Amarnath cave, the sacred abode of Lord Shiva is one of the most important Hindu pilgrim centers in the country. The holy cave perched at an altitude of 3962 meters is 2 feet long, 55 feet broad, and 50 feet deep. It enshrines a unique ice Shivalingam, which is created naturally by water dripping through the limestone roof of the cave. The cave shrine can be visited from the first week of July to mid-Sept.
The State government makes elaborate arrangements for the pilgrims and is well supported by volunteers. Chhari Mubarak’, the symbolic emblem of Lord Shiva, is carried on foot by devotees from Srinagar to the Amarnath Cave in. various stages. The traditional route from Pahalgam to Amarnath via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni are endowed with breathtaking vistas. One can also visit Amarnath from the Sonamarg side. The trek to the sacred site is just 16 kms. starting from Baltal.
