Amarnathji Yatra | Via Sonmarg
The shortest and now most trekked on yatra route for Amarnath pilgrims, Baltal “below a mountain’, 15 km from Sonamarg at an altitude of 2 743 m, is the base camp of Amarnathji yatra. The meandering trek of 14 m from Baltal leads to the Holy Cave of Amarnath. One can easily return same day by early evening to Baltal where ample tents and fabricated hutments are available at affordable price by private owners and Shrine Board. Ponies and dandies are available at the fixed rates from registered ponywalas and dandiwalas at Baltal. Free langars, Medical facility,
telecommunication and other necessary amenities are available at Baltal during the yatra period organized efficiently by the concerned state authorities. Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and some private companies now operate Helicopter Services for Yatris from Baltal, Pahalgam and Srinagar during the yatra period at reasonably fixed rates. The advance reservation for helicopter service is recommended; however the confirmation of flights entirely depends on weather conditions and the technical feasibility of choppers. The stategovernment schedules Amarnathji Yatra every year from end June to mid-August.
During the Yatra period yatries must carry adequate packed dry eatables, warm clothes, rain proofs, prescribed medicines and sturdy pair of shoes. A set of oxygen inhalers to be carried along is highly recommended. Presence at high altitude during yatra causes breathlessness to even the normal and healthy pilgrims particularly at the Holy cave. The traffic police and district authorities retrain the commencement of vehicular traffic during yatra period on the Srinagar- Sonamarg road to ensure the smooth movement of the yatries on both sides. Yatries are advised to check the timings in Srinagar before journey.
How to Reach:
The bus service is available upto Kangan where after one can take the mini coaches and sumos for Sonamarg and nearby villages. Tourists are advised to hire a sumo or any other suitable vehicle from Srinagar from a taxi stand or Travel agent for this 3 hours one way journey. The road to Sonamarg is open through April to November provided the snow has been cleared from the roads in winter. JKSRTC has sightseeing service for the tourists during the summer which starts at early morning from TRC Srinagar. During Amarnath Yatra yatries with permits and tourists with the hotel reservation are allowed to proceed during the evening. Tourist’s visiting for day tour must start early morning from Srinagar.
Where to Eat:
Hotels have in-house restaurants where all kind of meals caordered, Snowland, Glacier Heights, Green heights and many other newly built hotels are situated on main road. JKTDC restaurant at TRC and at the Thajiwas offers sumptuous meals for the visitors and groups. At the main market some shops provide bread and breakfast for the travelers traveling on the Leh highway.
Where to Stay:
Sonamarg has very few private hotels and guest houses mostly spread around the main market. JKTDC cottages and tourist bungalow at main market and Thajiwas are available for the tourists during summer. Some of the newly constructed resorts, tented colonies and cottages available from Kulan to Sonamarg offer luxurious rooms in charming surroundings. Homestay concept has also been initiated by the tourism authorities in the nearby villages. During Amarnath yatra (Jun-August) getting a room on spot could be impossible as the yatries and travel agents make the advance bookings. The Sonamarg Development Authority and some private entrepreneurs make arrangement for the tented accommodation in the area.
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