Amarnath is a famous Hindu pilgrimage site located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It is situated in the Himalayas at an altitude of 3,888 meters above sea level and is one of the most sacred shrines in Hinduism. The pilgrimage to Amarnath is undertaken by millions of devotees every year, and it is believed to be one of the toughest pilgrimages in the world.
The Amarnath Cave, where the pilgrimage takes place, is located in a narrow gorge at the end of the Lidder Valley in the south of Kashmir. The cave is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of creation to his consort Parvati. The cave houses a natural ice lingam, which is formed due to the freezing of water droplets that trickle from the roof of the cave.
The Amarnath Yatra, or pilgrimage, takes place every year during the months of July and August. The pilgrimage is only open for a limited period every year due to harsh weather conditions and the difficult terrain. The journey to the cave is undertaken on foot, and it takes around 2-3 days to complete the entire pilgrimage.
The pilgrimage starts from the base camp at Pahalgam or Baltal, from where devotees trek to the cave. The trek is considered to be strenuous and requires a good level of physical fitness. However, arrangements for porters, ponies, and helicopters are also available for those who find it difficult to undertake the trek on foot.
The Amarnath Yatra is a significant religious event in India and attracts devotees from all over the world. The government of Jammu and Kashmir takes extensive measures to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims during the yatra.