Amarnath, situated in India, is a revered Hindu pilgrimage destination annually organized by the government of Jammu and Kashmir. It draws millions of pilgrims from across the nation each year. Perched at an altitude of 5186 meters, Amarnath Cave remains snow-covered for most of the year.
It is open only in summer when devotees travel on the Amarnath Yatra to seek the blessings of Baba Amarnath. Due to the high altitude and difficulty of the trek, children under the age of 13, seniors over the age of 75, and pregnant women who are at least six weeks pregnant are exempt from this spiritual journey. Those who have embarked on the Amarnath Yatra will find a wealth of other places to visit in and around Amarnath. Below are some of the main places that can be visited and explored during the Amarnath journey.
Explore the Best Tourist Spots During Amarnath Yatra
Aishmuqam Shrine
Hazrat Azin-ud-Din Wali’s shrine is located on a hill lock about 20 kilometres from Pahalgam, which is a popular hill resort. This well-known hilltop shrine honours the renowned Sufi saint Baba Zain-ud-din-wali and is highly regarded by Kashmir’s Muslims. The mausoleum is housed within a deep cave atop a hill about 100 metres above the main road. The historical shrine of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din, who lived in the 15th century A.D. and was one of Sheikh Noor-ud-Din’s, Kashmir’s leading Rehsi, is well known throughout Kashmir.
According to local legend, Zain-ud-din meditated for a long time in Tehsil Sopore’s village, where he attained spiritual perfection. Sheikh Nur-ud-din advised him at this point to migrate to the cave at Aishmuqam and meditate there for the rest of his life. When Sheikh Zain-ud-din arrived, the cave’s entrance was blocked by snakes, cobras, and reptiles. The saint is said to have carried a club given to him by his master. He threw the club to the ground when he saw the serpents, and it instantly transformed into a terrifying cobra. The snakes in the cave surrendered to the Sheikh and fled to Phuurpujan village.
Botanical Garden Kokernag
The botanical gardens of Kokernag, which cover nearly 26 hectares, were established in 1969. It is a breathtaking and incredible garden brimming with beautiful Alpine, Rose, and Tropical plants, as well as over a thousand enchanting and charming plants and trees. The pleasure garden’s tranquil beauty is set against a backdrop of high and dense pine forests. There are many innovative and modern attractions in the garden, such as live garden seats, Japanese-patterned bridges over water ponds and streams, rosary, special areas dedicated to the cultivation and maintenance of valley wild flowers and trees, ornamental trees and bushes, topiary work, and many more.
Visiting and strolling through this garden is thus a delightful experience. A section of this garden is dedicated to the valley’s wild flora. It includes contemporary effects like a rosary, Japanese bridges over a gushing water stream, water ponds, live garden seats, topiary work, and so on. The garden is located at a height of 2,000 metres in the Jammu and Kashmir district of Anantnag. This location is best visited during the summer, from March to October, when the garden is in full bloom.
Baltal Wildlife Sanctuary
The Baltal Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Ganderbal district of Kashmir. It was established in 1987 and covers an area of 03.00 square kilometres. The diverse biodiversity of Baltal Wildlife Sanctuary is a delight for wildlife enthusiasts. You must take the wildlife excursion to this incredible wildlife sanctuary if you stop in Baltal on your way to Amarnath. It is surrounded by the large snow-capped peaks of ‘Sonamarg,’ as well as the Sindh River, which is known for its trout and Mahseer populations. One of main attractions is the Thajiwas Glacier, which attracts tourists during the summer months.
The climate in the region is erratic, with large interannual variations in precipitation amount, dry period length, and occurrences. Summer temperatures are mild, whereas winter temperatures are extremely cold. The majority of precipitation falls as snow in the winter. Musk Deer, Black Bear, Snow Leopard, and Asiatic Ibex are among the important faunal species, which are both rare and threatened. Because of its highly specialised ecosystems and landscape, Baltal Wildlife Sanctuary has a diverse habitat. These are predominantly evergreen forests. Scrub forests and meadows are environmentally sensitive areas where wildlife can be protected.
Pahalgam
Pahalgam is a small, picturesque hamlet on the Lidder River’s banks. The natural beauty of Pahalgam is defined by lush green sweeping valleys and densely wooded vistas. Pahalgam is a popular vacation and photography destination due to its snow-capped towering peaks, beautiful surroundings, and pleasant weather. You will invariably come across trout fishermen and nomadic shepherds commanding and controlling their vast herds of sheep while exploring this charming hamlet. Travel nearly 28 kilometres from Amarnath cave to Pahalgam. It’s also known as the “Valley of Shepherds,” and it’s a nature lover’s paradise that makes us believe paradise is never far away.
