Amarnath Yatra Tour
Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Places Covered: Srinagar - Pahalgam - Chandanwari - Sheshnag - Panchtarni
- Amarnath - Sheshnag - Pahalgam - Srinagar - Jammu
Day 1: Srinagar - Pahalgam
On arrival in Srinagar met upon and then drive to Pahalgam. A distance of about
320 kms will be covered in about 10 hrs. On arrival in Pahalgam transfer to
hotel for overnight stay.
Pahalgam: A quaint little village nestled on the banks of the river Lidder;
Pahalgam is an idyllic resort, with surroundings, ideal for relaxation and leisure,
in the true spirit of a traditional hill-station holiday. Set amidst fir and
pine covered mountains; Pahalgam is renowned for its natural beauty and has
a golf course at 2400 meters. Situated at the confluences of the Lidder and
Sheshnag streams, this place is an anglers delight and even an amateur can catch
a rainbow trout from the rushing streams. The base for several treks in the
region and the cave-shrine of Amarnath, camping equipment, ponies and skiing
equipment is readily available. Kolahoi is a popular destination via Aru a charming
meadow.
Day 2: Pahalgam - Chandanwari
Leave Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) for Chandanwari. Pahalgam is the best
base for most of the treks. Chandanwari (2896 Mts.) is a small shut off valley
at the junction of Sheshnag stream and the stream for Astanmarg. The distance
of about 16 kms will be covered in about 4-½ hrs. Dinner and overnight
stay in tents at Chandanwari.
Day 3: Chandanwari - Sheshnag
Chandanwari to Sheshnag is about 13 kms. (3576 Mts.) The trial climbs the
Pisu Ghati and then climbs gradually to the Sheshnag Lake. Sheshnag is one
of the windiest places in this valley. The distance will be covered in about
5 hrs. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Sheshnag.
Day 4: Sheshnag - Panchtarni
The 13 kms trek from Sheshnag to Panchtarani (3657 Mts.) will be covered in
about 5 hrs. The walk is through Mahagunas Pass (3200 Mts.) and then a gradual
walk to Panchtarani. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Panchtarni
Day 5: Panchtarni - Amarnath - Sheshnag
Start trek early in the morning from Panchtarani to Amarnath cave. Amarnath
is only 6 kms away from Panctarani. Have a dip in the ice cold water of Amarnath
stream, which flows outside the cave. Inside the cave there is scenery of
calm tranquillity of white and glistering three massive Lingmas stand erect
symbol of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and Ganesh. Trek back towards Sheshnag. It
is a descending walk till Sheshnag.
Amarnath cave: One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most
ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns.
Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn
of time. Shiva is known to have made his home in the Himalayas. He built no
house nor shelter, not for himself or his bride. He was an ascetic, and yet
married; he could be both for "he was the wild god sporting in the forest
or taking his ease on a cloud." Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati
the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating
pigeons eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are
reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims
report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance
before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).
Day 6: Sheshnag - Pahalgam - Srinagar
Trek down to Pahalgam via Chandanwari. On arrival in Pahalgam drive to Srinagar.
Transfer to Houseboats. Dinner and overnight stay in Houseboats. Srinagar is
located in the heart of the Kashmir valley at an altitude of 1,730 m above sea
level, spread on both sides of the river Jhelum. The Dal and Nagin lakes enhance
its picturesque setting, while the changing play of the seasons and the salubrious
climate ensures that the city is equally attractive to visitors around the year.
Day 7: In Srinagar
Morning sightseeing of Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure)
built by Asif Khan brother in law of Jehangir in 1632 AD. And Shalimar Bagh
(Abode of love) built by Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. All the
gardens are situated on the bark of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in
the background. Enroute visit carpet-weaving factory. After lunch Shikara
ride on Dal Lake visiting floating and vegetable gardens etc. Dinner and overnight
stay in Deluxe Houseboats.
Day 8: In Srinagar
In morning a trip to visit Gulmarg and rest of time is free for shopping and
individual activities. Dinner overnight Houseboats. British discovered the hill
resort of Gulmarg in 1927 during their colonial rule in India. Originally called
'Gaurimarg' by shepherds, its present name was given in the 16th century by
Sultan Yusuf Shah, who was inspired by the sight of its grassy slopes emblazoned
with wild flowers. Gulmarg was a favourite haunt of Emperor Jehangir who once
collected 21 different varieties of flowers from here. Today Gulmarg is not
merely a mountain resort of exceptional beauty- it also has the highest green
golf course in the world, and is the country's premier ski resort in the winter.
Day 9: Srinagar - Jammu
Early morning transfer to TRC/Airport to drive back to Jammu or fly Jammu/Delhi.
