One of the holy Trinity, Shiva is a living God. the most sacred and the most ancient book of India, the Rigveda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, rituals and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time. But Shiva, Destroyer, the mendicant, is undefinable : He is a great yogi. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in a Cave in Amarnath. Unkown to them a pair of mating doves eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the doves pair when they trek the ardous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam.

According to an ancient tale, there was once a Muslim Shepherd named Buta Malik who was given a sack of coal by a sadhu. Upon reaching home he discovered that the sack, in fact, contained Gold. Overjoyed and overcome, Buta Malik rushed back to look for sadhu and thank him.
But on the spot of their meeting discovered a cave, and eventually this became a place of pilgrimage for all believers. To date , a percentage of the donations made by pilgrims are given to the descendents of Malik, and the remaining to trust which manages the shrine.

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.
 

Day 01: Delhi - Srinagar - Baltal  Distance: 115kms.

Arrive Srinagar by air and then drive direct to Baltal via Sonamarg. The distance of about 115 kms will be covered in about 3½ hrs. Rest of the day free at Baltal for acclimatization and prepare for next day's trek to Amarnath Cave.
Dinner overnight in tents at Baltal.

Day 02: Baltal - Amarnath Cave - Baltal

After very early breakfast trek upwards to Amarnath Cave for darshan. The route is ascending right up to the cave. Have a dip in the ice-cold water of Amarnath Stream, which flows, outside the cave. Inside the cave
there is scenery of calm tranquility of white and glistering three massive Lingmas stand erect symbol of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and Ganesh. After darshan trek back towards Baltal.
Dinner overnight in tents.

Day 03: Baltal - Srinagar
Drive back to Srinagar. On arrival in Srinagar, transfer to Houseboats.
Dinner overnight Houseboats.

Day 04: Srinagar

Morning sightseeing of Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure, built by Asif Khan brother in law of Jehangir in 1632 A. D) And Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love built by Jehangir fro his wife Empress Noor Jehan). All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. Enroute visit carpet - weaving factory. After lunch Shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting floating and vegetable gardens etc.
Dinner and overnight stay in Deluxe Houseboats.

Day 05: Srinagar - Jammu - Delhi Distance: 300kms.

Departure transfer to airport to connect flight for Jammu or Delhi. Or early morning drive back to Jammu. A distance of about 300kms will be covered in about 9 hrs. on arrival to Jammu, transfer to Railway station to board the train for onward destination