Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter

Amarnath Yatra is all about paying reverence to Lord Shiva who dwells there in the form of ice stalagmite aka ice shivalinga. The article talks about the religious significance of the cave, procedure for the holy trek, helicopter service and nearby tourist attractions.

Overview
The months of July and August are characterized by various accounts of Lord Shiva's life which include his marriage with Goddess Parvati. During this time of the year the ardent devotees of a trinity god begin their journey to various pilgrimage destinations pertaining to him and Amarnath Yatra is the most popular among all. Considered as one of the holiest pilgrimage tours in India, Amarnath Cave, nestled in the serene foothills of Himalayas, is the abode of Lord Shiva. Every year hordes of pilgrims undertake this strenuous trek to pay reverence in the feet of Lord Shiva who dwells there in the form of ice stalagmite. There is a firm belief among the Hindu pilgrims that a visit to this holy shrine can free them from the cycle of life and death.

Legend has it that Lord Shiva chose this holy Cave to utter the secrets of immortality to his consort Parvati upon her insistence. He was on a hunt of a secluded place wherein nobody can hear the secret conversation. In this process, he left his sacred bull Nandi at Pahalgam. The religious trek which usually lasts between 45 to 60 days is an absolute test of endurance owing to erratic climate conditions. The lowest temperature can go to -5 degree Celsius and a bright sunny day can suddenly transform into rainy weather.

Procedure for Registration

Pilgrims, who wish to go on this holy journey, need to be registered with the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board which is responsible for better management of the Amarnath Yatra. The registration begins two months prior to the commencement of actual Yatra. Recently the government has started issuing the form online for the convenience of devotees. The form can be downloaded from the official website of the shrine board. After the form is filled up, you need to submit them on the designated counters of Jammu and Kashmir bank and few other banks such as Yes Bank, The Bihar State Co-operative Bank Ltd etc. with specified fees.

Helicopter Service for Yatra

Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter was launched by the government of Jammu and Kashmir in 2004. It is the shortest possible way to travel to the holy shrine for those who are either bound by time constraints or reluctant in undertaking the trekking route due to health issues. There are different packages offered for the holy Amarnath Yatra by helicopter which include airport pick up, accommodation, VIP Darshan and sightseeing excursion to Srinagar.

How to Reach

By Air: The nearest airport to the holy Amarnath cave is Srinagar. There are daily flights from Delhi to Srinagar. On the other hand, flights from Bombay, Calcutta, Chandigarh and Leh works either on alternate days or weekends.

By Rail: Various railway stations connect Jammu from Delhi. Jammu Tawi station has direct trains that connect this region to the metropolises of Kolkata and Mumbai.

By Road: Jammu and Srinagar are well connected through road. The interstate transport buses ply regularly between the two and other neighboring cities. You can also take a bus ride from Jammu to Baltal (400 kilometers) from where the holy cave is just 14 kilometers away.

Nearby Places of Interest

Amarnath Yatra is not just a religious Odyssey but a soul soothing experience as it allows you to savor the breathtaking beauty of serene lakes, majestic hills, dense forests and confounding valleys en-route.

Pahalgam: It is the starting point of Amarnath Yatra which took place every year in the months of July and August. Cozily nestled on the bank of Lidder River, this little hamlet is fondly referred to as 'Jewel of the Lidder Valley' and features fascinating landscapes and salubrious climate.

Chandanwari: Located at a distance of 16 kilometers from Pahalgam, Chandanwari has mythological significance for many people. It is said that Lord Shiva left his crescent at this place on his way to Amarnath. The town is a visual treat for nature lovers with innumerable treasure troves spread all around.

Sheshnag: It is basically an alpine high altitude greenish blue lake with the backdrop of seven mountain peaks resembling Sheshnag. Just 30 kilometers away from Pahalgam, Sheshnag has been enriched with the pristine jewels of nature.

The journey to Amarnath Cave is not just all about answering the higher calling within you but also about taking delight in the grandeurs of nature sprinkled throughout the way of this holy Yatra.