Amarnath Yatra Tour

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Duration: 8 Nights / 9 Days
Places Covered: Srinagar - Pahalgam - Chandanwari - Sheshnag - Panchtarni - Amarnath - Sheshnag - Pahalgam - Srinagar - Jammu

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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.