About Amarnath Cave
The Amarnath Cave Temple lies high in the Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir, at an altitude of about 3,888 metres. Inside the cave, an ice stalagmite forms naturally each year and is worshipped as a Shiva lingam, called the 'Baba Barfani'. The shrine can only be reached during a short summer season, when hundreds of thousands of devotees undertake the Shri Amarnath Yatra on foot, on ponies or by helicopter. It is one of the most revered and challenging pilgrimages in Hinduism.
According to legend, Lord Shiva chose this remote cave to reveal the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to Goddess Parvati, leaving behind his companions along the way at places such as Pahalgam, Chandanwari and Sheshnag. The cave is mentioned in old texts, and popular tradition credits a shepherd, Buta Malik, with its rediscovery. The yatra is now organised every year by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board together with the government.
The cave is a large natural cavern in the mountainside. Along with the main ice lingam, smaller ice formations are worshipped as Parvati and Ganesha. The size of the lingam varies from year to year with the weather. Pilgrims see the shrine after a demanding mountain trek, surrounded by snowy peaks and glacial streams.
Amarnath Cave timings & aarti
Seasonal: the yatra usually runs for several weeks in July–August (roughly late June/early July until Raksha Bandhan); exact dates are announced each year by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
| Aarti / ritual | Time |
|---|---|
| Morning Aarti | Early morning at the cave during the yatra |
| Evening Aarti | Evening at the cave during the yatra |
Timings change on festivals, eclipses and special days. Please confirm locally before you travel.
How to reach Amarnath Cave
By air
Srinagar International Airport – about 95 km from Pahalgam and about 100 km from Baltal.
By train
Jammu Tawi – about 300 km from Pahalgam; rail services in the Kashmir Valley also reach Srinagar.
By road
Two routes: the traditional Pahalgam route via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni (about 46 km trek, 3–5 days) and the shorter, steeper Baltal route (about 14 km, often done in a day). Helicopter services operate to Panchtarni.
Festivals at Amarnath Cave
- Shri Amarnath YatraJul/Aug
- Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan, Chhari Mubarak)Aug
Visitor tips
- Dress code
- Modest clothing recommended; warm layers, rainwear and good trekking shoes are essential.
- Entry
- Advance registration for the yatra, along with a compulsory health certificate from an authorised doctor, is required. Age and health restrictions apply (generally pilgrims must be between 13 and 70 years old, and pregnant women beyond early pregnancy are not allowed).
- Register early and get the mandatory health certificate well in advance.
- Build fitness for a few weeks before the trek and acclimatise for a day or two.
- Carry warm clothes, a raincoat, sturdy shoes and personal medicines.
- Follow the Shrine Board's instructions and travel only on the permitted dates and routes.
- Use free langars along the routes, but carry dry snacks and water.
Places to visit near Amarnath Cave
- PahalgamBase town for the traditional route, about 46 km trek from the cave
- Sheshnag LakeGlacial lake on the Pahalgam route
- SonamargScenic valley near the Baltal base camp, about 15 km from Baltal
- Betaab Valley and Aru ValleyMeadows near Pahalgam, about 10–12 km
Frequently asked questions
When does the Amarnath Yatra take place?
Usually in July–August, ending on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan). Exact dates are announced every year by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
Is registration mandatory for Amarnath Yatra?
Yes. Pilgrims must register in advance and carry a compulsory health certificate from an authorised doctor.
Which is the easier route to Amarnath, Pahalgam or Baltal?
Pahalgam is longer (about 46 km) but more gradual; Baltal is much shorter (about 14 km) but steeper.
What is the age limit for Amarnath Yatra?
Generally, pilgrims must be between 13 and 70 years old.
How high is the Amarnath cave?
About 3,888 metres above sea level.
What is the aarti time at Amarnath Cave?
Morning Aarti: Early morning at the cave during the yatra; Evening Aarti: Evening at the cave during the yatra. Times can change on festivals and special days, so please confirm locally before you go.
What are the Amarnath Cave timings?
Seasonal: the yatra usually runs for several weeks in July–August (roughly late June/early July until Raksha Bandhan); exact dates are announced each year by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. Times may vary; check locally before visiting.
Is there a dress code at Amarnath Cave?
Modest clothing recommended; warm layers, rainwear and good trekking shoes are essential.
How to reach Amarnath Cave?
By air: Srinagar International Airport – about 95 km from Pahalgam and about 100 km from Baltal. By train: Jammu Tawi – about 300 km from Pahalgam; rail services in the Kashmir Valley also reach Srinagar. By road: Two routes: the traditional Pahalgam route via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni (about 46 km trek, 3–5 days) and the shorter, steeper Baltal route (about 14 km, often done in a day). Helicopter services operate to Panchtarni.
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