Amarnath Yatra Travel Tips - Things to Carry for Amarnath Dham

Amarnath Yatra traverses through some of the most stunning and scenic routes which are equally difficult to access. Being one of the most remote pilgrimage destination in India going on this high altitude journey to the abode of Shiva requires you to be extremely well prepared. This is one of the most iconic holy destinations which is open for Darshan after the winter months when the people visit this cave to worship the ice stalagmite formation of the Shivling. Even if the journey to the cave is difficult and tiring but in the end it is all worth it.

Here are a few tips and useful information that will make your Amarnath Yatra easier:

Know When to Visit

This high altitude cave remains open for Darshan for a duration of just 3 months and if you want to witness a fully formed ice Shivling then you should visit the temple during the 1st or 2nd week of July. June to August making is one of the most apt times for a spiritual visit to Amarnath. This is also the time when the most number of pilgrims visit this cave. These summer months are extremely pleasant and comfortable for a visit to the caves and since you will be required to live in tents then this will be the best time for you to visit.

Facilities / Amenities Available During the Journey

There are several tea stalls, restaurants and eateries available en route that offer various dishes and coffee or tea as well as clean, packaged drinking water bottles.
Since you will be living in tents you will be requiring firewood or gas at either Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni and close to the cave of Amarnath.
Accommodation that is available in rest basis are tents and insulated huts which allows you to have a relatively comfortable stay.
Once a traveller is registered with the Shri Amarnath shrine board then they are entitled to an insurance amount of Rs. 1,00,000 /- in case of any unfortunate event like accidents or worse.

Useful Travel Tips

Registration for Amarnath Yatra should be complete at least a month before the commencement of the journey.
This will be a very difficult Yatra journey due to its high altitude location and steep mountainous terrain you should start preparing at least one months prior to the journey and ensure that you are physically fit.
In case of clothing and winter wear, you should carry a lot of warm clothes, woolen jackets, thermal socks, mufflers, gloves etc. women should know that saris will not be a comfortable option for this journey then you should wear kurta or track pants. Also invest in a good pair of trekking or sports shoes.
In case you are opting for a pony or a Dandiwalla then make sure to check their ID cards in order to ensure that they are properly registered. This will avoid scammers.
When the trekking journey gets too steep then you should stop in intervals to relax for a bit. Remember not to exert yourself too much by walking fast or avoiding resting gaps. the best way of completing the Yatra is by walking calmly and steadily while maintaining a slow pace.
Almost all the places during Amarnath Yatra have mobile coverage but the strongest and the surest availability of phone connection here is that of BSNL.
Due to its location on a high altitude you should avoid mountain sickness by acclimatizing properly and making your way up steadily.
It is mandatory for you to undergo an extensive medical checkup and you should also obtain a medical certificate that will allow you to carry on with your journey. For helicopter journey as well you will be required to get a compulsory health certificate. These medical certificates can be obtained from the doctors who will be prescribed by the Amarnath shrine board.

Things to Avoid

Respect the environment and the spirituality of this place and do not pollute the surroundings.
Being a holy destination the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited and can also prove to be punishable.
Do not wear sandals, floaters or slippers while making the journey since the slopes here are extremely steep and laced shoes guarantee a safe and comfortable journey.
The use of polythene is banned in this area and is also a punishable offence under the law.
The lighting of Dhoop aur Agarbatti along with flash photography is strictly banned inside the cave and in front of the shiv ling.
Photography and video making is only allowed in the valley of Amarnath however if you wish to take pictures inside the cave then you will be required to consult the temple authority beforehand.
Children below the age of 13 years old are not allowed to take this holy journey along with ladies who are more than 6 weeks pregnant.
The dates for travelling is allotted to each Yatra from before in order to regulate the amount of people visiting every day.

What to Expect en Route

Present all along the trekking route are Bhandaras or Langar services available offering delicious food like rice, Roti, Chowmein, Dosas, Idlis etc.
A local bazaar or a market which is present right outside the cave sells the famous Kashmiri saffron, almonds, apricots along with other Kashmiri goods.
During the journey do not forget to take a moment and look around the peaceful area which will be a memorable experience in itself.
Keep your face and skin covered since you will be making the journey when the sun is at its peak. You should also carry a tube of sunscreen and a hat or sunglasses as well.
En route tents are also available on a rental basis which you will also be able to avail at the best prices.
There will be allotted eating areas in front of the Bhandaras that offer free food where you can eat the food on a table.