Amarnath

A haven for pilgrims, Amarnath remains one of the most significant pilgrimages in India. Worshippers of Lord Shiva visit here from all over the world to worship the enshrined image of ice called the Shivaling. Amarnath receives millions of tourists every year to partake in the famous 'Amarnath Yatra'. The legend says that Lord Shiva revealed the secret of life to Parvati in this cave.

Amarnath Cave
Amarnath cave is a popular Hindu shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. The cave is at a height of 3,888m and is around 141 km from Srinagar. The surroundings of the cave look beautiful with snow all around. Even the cave remains covered with snow for most part of the year. It remains open for pilgrims for just few months during summers. Shiva Linga inside this 130 ft high cave is made due to freezing of water drops. The lingam here grows and shrinks in size. There are two other ice formations representing Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva's son Lord Ganesh.

Amarnath Trek
During the Shravani Mela, streams of pilgrims visit here by taking a difficult trek on foot. The trek is 43 kilometres long from the Nunwan and Chandanwari base camps at Pahalgam and finally reaches the cave after crossing Sheshnag Lake and Panchtarni camps. The trek takes you to some of the most unexplored wonders of nature which are hard to believe.

Numerous non-profit organizations have set up pandals along the trek route to serve free food and accommodation to pilgrims.