|
 |
The
trek from Pahalgam to Amarnathji cave is on an ancient peregrine
route. The 45 - km distance is covered in four days, with
night halts at Chandanwari, Sheshnag (Wawjan) and Panchtarni.
The distance from Pahalgam to Chandanwari (16 km) is now
covered by motor transport. The pilgrims camp here or at
Pahalgam on the first night out. The first day's trek of
13 km from Chandanwari is through spectacular, primeval countryside.
The main centre of attraction on this trek is Sheshnag, a
mountain lake which derives its name from its seven peaks,
resembling the heads of a mythical snake. |
|
|
|
Day
1: Pahalgam To Chandanwadi :-
(Average walking time 4 hours)The trail leaves Pahalgam on a bitumen
road, past the Shankar temple and along the east Liddar valley. The trail
is easy to follow indeed it is suitable for jeeps as far as Chandanwadi
(2,900m).
Day 2: Chandanwadi To Sheshnag :-
(Average walking time 5 to 6 hours)From Chandanwadi the trail winds steeply
for 500m to the summit of ridge known as Pisu Top (3,390m). From here,
there are commanding views back down the valley to the mountains beyond
Pahalgam. The pilgrims going on the long incline to the next main resting
area at Wawajana (3,550m). From here it is two to three km further to
Sheshnag (3,720m). The glacial lake is set in remarkable surroundings,
its waters reflecting the snow capped peaks of Vishnu, Shiva and Brahma.
Rumour among pilgrims has it that the lake is inhabited by a serpent
of Loch Ness monster proportions, so it's advisable not to camp too close
to the water's edge.
|
|
Day 3: Sheshnag To Panchtarni
:-
(Average walking time 6 hours) The trail gradually
ascends from Sheshnag with magnificent views of the
mountains immediately above. The ascent towards the
Mahagunas Pass winds up to a grassy plateau, and from
there on to the pass it is a further hour's climb.
The sign at the top of the pass states the height as
4,270m. It is not a dramatic pass, but it is still
no mean achievement for the pilgrims, many of whom
have never been beyond the Indian plains before. The
descent to Panchtarni (3,450m) is quite long and tiring.
Day 4: Panchtarni To Amarnath
Cave & Return
:-
(Average walking time 5 hours return) The
climb to the Singh Pass (3,850m) is gradual before the trail
enters the Amarnath valley. It descends to a permanently
blackened snow bridge, which fords the Amarvati stream before
ascending the true right back to the base of the mountain.
From here the final ascent is up a series of concrete steps
to the entrance to the Amarnath Cave (4,050m). The J&K
police manning the entrance to the cave only permit a limited
number of pilgrims inside at any one time.
|
|
|
|
|
Day
5: Panchtarni To Chandanwadi :-
(Average walking time 8 hours)Many pilgrims
return from Panchtarni to Chandanwadi in one day. After
completing their pilgrimage to the cave most are happy
to trek as far as they can the following Day.
Day 6: Chandanwadi To Pahalgam :-
(Average walking time 4 hours)On the
final Day most pilgrims arrive back in the Pahalgam
bazaar with enough time to complete the drive
to Srinagar or Jammu the same day.
|
|
|
|
