Overview

The Holy Amarnath Cave of Kashmir is amongst the holiest shrines in Sanatan Dharma. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the cave shrine is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir at an elevation of above 3,658m/12,000 feet. The Amarnath Cave shrine is claimed to have a history of over 5,000 years, and its legends are part of the Hindu Puranic Tradition.
Inside the main Amarnath Cave is found the Amarnath Ice Lingam of Lord Shiva. This naturally formed Ice Lingam grows in size during the months of May through August. During this time, pious people come from around the world for the annual pilgrimage and festival of the Amarnath Lingam. The Amarnath Lingam is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival.

According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where Lord Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, Mother Parvati. Within the cave are also two other ice formations that represent Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

This is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus – about 400,000 people visit during the 45-day season coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shravan. Devotees generally take the Pilgrimage on foot from the town of Pahalgam and cover the journey in four to five days.

There are two alternate routes to the Amarnath Cave Shrine, the longer and more traditional path from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of Baltal. For devotees who are unable to make the Pilgrimage on foot, horses and travel assistance are available. Arrangements to ease the journey for the elderly and infirm are available along the Pilgrimage route, provided by charitable organizations.

Since Karnali Excursions is one of the first tour agencies in Nepal/India to offer pilgrimages to Amarnath for a long time, we have developed a strong, well-organized, and spiritually fulfilling experience for those who join us for this holy Yatra.