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Shri Amarnath Yatra 2024 - Dates,Route, and All You Need to Know
The Amarnath Yatra for the year 2024 is scheduled to commence on the 1st of July and will conclude on the 19th of August. A maximum of 10,000 yatris will be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage each day along the designated route, excluding those who opt for helicopter services. Registration for the Amarnath Yatra will open on the 17th of April, 2024, with a registration fee of INR 100.
About Amarnath Yatra
The annual Amarnath yatra draws in thousands of devotees each year who make their way to the site during the Shravani Mela in July-August (Shravan month in the Hindu calendar). This is the only period in the entire year when the Amarnath Cave is accessible. Situated at an elevation of 3,888m, approximately 141 km from Srinagar, the capital of Jammu and Kashmir, the cave is reached through the town of Pahalgam and Sonamarg. Amarnath holds great significance in Hinduism and is revered as one of the most sacred shrines. The yearly ‘Amarnath Yatra’ commences with ‘Pratham Pujan’, a ritual believed to invoke the blessings of Baba Amarnath.
Additionally, the formation of the ‘lingam’ is attributed to the ice that accumulates from the water dripping from the cave’s ceiling as a result of the melting ice above it. The lingam attains its maximum size around July-August when the ice formations surrounding the cave begin to melt. Water seeps into the rocks comprising the cave and gradually recedes thereafter. According to religious beliefs, it is said that the lingam expands and contracts in accordance with the lunar phases, reaching its peak during the summer festival.
Things You Must Know for Amarnath Yatra 2024
- There must be a medical certificate issued by an authorised hospital/doctor in your state.
- Photo must be .JPEG or .JPG only and the size should not exceed 1MB.
- Medical certificate must be uploaded in .PDF format while registering, size shouldn’t exceed 1MB
- The age bar is between 13 to 70 years, anyone younger or older will not be allowed.
- Pregnant woman more than 6 weeks of pregnancy aren’t allowed.
- Carry the original Photo ID and Medical Certificate while travelling.
Amarnath Yatra Registration Process 2024
- The registration will be on a first come first serve basis.
- Every Yatri has to submit an application form and a compulsory health certificate (CHC) along with the required documents to obtain the yatra permit. The forms can be downloaded from here.
- These forms will also be available free of cost at the registration branch of the bank. Here is the complete list of 556 approved bank branches for 2024.
- For online registrations visit https://jksasb.nic.in/register.aspx and fill out the form, attach necessary documents such as medical certificates and photo ID.
- Since 2014, the SASB has also initiated a ‘group registration scheme’ for Yatri’s intending to travel with friends, family or neighbours. Details of registration for NRIs/ex-yatri have been made available here – http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/
Amarnath Yatra 2024 Registration Date
The Amarnath Yatra 2024 registration will start on 17th April 2024
Amarnath Yatra Registration Fees 2024
The registration fees is INR 100 per yatri/per permit.
One yatra permit will be valid for registering one yatri only
Travelling to Amarnath: How To Reach Amarnath Yatra Base
The State Transport and the private operators provide bus services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltlal. These are the two places from where you start the Amarnath Yatra.
Amarnath Yatra Route
The Northern route is 14 km long and shorter. It is steep, hence difficult to climb. It starts at Baltal. The longer, easier and more traditional one passes through Srinagar.
The devotees start the Amarnath Yatra from Srinagar or Pahalgam on foot and take one of the two possible routes. The shorter but steeper trek via Baltal, Domial, Barari and Sangam is 14 km long and allows people to take a round trip in 1-2 days. However, ponies are not allowed on this route due to safety reasons. One has to either walk or be carried on ‘Dandies’ (carried on a seat atop shoulders of other people). This Amarnath Yatra route is considered more favourable for returning back from the shrine than on the way up as steep slope is said to cause serious health problems among un-acclimatised visitors. Young, healthy and people looking for adventure amidst the religious trip happen to take this trek.
The longer Amarnath Yatra route via Pahalgam is generally preferred by most of the devotees.
Amarnath Trek Distance
The length of the trek varies from 36 to 48 km depending upon the devotion of the pilgrim. The trek usually takes 3-5 days one way. The Amarnath route is much wider than the Baltal trek and slopes gradually. However, one will also find it crowded by ponies for almost the whole of the route. Aged, sick or people with a past history of illnesses are advised to take this yatra route.
Both the routes, however, allow for the best possible facilities in the conditions, thanks largely to the efforts of Indian Army, Central Government and State Government Police Forces for both security and facilities. Apart from government-provided facilities, various non-profit organizations and private companies also place stalls along the way which are the resting camps for the pilgrims. There is a continuous supply of food in these pandals.
The overall organization of the yatra, however, is carried out by Shri Amarnath Yatra trust which provides services like telecommunication, power supply, firewood etc. Mobile phones are of no use in the area and it would be wise to leave them behind. Online Helicopter bookings can be made in advance.
The combined efforts of both government and private agencies have significantly improved the trek to Amarnath, which was previously devoid of any facilities. Despite the presence of medical support, fair price shops, and power utilities, the Amarnath Yatra Route remains one of the most challenging pilgrimage routes in India, resulting in numerous casualties each year. To mitigate these losses, a mandatory health check-up is conducted for all pilgrims, allowing only those in good health to proceed. However, despite these precautions, the journey is still fraught with risks such as extreme weather conditions, natural disasters, and road accidents. Nevertheless, the unwavering devotion of Lord Shiva’s followers continues to inspire them to undertake this perilous journey with unwavering joy each year.
Amarnath Yatra By Helicopter
Starting Point: Baltal helipad
Starting Point: Pahalgam helipad
Timings for all rides are according to service providers and should be strictly adhered to.
Prices yet to be announced for 2024
A maximum of 5 bookings is allowed against a single debit/credit card. The same card cannot be used for booking for the next 3 weeks. The debit/credit card used for booking should be reproduced at the time of issuing a boarding pass.
Safety:
For safety purposes, children below 13 years, elderly aged above 75 years and ladies more than 6 weeks pregnant are not allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.
Journey to The Cave From the Drop-off:
If opting for the helicopter ride, the pilgrim will be dropped at Panjtarni, which is a 6km (2 hours) walk to the Amarnath caves but with many pilgrims present, the walk will take up to 4 hours on easy terrain. Do note that it is a difficult walk as the temperatures are lower and also the altitude sickness which recommends a slower pace when walking to the caves.
There is the option of hiring a Palki as they will take you to the cave directly. Pony rides are available too but they will drop you off 2 kms before reaching the cave as the terrain gets a slight slope.
Requirements for Amarnath Helicopter Ride:
All pilgrims/travellers intending to avail helicopter services for Amarnath Yatra are required to furnish a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) for each individual, duly issued by authorised doctors/institutions, as per instructions laid down by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). The list of authorized doctors/institutions is made available on the official website well in time before the commencement of advance bookings.
No pilgrim/traveller shall be allowed to board the helicopter without submitting a CFC, issued on the specified date. Any CFC issued before/after the specified date will be rendered invalid.
Accommodation
Camps with prefabricated huts are available for overnight stay at Baltal, Nunwan, Sheshnag and Panjtarni. These camps are arranged by Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board through private contractors and cost around INR 250-375 per night.
Private Tents and huts are also set up at multiple places along the Amarnath Yatra route. These have accommodation available on floor and cot along with quilts, mattress, blankets and pillows. These cost around INR 250-1000 per night.
Baltal Route: Manigam, Baltal, Holy Cave
Pahalgam Route: Nunwan, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni
Food
- Free food, water and refreshment is available to the yatris along the Amarnath Yatra route.
- Langar are set up at various locations during the yatra period
- Ration for cooking food is available from the specially established Govt. Depots at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panjtarni at fair prices
- Numerous tea-stall and small restaurants are available at various locations
- Carry snacks like biscuit, canned food, dry fruits, chocolate, roasted chana, etc
- Neelgrath Helipad (Baltal) waiting lounge has a cafeteria
Facilities
- Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) provide transport facility during Amarnath Yatra. Hi/tech/Super Deluxe, Deluxe and Semi-Deluxe buses are available from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam and Baltal. Booking counters are established at multiple points in these cities during the yatra duration.
- Medical facilities are available to the yatris en route to the Amarnath Cave. Several Medical Aid Center(MAC), Emergency Aid Center (EAC) and base hospitals are set at different points along the route.
- Cloakroom facility to store your belongings is provided by the Amarnathji Shrine Board at Nunwan, Baltal and Amarnath Cave. These cost INR 10 for 24 hours.
- Parking facility is available at Baltal base camp for Two Wheelers (INR 30), LMVs (INR 75) and MMVs (INR 150-225)
- BSNL connectivity is available on the yatra route. Pre-loaded yatra sims are provided by BSNL to the yatris for INR 230
The tale of Amarnath's legend.
The mythology recounts that Lord Shiva had to yield to Goddess Parvati's request to learn the mysteries of life and death, but he couldn't risk anyone overhearing. Therefore, they embarked on a journey to a cave in the mountains - too challenging to be accessed by anyone other than the gods themselves. The secret was so sacred that all companions had to be left behind. His mount - Nandi, the bull - was left at Pahalgam, the moon on his head at Chandanwari, the snake around his neck at Lake Sheshnag, the five basic elements of life he carried at Panchtarini, and even his son - Lord Ganesha himself - at Mahaguna top. And now, Hindu devotees find themselves on this dangerous mountain trek every year. The Amarnath Yatra, however, is not just a spiritual pilgrimage. The nearby locations are equally appealing tourist spots even to the least religious among us. Kashmir was once dubbed the 'Paradise on earth' by Amir Khusro, and rightfully so. Some of the must-see places that you can explore in a single trip include Srinagar, Gulmarg, and Sonamarg.
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AMARNATH YATRA ROUTE 2024
