Amarnath cave

Amarnath cave
One of the holiest Hindu shrines in India is Amarnath. This beautiful hill station is dedicated to
Lord Shiva , his wife Parvati and their son Lord Ganesha .During the month of ‘Sawan’, an ice
stalagmite forms a natural Shiv Ling . This lingam is believed to increase and diminish according to
the shape of the moon. There are two smaller lingams by its side dedicated to Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
The Amarnath Yatra is organised every year by the Jammu and Kashmir Government during the month of
“sharavan” i.e. in July – August. Chandanwari is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra and the
destination is Amaranth Cave , which is supposed to the abode of Lord Shiva. One can reach Chandanwari
by car or by bus but from Chandanwari onwards the track becomes much steeper and can be accessed only
on foot or by pony. Located 11-km from Chandanwari is the lake of Sheshnag , after which 13-km away is
the last stop, Panchtarni . The Amarnath cave is 6-km away from there. Even if one’s visit to Pahalgam
is not during the period of the Yatra, one can still take a pony ride up to Sheshnag Lake and can
return back by late night.For the “Yatra” to Amarnath one has to trek a height of about 14,500 ft.
Surrounded by beautiful valleys and mountains, one can enjoy the serenity of this hill station. It is
a journey that will rediscover the nature and its marvels.