Yatra to Amarnath Gufa is one of the most challenging journeys for Hindu devotees in India. Situated at an elevation of 3,888 meters in the Liddar Valley, the abode of Lord Shiva – Amarnath has mainly two routes – The traditional Pahalgam- Amarnath Route and the Baltal Amarnath Route through which you can reach the sacred Amarnath Dham in 2025.
Let’s know about these two routes in detail to help you pick the most convenient route for your Amarnath Dham Yatra.
Route 1 – Pahalgam- Amarnath Route (Traditional Route)
Pahalgam: The Amarnath Route has been the oldest and the most trusted route by pilgrims for centuries. You can reach Pahalgam from Srinagar. Pahalgam is only 96 km away from Srinagar. Pilgrims choose this route to seduce their senses with picturesque views of Himalayan Mountains. Pahalgam is a beautiful valley with high mountains, green meadows and pristine rivers. It is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra.
How to Reach Pahalgam
Reach Jammu by Taxi or get bus from Raghunath Bazar or at the Tourist reception centre. The distance between Jammu and Pahalgam is 315 km. The other option to reach Pahalgam is to go by air to Srinagar. From Srinagar, the distance is only 96 km by road.
Route of Amarnath from Pahalgam
- Chandanwadi – Pissu Top – Sheshnag – Panchtarni – Amarnath Cave Temple
Chandanwadi
It is one of the most famous glaciers in Pahalgam. Pilgrims come here to start their sacred journey of Amarnath Yatra. If you want to stay here and explore its scenic views, then one of the most popular is Betaab Valley, which is a must-visit destination. It’s also a place where the scenic Lidder River flows. Chandanwadi is located 16 km away from Pahalgam. It is very easy to reach Chandanwadi from Pahalgam as you will get many buses. Many langars offer delicious food to the pilgrims along the way.
Pissu Top
Further from Chandanwadi, Pissu Top is the next destination en route to Amarnath Gufa. It is located at a significant height amidst the mountains and valleys. According to a legend, to see Lord Shiva, a war was waged between Demons and Gods. With the grace of Lord Shiva, demons were defeated by the Devtas. The dead bodies of the demons formed a mountain which is named Pissu Top.
Sheshnag
Resembling the head of a mythical snake, the Sheshnag Mountain in the Anantnag district of Kashmir Valley is the next stop after Pissu Top. The route from Pissu Top to Sheshnag is very scenic. On the way, you will see many waterfalls, including Lidder River and beautiful Sheshnag Lake.
Panchtarni
After Sheshnag, you will reach Panchtarni, which is a beautiful confluence of five streams. The trek to Panjtarni is a challenging one. From Panjtarni, the distance to Amarnath Gufa is only 6 km. If you are visiting Amarnath by helicopter, then Panjtarni is where both Pahalgam and Baltal will leave you. After getting down at Panjtarni helipad, you either have to trek 6 km to reach Amarnath, or you have to take a pony ride or Palkis to reach Amarnath Gufa.
Sacred Amarnath Cave
The last and the most sacred destination for Shiva Devotees, Amarnath Gufa is the last destination. On the way to Shri Amarnath Dham, you will also see the Sangam of Amravati and Panjtarni rivers. Some people even take a holy dip in the Amravati River to purify themselves before entering the cave.
Route 2 – Baltal to Amarnath
Baltal has been the most popular route, apart from the traditional one, in recent times because of its shorter duration. You can reach Baltal from Jammu, which is only 400 km away. On your way, you will witness beautiful valleys, waterfalls and lush greenery. Your camera will not be able to resist clicking pictures.
There is only one drawback of the Baltal route, i.e. it is steeper and more difficult than the Pahalgam route. But you can return to the Baltal base camp in only 1 day. There are also very limited facilities and food stalls here. The Amarnath Cave is only 14 km away from Baltal and can be reached by foot or by ponies.
How to Reach Amarnath Yatra by Air, Train and Road
By Air
There is no direct route to reach Amarnath shrine by air. You need to first reach the closest airport from the cave, i.e. Srinagar International Airport, which is only 95 km from Baltal and 100 km from Pahalgam. After arriving in Srinagar, you can either proceed to Pahalgam for the traditional route or to Baltal to reach Amarnath Dham.
Popular Airlines Serving Srinagar:
- Air India
- IndiGo
- GoAir
- SpiceJet
By Train
The nearest railway station to reach Amarnath is Jammu Tawi Railway Station, which is 230 km from Pahalgam and 400 km from Baltal. The distance from Jammu to Pahalgam is 315 km, and Baltal is 96 km.
Popular Trains to Jammu:
- Shalimar Express (from Delhi)
- New Delhi Rajdhani Express (from Jammu)
- Jammu Mail (from Mumbai)
By Road
Jammu’s roads are well connected to Srinagar. You can reach Jammu to Srinagar via NH44. From Srinagar, you can either reach Pahalgam or Baltal by bus (State and private buses run from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam and Baltal) or by taxi.
Important Roads:
- Jammu to Srinkle (National Highway 44); Mughal Garden; Parihaspora; and Awantipur Temples.
- Jammu to Baltal (NH 1 A)
- However, small buses are plying directly from Jammu to Pahalgam, Baltal, and also some J&K State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) buses.
Helicopter Services for Amarnath Yatra
Helicopter is the most convenient way to reach Amarnath Gufa. It saves the time and effort of a pilgrim to get rid of challenging trekking trails and routes. It is the best way to travel for senior citizens and differently abled devotees who wish to undertake the Amarnath Yatra. Moreover, Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter gives you beautiful aerial views of the majestic Himalayas. Helicopter services are available from Pahalgam and Baltal to Panjtarni Helipad. From Panjtarni Helipad, the distance to Amarnath Gufa is 6 km.
FAQ
Q-1: What is the easiest way to reach Amarnath Gufa?
Ans: The most convenient route to reach Amarnath is the route from Pahalgam. It’s the most preferred route to reach Amarnath Shrine, but it will take more time to reach the cave than the shorter route to Baltal. However, the route to the cave from Baltal is more challenging due to its steep climb.
Q-3: How do you book helicopter Services for the Amarnath Yatra?
Ans: You can book helicopter services for Amarnath Yatra from trusted and most reputed helicopter service providers. Devotees also have to log in to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine board’s official site to book Helicopter service online. The dates of the availability of Helicopters will be announced on the Amarnathji Shrine website.
Q-3: What documents are required to book helicopter service for the Amarnath Yatra?
Ans: You need to submit a health certificate and valid Photo ID or Print out a Yatra registration to book Helicopter services for Amarnath Dham.
Conclusion
Whether you travel by air, by train, by road, or by helicopter, reaching the Amarnath Cave journey is one of a kind. The Amarnath pilgrimage is one of the most visited places by Hindu devotees. You need to choose the most comfortable route for yourself to make your pilgrimage journey easy. If you want to take the easy way, then reach Amarnath via Pahalgam. If you want a more adventurous route, then reach out here via Baltal. In both cases, the journey to the sacred shrine of Amarnath is a rewarding one.
COMMENTS
helicopter ride