trip.
Helicopter from Sonmarg to Panchtarani
From Panchtarani the yatra goes either by walk or on Horses or Palki (palanquins).
a very useful tip is - talk to Soldiers about getting horses or palki for your group. they will provide id cards of the horsemen/palki people. This way they will not over charge and won't steal your money. they will make sure you are safely returned.
if you have taken Horsemen or palki directly (not through soldiers)- your safety is not guaranteed. They will have to provide their Photo Ids which you can wear around your neck. These photo Ids are their bread and butter, they are prone to do illicit crimes like abduction of your girls or steal your money or misbehave. In that situation, if you have their Photo ID card to report, soldiers will support and do justice.
Rate: per Horse 2700 Rs or per head (which will not be part of your travel package)
Carry walkie talkies and post paid cellphones (from Srinagar to Amarnath prepaid wont work and its hard to find mobile booths to get coverage).
keep cash dispersed in multiple luggages - this way you wont lose much money. TIP: Don't give your luggage to Horsemen / Palki people.
Another tip: keep 3-4 days free for this yatra from the day of darsan (if circumstances go against, this is a good buffer). As yatra is not cheap and you never know when you will get a chance again.
If you are taking/have taken the long route - please share your experiences here as well. If i ever get to take it, i will update it then.
Next is Gear: it is very important to have these below even if you dont get to use some of them. all of these will come handy in extreme weather conditions and don't go with weather channels. Just buy them and use them. there are many situations when visitors have to spend night at the cave sleeping on Glaciers and it could be deadly.
- Rain Jackets (that covers head to toe with hoodie)
- Gloves (water proof)
- Thermals
- Spare clothes in backpack
- Snow boots (with grip)
- Walkie talkies and/ or post paid cell phones
- Thick woolen socks, mufflers, extra hoods
- Extra waterproof cover/sheet for your backpack (so that even if it rains/ snows, spares wont be wet)
- Woolen Sweaters
- Nuts (cashews, almonds, walnuts, Amla sweet/ goose berry sweet(instantly removes hunger) - there are no washrooms through out the hike (only at Panchtarani)
- Thin warm blankets
- If walking, keep a stick (available at panchtarani or your own)
- Bottled water
- Travel sanitizers, wipes and first aid kit
Next tip: If you are coming from foreign land or new to Jammu & Kashmir state of India, prefer to use bottled water for the journey.
Please don't throw plastic from the cliffs , on the road, or into the river. keep empty bottles and dispose properly into recycle bins/ trash cans. The beautiful mountains and their beauty will deteriorate due to this kind of habit. so don't throw empty chips packets or any kind of junk/ plastic everywhere. This will be a gift to your next generations. Let us continue to keep this a heaven.
if you are walking, keep an eye for incoming Palki and horses. they are a bit rough and sometimes go out of control. so better give way for them to pass.
Important tip: Don't stop and take rest frequently - the idea is to get darsan as fast as possible. This will help avoid getting into issues. if your group has uneven pace, it's better split into at least two people and keep going. Communicate with your group where you are going to meet again before splitting.
at Panchtarani there are tents for rent, so book them either before hand, or if you are stuck near the cave due to landslides or floods or darsan close etc, you can get tents near the cave. but near cave there are no washrooms and the snow will be biting (and hence it is advised to eat less the day before :D and keep at least some thin blanket). in the tents they provide razai (thick blankets) but you never know.
darsan starts at around 5:30am and closes by 5:30 - 6:00 pm everyday. sometimes the darsan can close sooner due to weather or militant attacks or landslides...
There are packages and agents who can schedule this trip for you and your group. So avail them.
Tip: if trouble getting oxygen, try kapalbhati, anulom vilom etc breathing exercises. There is a hospital at Panchtarani, so medical aid is available at the base camp. If something happens at the cave also there is helipad to quickly get people to safety.
Soldiers at the footsteps of the cave are so generous that if you are unable to climb those hundreds of steps, they will hold you and get you darsan. I am Saluting them once again here!!! their services are unparalleled.
last but not least, Keep fit and stay safe. Regulate cleanliness in and around. May the Siva shower his darsan as snow Linga for you !!!
Finally, Please help information up-to-date and hence share your experiences here, it's very important.
Bham Bham Bhole Hara Hara Mahadeva Sambho Sankara
visit https://www.amarnathyatra.org/ for most updated details on registration and requirements..
