Q 1: What is the base point for the helicopter journey to Amarnath Cave?
Ans: The base point for your Amarnath helicopter journey will depend on the departure location you have chosen while making the booking. Common base points for the Amarnath helicopter journey include Pahalgam, Baltal, and Neelgrath. Each of these base points offers helicopter services to the Amarnath Cave.
Q 2: What is the nearest helipad to the sacred Amarnath Cave?
Ans: Baltal is the nearest helipad to the sacred Amarnath Cave. This helipad serves as the main transportation hub for those embarking on the Amarnath Yatra. Helicopter services that operate from Baltal offer convenient and swift access to Panchtarni, significantly reducing physical exertion and travel time for pilgrims, especially those with time limitations or mobility constraints.
Q 3: Will the helicopter drop you directly at Amarnath Cave?
Ans: No, the helicopter won’t drop you at the Amarnath Cave directly. Instead, it will transport you to Panchtarni from Baltal. From Panchtarni, you’ll have to cover the rest of the journey to reach the Amarnath Cave either by foot, Palki (palanquin), or pony ride, depending on your physical capabilities and preference. The journey to the Amarnath Cave from Panchtarni is considered a part of the pilgrimage, offering you a chance to immerse yourself in the spiritual significance of the site.
Q 4: What are the key attractions of Amritsar?
Ans: Amritsar boasts a wealth of attractions including the Golden Temple which symbolizes Sikh spirituality and Jallianwala Bagh which is a memorial to the 1919 tragic massacre. The daily Wagah Border Ceremony gives an insight into military pageantry. Visitors can also explore the Durgiana Temple and get to know about the rich history of Punjab at the Partition Museum. Gobindgarh Fort and Maharaja Ranjit Singh Museum offer insights into the rich heritage of the region.
Q 5: What can you do at Sonmarg?
Ans: At Sonmarg, you can partake in various adventurous activities like snow fighting, skiing, and sledding during the winter months. Nature lovers can enjoy the breathtaking landscapes of Sonmarg, exploring its gushing streams, verdant valleys, and majestic mountain ranges. You can visit the Thajiwas Glacier which offers ample opportunities for enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks and is an ideal place for trekking.
Q 6: Is it possible to go without registering for Yatra?
Ans: No, without registration, you cannot participate.
Q 7: Who is Baba Barfani, Lord Amarnathji's other name?
Ans: Due to the ice stalagmite that resembles the Shiva Linga in the holy cave, Lord Amarnath ji is also known as Baba Barfani.The meaning of Barfani in Hindi is made of ice. This is the reason Lord Amarnathji is also known as Baba Barfani.
Q 8: What is the story behind Lord Amarnath ji ?
Ans: According to the legend, Lord Shiva wanted to share the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) with his beloved wife, Maa Parvati. He chose the remote cave in the Himalayas, now known as the Amarnath cave, as the location to reveal this secret.
As the story goes, Lord Shiva left behind all his possessions and material attachments at different places before entering the cave. He left his vehicle, Nandi, at Pahalgam, his moon on his head at Chandanwari, his snakes at Sheshnag, his son Lord Ganesha at Mahagunas Pass, and the five elements of earth, water, fire, air, and sky at Panjtarni. After leaving everything behind, Lord Shiva entered the Amarnath cave with Maa Parvati and revealed the secret of immortality to her.
It is said that a pair of pigeons overheard the secret and became immortal. To this day, pilgrims visiting the Amarnath cave look for the pair of pigeons as a symbol of immortality.