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The annual Amarnath Yatra has begun, with thousands embarking on the arduous journey. The path to reach the shrine is risky and one has to endure a lot of physical and mental pain to complete the journey.
Here are some important things that you must keep in mind before beginning the yatra in order to have a safe and comfortable journey without any hindrances.
Here are the timings of the Access Control Gate:
Camp Location | Departure | |
---|---|---|
From | To | |
Domel Access Control Gate (Baltal) | 5.00 A.M. | 11.00 A.M. |
Nunwan (Pahalgam) | 5.30 A.M. | 10.00 A.M. |
Chandanwari Access Control Gate | 6.00 A.M. | 11.00 A.M. |
Sheshnag | 6.00 A.M. | 2.00 P.M. |
Panjtarni | 5.00 A.M. | 3.00 P.M. |
Holy Cave ( Darshan) | 6.00 A.M. | 7.00 P.M. |
However, the timings are subject to change depending on weather conditions.
The pilgrims must register about a month before the date is fixed for the commencement of the yatra at the designated registration branches of banks.
Remember to carry adequate woollen clothes, a small umbrella, windcheater, raincoat, waterproof trekking shoes, a torch, walking stick, a cap, gloves and other essentials that you might need at high altitudes and extremely unpredictable weather.
You must also carry a water bottle and some energy giving foods like dry fruits, roasted grams/channa, toffees/gur (jaggery), or chocolates for the journey.
Also remember to carry body lotion, Vaseline, sunscreen, etc, to protect your skin in harsh weather conditions. Carrying your identity card and Medical Certificate is a must.
The Amarnath Yatra starts either from Srinagar or Pahalgam on foot. The trek via Baltal, Domial, Barari and Sangam is considered favorable for returning as it is steeper and difficult to climb. This route is 14 kilometres long and allows people to take a round trip in one-two days.
The route via Pahalgam is the oldest and it takes about three to five days to reach the Holy Cave. It is relatively easier and preferred by most of the devotees. The trek varies in length, ranging from 36 to 48 kilometres.
Here’s what you must do:
Here’s what you must not do-
The devotees can also go for Amarnath Yatra via helicopter.
The helicopter services for the yatra on Neelgrath-Panjtarni-Neelgrath sector is being offered by:
Whereas on Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam Sector, it is being offered by:
The pilgrims can find details about the Amarnath Yatra helicopter services on the official website. It is important to note that the pilgrims who book the helicopter services for the Amarnath Yatra must take the printout of the ticket with the QR code.
These tickets, with the QR code, will be verified by the security agencies by scanning. Tickets without a QR Code will not be considered valid.
The helpline number for the 24x7 Amarnath Yatra Control Room is 14464. This number will be function round the clock from 29 June onwards on all days till the yatra is concluded.
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