This popular tourist destination in Kashmir enchants visitors with its lush meadows, verdant forests, sky-kissing mountains, apple orchards, and tranquil setting. It is situated on the banks of the gurgling and foaming Lidder River. It is one of Kashmir’s top tourist destinations because it offers camping, sightseeing, trekking, pilgrimage Yatras, white water rafting, and fishing. From rolling meadows covered in wildflowers in the summer and soft snow in the winter to placid lakes inviting a round of paddle boating; from views of lofty glaciers to local markets brimming with small trinkets that visitors take home as warm reminders of a successful trip.
Chandanwari
The most revered expedition to Amarnath Cave begins in Chandanwari, a beautiful valley nestled at an altitude of about 2895 metres above sea level. This valley is about 16 kilometres from Pahalgam’s centre and is easily accessible by road. Aside from that, you can get to Chandanwari by air while flying to Srinagar or by train while travelling to Jammu. The natural beauty of the Chandanwari valley never fails to attract lakhs of pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra, who embark on the sacred journey in the Shravan month of the Hindu calendar, i.e. between the months of July and August.
The pristine valley of Chandanwari, Pahalgam, is also well-known, particularly among adventure seekers, for its snow bridge, which provides an unparalleled opportunity to trek through Jammu and Kashmir’s mesmerising landscapes. Aside from that, you can enjoy the peace and quiet by going river rafting or having a picnic with your loved ones. With its lush greenery, majestic hills, and meandering streams, this valley is a sight to behold. So, regardless of whether you are looking for a rejuvenating experience or an offbeat travel destination, Chandanwari glacier point is your best bet to unwind in the lap of nature.
Sheshnag Lake
Sheshnag Lake is about 17 kilometres from Pahalgam and is located at an elevation of 3,590 metres. It is surrounded on all sides by mountains and snow-capped mountains, and its greenish waters are home to a variety of fish, including brown trout. Because of its low algal production, the lake’s water is also thought to be of high quality. The journey there is breathtakingly beautiful, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain terrain and vast grassland terrain. The lake is surrounded by many mythological legends, one of which claims that it belongs to Sheshnag, Lord of the Snakes himself. The lake is surrounded by lush green trees and meadows. The snow-covered mountains all around serve as the lake’s primary source of water.
The other sources are the streams that run down these mountains. The lake drains into a stream that flows into the Lidder River in Pahalgam. This lake is home to many different types of fish, the most notable of which is the brown trout. This lake is accessible via a 7-kilometer hike from Chandanwari. According to the belief, the king of snakes or Sheshnag dug out this lake and is still there. Because of the presence of the Sheshnag snake in Amarnath, many pilgrims on their way to the Amarnath Yatra stop here to pay their respects to the king of snakes.
Aru Valley
Aru Valley in Kashmir is a captivating village surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks. It’s about 11 kilometres from Pahalgam and the starting point for treks to the Kolahoi Glacier and the Tarsar-Marsar Lake. Aru is known for its scenic meadows and activities like horseback riding, hiking, and trekking, and it is located along the Aru River, a tributary of the Lidder River. Aru Valley transforms into a winter wonderland in the winter, with snow as far as the eye can see. This makes it an excellent skiing location. Aru Wildlife Sanctuary has an entrance fee but no wildlife. One can book a resort here and spend some relaxing time with family or friends.
A lovely spot for a cup of tea while admiring the scenery outside. It provides a perfect relaxing vacation and is popular among those who enjoy nature and a peaceful environment. Aru Valley can be visited at any time of year, be it summer, winter, or monsoon. Aru Valley looks enchanting and scenic in the winter when it is covered in a thick layer of snow. Horseback riding is the best activity in Pahalgam’s Aru Valley. Simply hop on the back of a horse and ride to various hidden sub-valleys, allowing nature to completely immerse you.
Tarsar Lake
All adventurous hikers love this well-known oligotrophic, almond-shaped alpine lake. The serene quiet environment, breathtaking views, and towering Kolahoi mountain peaks that surround the lake all contribute to the lake’s unparalleled scenic grandeur. The lake is in the district of Anantnag, in the heart of the captivating Aru valley. Before beginning the trek to Tarsar Lake, one must first travel from Pahalgam to Aru Valley. From Srinagar, if you embark on the Tarsar lake trek, it could be completed in a span of 7 days.
This truly enchanting pristine lake is mentioned in the poems of Yusuf Shah Chak, the 16th century ruler of Kashmir. The lake’s colors change throughout the day depending on the angle of the sun at sunrise and sunset, which is an interesting fact. The lake is only open during the summer, making it ideal for viewing birds such as black bulbul, bar-headed geese, high-flying coughs, and Himalayan golden eagles. You can also enjoy its enchantment and completely tranquil environment. The Lidderwat alpine meadow marks the halfway point of the two-day trek to the lake.
Amarnath Yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for adventure seekers who want to see snow-capped mountains. This journey will provide you with some unforgettable experiences. So, gather your friends or family and prepare for an exciting Amarnath Yatra Packages tour.
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