Amarnath Information, Jammu And Kashmir
Amarnath is located at 47 kms and at an altitude of 3962 mts. The shirne of Amarnath is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. A stalactite formed by water dripping through the limestone roof of the cave has formed the shape of a ntural 'lingam'. The 'lingam' waxes and wanes with the moon. eqach year in the month of July/August, several thousand pilgrims start for the cave from Pahalagam to make obeisance on the full-moon day. Chandwari which is at 16 kms from Pahalgam, is the starting point of the Amarnath Yatra. Thousands of pilgrims approach the Amarnath cave from this area, although the road from Amarnath to Chandwari is on fairly flat terrainand can be undertaken by car. From Chandwari onwards the track becomesd much steeper, being accessible by foot or by pony. 11 kms from Chandwari is the mountain lake of Sheshnag after which 13 kms away is the last stop - Panchtarni. The Amarnath cave is 6 kms away from there.
The state government makes extensive arrangements every year for the successful completion of pilgrimage, registering each of the over one lakh pilgrims, registering pony owners and dandi walas, providing camps en route, and ensuring safe, comfortable and speedy progress of the travellers. If your visit to Pahalgam is not during the period of yatra, you can still take the pony ride up to Sheshnag lake, returning late evening.
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