‘Baba Barfani’ resides in the lap of the beautiful Himalayas. Know how to reach Amarnath from Delhi and plan your religious trip!
Amarnath Cave is the holiest place in Hindu mythology. Situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres (12,756 feet) in the Himalayas, it is dedicated to Lord Shiva, one of the Hindus’ principal deities. The cave itself is believed to be around 5,000 years old and holds great religious significance for Hindus. According to the Hindu Mythology, Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of immortality to his consort, Goddess Parvati, in the Amarnath Cave. Thus, the cave holds extreme significance among Hindus. Pilgrims all over the world visit Amarnath to seek blessings. However, the Amarnath Yatra usually takes place annually during the Hindu month of Shravan (July-August). The rest of the year is closed for the Darshan. Devotees must trek almost 12 kilometres from the base camp at Pahalgam or Baltal to reach the holy cave. However, these locations are well-connected to all major cities of India by road, train, and air.
If you are planning to go to Amarnath and are looking for a comprehensive guide on how to reach Amarnath from Delhi, read this blog till the end. It has all the details to make your journey easy.
Understanding The Route & Transportation Options
Before starting your journey, it is important to familiarise yourself with the route and transportation options available to Amarnath. This will make your journey easy. Srinagar is the centre point of your journey. Whether you choose road, train, or air, you must go through Srinagar.
Transportation
There are three modes of transportation to reach Amarnath: road, train, and air.
Road: If you prefer to go to Amarnath by road, you will undertake a road trip from Delhi to Srinagar. There are several buses that run from Delhi to Srinagar daily or weekly. You can either choose to drive your vehicle or hire a private cab. The journey covers approximately 850 Km and takes 20-24 hours, depending on the road conditions, traffic, and rest stops along the way.
Train: Another answer to your question about how to reach Amarnath from Delhi is by train. However, there is no direct train from Delhi to Srinagar. You can board a train from Delhi Railway Station to Jammu Tawi Railway Station and hire a personal taxi or take a bus to Srinagar. The distance between Jammu and Srinagar is almost 248 Km, which will take approximately 8-9 hours.
Air: The fastest way to Srinagar is by plane. Several airlines operate flights daily from Delhi—Indira Gandhi International Airport to Srinagar International Airport. From Srinagar, you can proceed by road to Baltal or Pahalgam, the base camp for the Amarnath Yatra. Therefore, air is another way if you are looking for how to reach Amarnath from Delhi.
Base Camps
There are two routes to reach Amarnath Cave: Baltal and Pahalgam. Both base camps are directly connected to Srinagar by road. You can choose any route, but both have major differences.
Baltal: Situated at a lower altitude, the route to Amarnath holy cave is shorter but more challenging. However, it is suitable for experienced trekkers seeking adventure activities.
Pahalgam: Located at a higher altitude, Pahalgam offers a longer route than Baltal but relatively easier. It is preferable for novice trekkers. Moreover, pilgrims who want to enjoy scenic beauty while trekking can take this route.
This is how to reach Amarnath from Delhi. However, Amarnath is also accessible from other major cities of India.
Reaching Amarnath From Other Major Cities Of India
Being a highly revered Hindu pilgrimage, Amarnath is accessible from all corners of India. Amarnath Cave receives large numbers of pilgrimages during the season.
How to reach Amarnath by flight: The nearest airport to Amarnath is Srinagar International Airport, which is well-connected to several major Indian cities, such as Kolkata, Bangalore, and Chennai.
How to reach Amarnath by train: Jammu, one of the religious places in India, is the nearest station to Amarnath, which is well-connected to most major cities in India, including Mumbai, Kolkata, and Chennai.
How to reach Amarnath by road: Road is feasible for those seeking a long road trip from anywhere in India.
If you are unsure about the routes from any other region in India, reach Delhi first and then start your journey since you better know how to reach Amarnath from Delhi now.
The journey to Amarnath is arduous, exciting, and full of devotion. Pilgrims endeavour their Amarnath Yatra with a pure soul, zeal, and dedication, aiming to meet Lord Shiva. However, remember to schedule your complete health checkup before starting your journey, even if you feel completely fit. Amarnath is situated at a high altitude, and devotees face low oxygen levels and unpredictable weather conditions. Moreover, the rugged terrains, steep slopes, and icy glaciers add another level of challenges to the pilgrim’s Yatra. Therefore, pilgrims are advised to undergo health checkups to ensure whether they are physically fit for Yatra.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the Amarnath Yatra take place?
The Amarnath yatra takes place for two months (July and August) in a year. For the rest of the month, the cave is closed for devotees due to unfavourable weather conditions and several other factors.
How much does it cost to go to Amarnath from Delhi?
The cost of the Amarnath Yatra depends on various factors, such as the mode of transportation and accommodation you choose. On average, the Amarnath Yatra from Delhi costs 15,000/- per person.
Is Amarnath counted in Char Dham Yatra?
Amarnath is one of the most spiritual places in India but is not included in the Char Dham Yatra.
How long does it take to complete the Amarnath Yatra?
The duration of the Amarnath Yatra varies depending on the route chosen, but it typically takes 4-5 days to complete the pilgrimage.
Is Amarnath Yatra physically demanding?
The Amarnath yatra involves trekking through rugged, steep mountains, which can be physically demanding. Therefore, undergoing a medical checkup before starting the Yatra is important.
Are there any accommodation options available during the Amarnath Yatra?
Several accommodations are available along the route, including tents, guesthouses, and government-provided facilities. However, it is essential to book it in advance due to high demand during the yatra season.
Are there age restrictions for the Amarnath Yatra?
The Amarnath Yatra is unsuitable for everyone because of the challenging terrain and high altitude. Children under the age of 13 and adults over the age of 75 are not permitted to undertake the pilgrimage.
What should I carry during the Amarnath Yatra?
Warm clothes, trekking shoes, a first aid kit, a water bottle, and high-energy snacks are essential during the Amarnath yatra. It is crucial to pack light for trekking.
How can I obtain a registration for the Amarnath Yatra?
Registration is necessary for the Amarnath Yatra, which can be obtained from the official website of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). Registration opens a few months before the Yatra commences.