Amarnath - A Pilgrimage Of A Lifetime

The cave shrine Amarnath is situated in the Northern state of Jammu and Kashmir. Amarnath is one of the revered pilgrimage sites of India and enshrines a natural Shivalingam of ice which is made by drops of water oozing naturally in the cave. Pilgrimage is organised to this holy shrine coinciding with Sravana Pournima. It is reached after an arduous trek through the mountains of Kashmir. Lord Shiva is the chief deity worshipped here. 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 cave is accessible only during the period of July and August. It is a unique experience to see water droplets trickling slowly from the top of the caves and freeze into ice when they fall. The natural Shivlingam that forms take a complete shape on Poornima. It is said that on that verey day , Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of life to the beautiful daughter of Himalayas, Parvati.
The Holy Yatra
The Amarnath Yatra is organized every year by the Jammu & Kashmir Government during the month of Sharavan (July & August); the dates however vary every year looking at the weather conditions and according to Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) in the month of Sharavan (Vikrama Samvat). This year Yatra will be taken earlier and will be of 45 days duration.

Scoop
Place - Jammu & Kashmir
Area - not found
Altitude - 4,175 m
Best Season To Visit - July to August
Local Transport - Ponies, porters

Climate Wonders
The climatic conditions are very uncertain . Rain or snowfall may take place at any time or place during the Yatra . It is to be particularly noted that abrupt changes in temperature might occur . Sunny weather may turn into rain / snow fall in a short time . The temperature may fall up to -5 degree C.

Accommodation Options
Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust (Regd.) provides tented accommodation. Free accommodation is also provided by other Non Government Charitable Organisations. However, J&K Tourism Development Corporation too provides tented accommodation and shelters at nominal charges.
Dining
Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust provides the facility of Community Kitchen (Langar) to the pilgrims who travel to Amarnath. The food available here is served absolutely free of cost.

Amarnath Times
http://hindustan.net/article669.html
http://www.newkerala.com/news3.php?action=fullnews&id=31573

Getting There:
The pilgrimage of Amarnath is well connected by Air, Rail and Road.
Air - The nearest Airport is away in Badgam Distt. This Airport is connected with major cities of India.
Rail - The nearest Rail Head is at Jammu which is 300 Kms.
Road - National Highway NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with country. Every sort of transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this mountainous road which crosses some beautiful spots and the famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir