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🌎  India 🇮🇳

⭐  

4.5
(12773)

📍  Shri Amarnath Cave Temple

✈️  Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL)

🚗  925.6 KM

⏱️  19 hours, 36 minutes

Shri Amarnath Cave Temple, a revered Hindu shrine, is accessible primarily through a challenging high-altitude trek from base camps like Pahalgam or Baltal, requiring excellent physical fitness; helicopter services are also available for a quicker but more expensive journey. Due to the arduous terrain and security concerns, independent solo visits are generally discouraged and often restricted, with most pilgrims opting for guided tours or organized Yatra services that include permits and support. The pilgrimage is highly seasonal, open only for a brief period in the summer months, typically July-August, when weather conditions permit access. Costs can range from moderate for basic trekking services to high for helicopter transfers, plus mandatory registration fees and travel expenses to base camps. A typical visit, including the trek, can last 3-5 days from the base camp, though helicopter options reduce the cave visit to a single day. Crucially, pilgrims must obtain mandatory health certificates and registration permits, and be prepared for high-altitude sickness and strict security protocols along the route.