Shri Amarnathji Holy Cave
Lidder–Sindh valleys, Pahalgam tehsil, Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir (about 3,888 m) · Lord Shiva as a naturally formed ice lingam (Baba Barfani), with smaller ice forms revered as Parvati and Ganesha
A high Himalayan cave where an ice lingam forms each summer, reached only on foot, pony or palki during a short annual yatra.
The Amarnath cave sits at about 3,888 m (12,756 ft) in the Kashmir Himalaya. Inside it, water dripping from the roof freezes into a tall ice stalagmite that devotees worship as a self-manifested (swayambhu) Shiva lingam. The cave can be visited only during the annual Amarnath Yatra in July–August, which ends on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan). Every pilgrim must register in advance with a Compulsory Health Certificate and carry an RFID card. In 2026 the yatra ran for 57 days, 3 July – 28 August, and more than 4.8 lakh pilgrims made the journey.
Timings
- Yatra season: About July – August each year, ending on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan). 2026: 3 July – 28 August. 2027 dates: not yet announced – the SASB usually announces them in spring
- Advance registration: Usually opens in April (15 April in 2026)
- Darshan at the cave: Early morning to evening during the yatra; exact times are set by the SASB and security forces each day
- Movement from base camps: Gates at Domel (Baltal) and Chandanwari (Pahalgam) open early morning and close by late morning/afternoon; times are fixed daily by the authorities
Darshan types and costs
- Yatra darshan (registered pilgrims) – Free darshan; registration fee reported at ₹150 per person in 2026 – check the SASB notice
- Helicopter-assisted darshan – Not available in 2025 or 2026
Sevas and costs
- Pratham Puja – Free (ceremonial; not a ticketed seva) (Before the yatra begins (late June or early July))
- Daily aarti at the Holy Cave – Free (Morning and evening during the yatra season)
- Chhari Mubarak procession and Samapan Puja – Free (Final days of the yatra, ending on Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan))
- Langar seva (free community kitchens) – Free for pilgrims; organisations sponsor and run them (Throughout the yatra)
How to book darshan
Register for a specific route and date with the SASB, online or at designated bank branches, with a Compulsory Health Certificate. Then complete biometric e-KYC and collect an RFID card before travel.
Dress code
No religious dress code. Dress for high altitude: thermal layers, a warm jacket, waterproof rain gear, woollen cap, gloves and sturdy trekking shoes. Women are advised by the Board to wear salwar-kameez or trousers rather than saris on the trek.
Best time to visit
Only during the annual yatra (July–August). The first two weeks often offer the largest ice lingam; the last days include the Chhari Mubarak rites. Weather can stop the yatra at short notice at any time.
How to reach
- air: Srinagar airport is about 95 km from Pahalgam and about 100 km from Baltal. Jammu airport serves pilgrims joining the convoys from Bhagwati Nagar.
- rail: Jammu Tawi or Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra; trains also run to Srinagar via the Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla line.
- road: Convoys run from Jammu (Bhagwati Nagar base camp) to Pahalgam (Nunwan) and Baltal under security escort; pilgrims should travel only with the convoys and on the dates on their permit. Pahalgam route (about 43–48 km on foot plus 16 km by road): Pahalgam – Chandanwari (16 km by road, about 2,900 m) – Pissu Top (3 km) – Sheshnag (9 km, about 3,590 m) – Mahagunas Top (4.6 km, about 4,270 m) – Poshpathri – Panchtarni (about 6 km) – Sangam – Holy Cave (3 km); usually 3–5 days. Baltal route (about 14 km): Baltal – Domel (2 km) – Brarimarg (5 km) – Sangam (4 km) – Holy Cave (3 km); steep, usually up and back in 1–2 days.
Festivals
- Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan) – End of the yatra, August
- Pratham Puja – Late June / early July