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 gre at 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.
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
mountainous road which crosses some beautiful spots
andthe famous Jawahar Tunnel linking Kashmir Valley with
country.
Tour Packages
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 |