Baba Amarnath Ji

	Every Year 500,000  Indian tourists  make  the annual Yatra  (Pilgrimage to the Ice 
	Lingam  at  Amarnath (Elevation  13,800  m). This  is  one  of  the  most important 
	Pilgrimage sites in India but Pilgrims have been targeted by militants on  numerous
	occasions, so check things out carefully before visiting. The cave  at  Amarnath is 
	reach  by three   day, 36 km  trek  from  the town of  Chandanwari, 16 km  north of 
	Pahalgam. Some Pilgrims complete the Journey by Pony,helicopter or dandy (Palanquin).
	Inside  the  main chamber is a natural stone lingam that becomes entrusted with ice
	from  May to August. Pilgrim numbers peak during the Shivrani festival  in July and
	the  military presence can be overpowering.

	During  Yatra  season,  the tourist  office  in  Pahalgam  runs  shuttle  buses  to 
	chandanwari and makes arrangements for the three  day  trek to  Amarnath ji. Ponies 
	cost Rs 2650, Palanquins cost Rs 10,000.

	How to reach here

	Srinagar is the major city near  the treking point (Pahalgam) and is well connected 
	to other parts of India though Air, rail and road services.

	By Air

	Indian Airlines, Jet airways, Air Deccan,  Spicejet Flies from  Delhi  to  Srinagar 
	directly or via Jammu. 
	From Srinagar to Pahalgam one can hire taxi or go in bus.


	By Train

	Last station is Jammu and can be reached by Jammu Tawi (time 14 hrs), Jaipur Express
	(10 1/2 hr), Jammu Tawi Indore Malwa Express (10 1/2 hr), Jhelum Express (12 1/4 hrs
	, Shalimar  Express  (13 1/4 hrs), Rajdhani Express (12 1/4 hrs) or Shalimar Express 
	(13 1/4 hrs). 
	From Jammu one can take Bus or taxi to reach Srinager and Pahalgam.
	
	By Road

	Jammu and Srinagar is connected through  narrow  mountain road often full of lorries
	and military convoys takes 12 hrs  few  stops  for food. Some  long  distance  state 
	Roadways buses from  Delhi, Chandigarh and  Amritsar  to Jammu continues to Srinagar.
	From Srinagar to Pahalgam one can take taxi or local bus.