Amarnath Yatra – Features of Tour Packages

   Amarnath Yatra is one of the most popular pilgrimages of Hindus undertaken by people of all age groups. Earlier, the Yatra was physically exhausting with rest available only at designated spots, but now the the options of Amarnath Yatra with Helicopter, it is much easier to visit this Holy place. These are some of the things you might need to know about the Amarnath Yatra  packages.

The tour

Undertaken by lakhs of devotees each year mostly during the months of July and August, the tour coincides with the Shravani Mela festival. This is a holy month for the Hindus. Tourists usually start the tour on foot from Srinagar or Pahalgam. A hard trek, the trip needs proper organizing and guides. It is unsafe at times too, especially for those who are not in prime health. Tents and pandals are usually set up at different places for pilgrims where food and water is offered.

Routes

There are many travel packages which also include overnight stay and sightseeing trip of Srinagar. The trip includes a journey from Srinagar to Baltal which is 120 km and then a further 22km by walk. This is the most grueling part of the trip. There are many popular routes as well. The Srinagar-Sonmarg-Amarnath is one of the most commonly used ones. Some pilgrims also take the Jammu-Pahalgam-Amarnath route. There is also the Jammu-Sonmarg-Amarnath route. However, if you choose to undertake Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter, it will be much easier and comfortable. There are 3 night – 4 day, 4 night – 5 day and 5 night – 6 day tour packages available from tour operators. Some tours are customizable for families or large groups.

Details and itineraries

Pilgrims can take pony or helicopter rides instead of the grueling trek. This is especially advisable for children and senior citizens. The helicopter ride to Amarnath is usually provided from Baltal. The pilgrim huts at Baltal are a few minutes’ walk away from the helipad. Palki and pony are available for those who don’t want to walk. Some tour packages also include a houseboat stay following the visit to Amarnath cave. The chopper services, one must note, are based on the weather conditions. Also keep in mind that if due to bad weather, the chopper service is not available on the day you have booked the ticket, you may need to spend an additional night in the hotel at your own cost.

Tourists taking the chopper from Baltal will be dropped at Panchtarni which is about 6km from Amarnath. Depending on the route you take, you can also board choppers at Pahalgam. These choppers too will take you only as far as Panchatarni. The drive from Jammu to Pahalgam is a fascinating one, offering breathtaking views of the Valley of Kashmir. This is one of the reasons why the Jammu route is preferred by a lot of pilgrims. Some packages also include shikara ride across the Dal Lake and houseboat stay in Kashmir. It is important to check your package details to see what is included and the features and places which are excluded in your sightseeing itinerary.