Amarnath is a cave shrine, situated in the
Northern State of Jammu and Kashmir.
Pilgrimage is organised to this holy shrine
coinciding with Sravana Pournima. The
Shivalingam at Amarnath is formed of ice and
it is popularly known as ICELINGAM. It is the
firm belief and trust of Hindus that those who
are able to visit this shrine will have no
re-birth. One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a
living God. The most sacred and most ancient
book of India, the Rig-Veda evokes his
presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and
even astronomy testify to his existence from
the dawn of time. But Shiva, the destroyer,
the mendicant, is undefinable: he is the great
yogi, the guardian of the absolute. His
actions are the themes of the myths in which
his nature unfolds.
The of the most important event during July/
August, is Amarnath Yatra to the Holy
Pilgrimage. This is an annual event when
thousands of Hindus from different corners of
the Globe visit Amarnath caves. The pilgrims
trek from Pahalgam to these caves and worship
the great ice Lingam.
Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati
the secret of creation in a cave in Amarnath.
Unknow to them, a pair of mating doves
eavesdropped on this conversation and having
learned the secret, are reborn again and
again, and have made the cave their eternal
abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the
doves-pair when they trek the ardous route to
pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the
phallic symbol of Shiva).
This is an event you certainly will talk about
for the rest of your life.
Day 01 : Delhi Arrival
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After arriving at Delhi International
airport, receive upon arrival and straight
drive to hotel. Night stay at Delhi.
Day 02 : Delhi - Srinagar - Baltal
Move to domestic airport to catch flight
for Srinagar and on arrival in Srinagar
drive direct to Baltal via Sonamarg. The
distance between these two destinations is
of about 115 kms and will be covered in
about 3-˝ hrs. At Baltal, rest for a day for
acclimatization and prepare for next day's
trek to Amarnath Cave. Have dinner at the
overnight tents at Baltal.
Day 03 : Baltal - Amarnath Cave -
Baltal
After an early breakfast trek upwards to
Amarnath cave for darshan. The route rises
right up to the cave. Dip in the ice water
of Amarnath stream, which flows outside the
cave. The inside of the cave is adorned by
the scenery of calm serenity of white and
three massive sparkling Lingmas standing
erect, the symbol of Lord Shiva, Parvathi
and Ganesh. After darshan return back to
Baltal which is approximately 25 kms (leave
morning at 0530 and arrive back at 1930
hrs). Have dinner in tents overnight.
Day 04 : Baltal - Srinagar
Drive back to Srinagar and on arriving
Srinagar move to houseboats. Take dinner at
houseboats overnight.
Day 05 : In Srinagar
Go for sightseeing in the morning at
Mughal Gardens and visit Nishat Bagh (Abode
of pleasure) built by Asif Khan brother in
law of Jehangir in 1632 AD. Shalimar Bagh
(Abode of love) is another attraction built
by Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan.
All the gardens are situated on the bank of
Dal Lake with the Zabarwan mountains in the
background. The distance from Srinagar to
these gardens is about 12 and 15 kms
respectively. En route you can also visit
carpet-weaving factory. After lunch go for a
Shikara ride floating on Dal Lake and visit
vegetable gardens etc. Also have look on
walnut woodcarving and paper mash making
demonstration. Dinner overnight in Deluxe
Houseboats.
Day 06 : Srinagar - Pehalgam -
Srinagar
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Drive in the morning to Pahalgam (the
valley of sheperds), en route, visit saffron
fields and Awantipura ruins (1100 years old
temple of lord Vishnu built by king
Awantivarman. Also enjoy the beautiful
countryside on the way. Drive through the
pine forest and on arrival in Pahalgam walk
along pony trails with a magnificent view of
mountains,then in the evening drive to
Srinagar. Stay overnight at Srinagar
Day 07 : Srinagar - Delhi
Move to Srinagar Airport to catch flight
for Delhi.