The Amarnath cave (3,888 m) in the Kashmir Himalaya holds the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva. The yatra runs only in July – August, on two trekking routes – the short, steep Baltal route from Sonamarg and the longer traditional route from Pahalgam via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panjtarni.
Every yatri must register with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and carry a compulsory health certificate and RFID card. Helicopters fly from Baltal and Pahalgam to Panjtarni, 6 km from the cave.
| Altitude | Holy cave 3,888 m |
|---|---|
| Season | July – August (dates announced every year) |
| Routes | Baltal 14 km · Pahalgam 32 – 36 km |
| Gateway | Srinagar / Jammu |
| Ideal trip | 3 – 5 days incl. Srinagar |
| Route | Distance | Drive time |
|---|---|---|
| Srinagar – Baltal | 95 km | 3 hrs |
| Baltal – Holy Cave (trek) | 14 km | 6 – 8 hrs |
| Srinagar – Pahalgam | 95 km | 3 hrs |
| Pahalgam – Chandanwari | 16 km | 45 min |
| Chandanwari – Holy Cave (trek) | 32 km | 2 – 3 days |
| Panjtarni – Holy Cave (from helipad) | 6 km | 2 – 3 hrs |
Approximate road distances and times – mountain roads can take longer in snow or rain.
🎟️ Entrance fees (per person, paid at the gate or online)
| Place | 🇮🇳 Indian | 🌍 Foreigner |
|---|---|---|
| Amarnath Holy Caveyatra registration ₹150 · RFID card · Indians only during the yatra | Free | — |
| Amarnath Helicopterreturn, approx. – in the price calculator · subject to SASB service | approx. ₹6,000 | — |
| Baltal Trekpony return, approx. · palki approx. ₹14,000 – in the price calculator | approx. ₹5,500 | — |
| Chandanwari – Sheshnag Trekpony for the 3-day route, approx. – in the price calculator | approx. ₹12,000 | — |
Fees as published for 2026 and can be revised by the authorities; "approx." rates are local / private and may differ. Children are usually free or half rate. Camera fees extra at some places.
Packages by Travel Himalayas that stay in Amarnath Yatra – hotels and a private cab, with the complete price for your date on each page.
🚗 Pickup: Srinagar airport / hotel
🌇 Drop: Srinagar airport / hotel
🏨 Night stay: Sonamarg × 1 · Srinagar × 1
🚗 Pickup: Srinagar airport / hotel
🌇 Drop: Srinagar airport / hotel
🏨 Night stay: Srinagar × 1 · Sonamarg × 2
🚗 Pickup: Jammu airport / railway station
🌇 Drop: Jammu airport / railway station
🏨 Night stay: Srinagar × 1 · Sonamarg × 1 · Srinagar × 1
🚗 Pickup: Srinagar airport / hotel
🌇 Drop: Srinagar airport / hotel
🏨 Night stay: Pahalgam × 1 · Sheshnag Camp × 1 · Panjtarni Camp × 1 · Sonamarg × 1
🚗 Pickup: Jammu airport / railway station
🌇 Drop: Jammu airport / railway station
🏨 Night stay: Srinagar × 1 · Sonamarg × 2 · Srinagar × 1
Book a private cab with Travel Himalayas – fixed rates, experienced hill drivers, toll and parking included.
The Pahalgam route is longer (32 km) but gentler and done over 2 – 3 days; the Baltal route is only 14 km but steep and is usually done up and back in one or two days.
Yes. Every yatri needs Shrine Board registration with a compulsory health certificate and an RFID card – we guide you through it.
July: yatra opens – more snow on the trail, cooler. August: yatra ends on Raksha Bandhan (Shravan Purnima). Rest of the year: cave closed – route under snow.
By air – Srinagar airport, then 95 km to Baltal or 95 km to Pahalgam. By train – Jammu Tawi or Katra, then road to Srinagar / Pahalgam. Helicopter – Baltal or Pahalgam (Neelgrath) to Panjtarni – booked online through the Shrine Board.
Our Amarnath Yatra packages start from about ₹14,800 per person (2 sharing) with stay and transfers – open a package for the complete price on your date.