Overview
The most important event during July/August, is Amarnath Yatra to the Holy Pilgrimage. This is an annual event when thousands of Hindus from different corners of the Globe visit Amarnath caves. The pilgrims trek from Pahalgam to these caves and worship the great ice Lingam. Amarnath is 145 km east of Srinagar in Kashmir. There is an ice Shiva-linga here that changes size with the seasons, and also as the moon waxes and wanes it becomes bigger and smaller. On the full moon day the linga is about 6 ft high. Each year on the full moon day of July-August (Sravana) when the Siva-linga attains its maximum height there is a festival at this cave temple.
It is said that Lord Siva first appeared on this day. The site, India Travel Destinations accounts for tours to Amaranth Yatra, which is an isolated height yet, one of the most sought after centers of religious penance in India. It is located in a glacial valley at 4,175m (13,700 ft.). The cave is about 150 feet high and 90 feet long. Within the cave there are four or five ice formations that resemble the figures of different gods.
Tour Highlights - Amarnath Yatra
- 9-day spiritual pilgrimage to the sacred Amarnath Cave Temple in the Himalayas, Kashmir.
- Witness the miraculous Ice Shiva Linga, naturally formed inside the cave, which grows and shrinks with lunar phases.
- Trek through pristine Himalayan valleys, including Pahalgam, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni.
- Scenic high-altitude trekking from 2,896 m (Chandanwari) to 4,175 m (Amarnath Cave) with breathtaking views of glaciers, streams, and mountains.
- Experience local Himalayan culture and stay in tents and houseboats along the journey.
- Mughal Garden sightseeing in Srinagar, including Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh, with views of the Dal Lake and Zabarwan Mountains.
- Shikara ride on Dal Lake, exploring floating gardens and local Kashmiri life.
- Optional shopping and cultural experiences in Srinagar’s markets, including traditional Kashmiri handicrafts.
- Ideal for spiritual seekers, adventure lovers, and international travelers looking for a unique Himalayan pilgrimage.
- Best season to visit: July to August, during the Sravana full moon festival for maximum spiritual experience.
