Amarnath Yatra: These Tips Will Make Your Trip More Comfortable!

Some just go for the amazing trek but most go to Amarnath as pilgrims to attain a kind of peace that only the ones who have visited here can attest to. The Amarnath yatra attracts lakhs of pilgrims every year especially during Shravani Mela in July-August. This year due to pandemic coronavirus, the yatra was delayed and it has also been cut short to 15 days. The new revised dates are July 21 to August 3. For those unaware, this is the only time in the whole year when the Amarnath Cave is accessible.

This time those only below 55 years of age will be allowed to go on the yatra except for the sadhus. It is mandatory that you get an authorised and valid COVID-19 negative certificate for this yatra. Pilgrims wil have to go through thermal screening before they enter the J&K border. Also, the shrine board officials will live telecast the aarti performed at the cave for all 15 days.

I was planning a trip for my own relatives and realised that there are a number of things one has to take into account before heading to this serene place. From how to travel to what to wear to the food, a little planning is important before embarking on this trip.

This time there are a few more changes made including a change in the route.

Shared Taxis & Helicopter Rides Make It Convenient

This trip begins with Jammu and goes on till Pahalgam taking around 8 hours in a taxi and about 13 hours on a bus. After that, there are shared taxis which go to-and-fro between Pahalgam and Chandanwari. Once you reach Chandanwari, there are a number of horses and palanquins. However, if you want to skip all those you can take a helicopter ride from Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam and from Baltal-Panjtarni-Baltal. This time the helicopters will take pilgrims from Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district to the main cave of Amarnath.

Age Group Restrictions

If you have children below the age of 13 then they cannot take the trek and neither can senior citizens above the age of 75 years. Ladies who are more than six weeks pregnant are also not allowed. Another point here is that there is a limit on the number of yatris who are allowed to go for the yatra on a particular day and these dates are allotted from before.

Food & Water

There are many langars along the way who provide you with food free of cost. You get rice, roti, curries, idlis, dosas, and even chowmein! They also offer dry fruits and chocolates on your way out. Same goes for water.

Accommodation

For staying you will mostly find tents. It all starts at Nunwan in Pahalgam. However, be prepared as it will be overcrowded. As for the comfort... thetents have mats and blankets, along with sleeping bags to face the biting wintry cold. So do not expect much.

Clothing

It is very cold at this time so do carry lots of woolens, jackets with hoodies would be good... if you have a parka, that would be brilliant. Also make sure you have a windcheater, a raincoat, and a torch.

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Footwear

Waterproof boots are your best bet! Carry footwear made of plastic, rubber or other non-porous material that can survive the snow and water and they should have a good grip!

Compulsory Medical Examination

From 2014, it became compulsory for all to undergo a medical examination before starting the yatra. If you do not have a medical certificate you will not be permitted to go ahead. The same goes even for those who take the helicopter ride. The medical certificates are obtained from doctors prescribed by the Amarnath Shrine Board.

Photography & Littering

Once inside the Cave, your cameras are not allowed to be used. The volunteers working here ensure that it remains all clean. Please keep a tab on the guidelines provided by the Indian Army for the Amarnath Yatra, and ensure they are followed.

Health & Fitness

Now, here dear readers, we are talking about quite an altitude which is seriously very high. Altitude sickness will not be an obstacle for you while trekking to the spiritual caves if you are physically and mentally fit. Have loads of water, eat and sleep well. Trek slowly, there is no rush.

Things To Carry

• Warm clothes
• Monkey cap
• Waterproof hiking boots/ shoes
• Trekking stick or pole
• Raincoat/ umbrella
• Wind-Cheater Jacket
• Warm socks
• Water bottle
• First aid kit
• Sunscreen and Sun hat
• Insect repellent
• Lip cream / Moisturiser / Cold cream
• Torch with a spare battery
• Toilet paper
• Hand santiser and a hand wash

Happy yatra dear readers. May you get what you wanted with a pure heart. Also, do not forget to wear your masks at all times and wash your hands every time you touch something. Be careful and do not forget social distancing.

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