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Kashmir The Paradise
The valley of Kashmir, in which Srinagar is located, is also
referred to as being a heaven on earth. It is beauty is so charming
that the Mughal emperor Jahangir was so captivated by the beauty of
this valley that he exclaimed "Gar firdaus, ruhe zamin ast, hamin
asto, hamin asto, hamin asto", meaning - "If there is a heaven on
earth, it's here, it's here, it's here." Srinagar is one very loved
tourist destination in India.. more >> |
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One
of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most sacred and
most ancient book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in
its hymns, Vedic Myths, rituals and even testify to his
existance from the dawn of time.
The annual yatra to Holy Amarnath Cave, situated at 14000 ft.
above sea level, is organised by the State Government during the
month of July and August. The intending pilgrims are allowed to
perform darshan from Ashard Purnimashi to Shravan Purnimashi
which course spreads over a month or so. With a view to work out
and finalise different arrangements, a series of core meetings
are held at Srinagar as well as Pahalgam (the base-camp for
Amarnath Yatra).
Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of
creation in a cave in Amarnath. Unknown to them, a pair of doves
eavesdropped on this conversation and having learnt the secret,
are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal
abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves pair when they tred
the ardous route to pay obeisance before the ice lingam (the
phallic symbol of Shiva).
How to Reach ?
From Pahalgam
Situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder valley,
Amarnath stands at 3888 mtrs and 46 Kms from Pahalgam and 141
Kms from Srinagar. Though the original pilgrimage subscribe that
Yatra be undertaken from Srinagar , the more common practice is
to begin journey from Chandanwari and cover the distance to
Amarnath and back in 5 days. Pahalgam is 96 Kms from Srinagar.
the trek from Chandanwari to Cave is on an ancient peregerine
route. pilgrims camp at Pahalgam or Chandanwari on the first
night out.
The first day's trek of 12 Kms from Chandanwari is through
spectacular primeval country side and the main centre of
attraction is Sheshnag a mountain which derves its name from
seven peaks resembling the head of mythical snake. A cascading
stream accompanies you with wild scenery untouched by modern
civilzation. The second night camp at Wavjan overlooks the deep
blue waters of Sheshnag lake and glaciers beyond it. The tales
of love and revenge associated
with Sheshnag are recounted by campfires to the stillnes of pine
scented Himalyan night.
The second day 12 km trek steadily gains height winding across
Mahagunas Pass at 4600 mtrs and then descendeing to the meadow
land of Panchtarni the last camp enroute to Amarnath Cave.
From Panchtarni to Amarnath the distance is 6kms and an early
morning start is recommended for there is long queue awaitning
entry at the cave. The same day devotees after darshans can
return to Panchtarni in time for lunch and continue upto
Sheshnag for night halt.
From Baltal
The second approach to Amarnath is from Sonamarg via Baltal alt.
3000 mtrs. . Sonamarg is situated on Srinagar-Leh road north
east from Srinagar. About 15 kms ahead lies Baltal which is
charming little valley lying in the foothills of Zojila Pass.
The holy cave is just a days journey from here. At domail 2 kms
from Baltal free langar(community Kitchen) facility is
available. The trek from here is very steep and therefore needs
great caution and care. Some teastalls are available at
Brarimarg and Sangam top. Several snow bridges on the fast
flwing streams are to be crossed and during rains the road
becomes slippery. At sangam top the road meets Pahalgam route.
At Baltal Ponies/Dandies/Pack ponies /porters are available on
Govt. approved rates.
The nearest Airport is away in Badgam Distt. This Airport is
connected with major cities of India. The nearest Rail Head is
at Jammu which is 300 Kms away and from there National Highway
NH1A connects the Kashmir valley with country.Every sort of
transport to suit every budget from Buses to Taxis ply on this
Highway. It Takes around 10 to 12 hours to cross this
mountaineous road which crosses some beautiful spots andthe
famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with country. |
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