Amarnath Yatra is dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is extremely popular amongst the people of the Hindu faith. Amarnath is a cave in the state of Jammu and Kashmir where prayers are offered to the unique form of an Ice Lingam. It is believed that Lord Shiva is sitting in the cave in the form of Ice. The Ice Lingam is also known as Baba Barfani. Millions of devotees trek through the daunting mountains to the holy shrine Shri Amarnath Ji, situated in South Kashmir. The Yatra is generally organized in the summer months and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and State Government make all the arrangements related to the Yatra. The information related to Amarnath Yatra 2022, registration dates, the application process, and darshan, etc. details have been provided in this article.
Table of Contents
About the Amarnath Holy Shrine
The holy Amarnath Holy cave is situated in a narrow gorge at the farther end of Lidder Valley which is 14 Kms from Baltal and 46 Kms from Pahalgam. The Amarnath is one of the holy Dhams as per the Hindu belief. Amarnath holy cave is the abode of Lord Shiva, is enshrined in the form of an Ice Lingam at this cave. It is a natural process where Ice lingam is formed in the cave.
How to Reach Amarnath Cave
There are three ways to reach Amarnath Cave which everyone must know. These three ways are as below:
By Road
The Yatri can go to Amarnath pilgrimage by road as Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through Road. People as per their own convenience can opt Buses and Taxies to reach there. There are various Tour & Travel companies, which are facilitating the Yatra.
By Rail
The Yatra can also be completed via Rail. The Jammu station is the nearest Railway station. Jammu is also referred to as the “City of Temples”, one may explore very temples like Mahadev Mandir, Raghunath Temple, and other temples. This station is connected by various express trains.
By Air
Pilgrims can also go by air to Shri Amarnath Ji Cave. Srinagar is the nearest airport to reach Jammu and Kashmir. There are numerous flights to Srinagar from Jammu and Delhi IGI airports.
Amarnath Yatra 2022 -23: Important Dates
It is important to specify here that the Yatra for the years 2020 and 2021 was cancelled due to pandemic COVID19. The Government of India and State Authorities including the Shrine Board decided to cancel the Holy Yatra due to the spread of coronavirus. It is important to stay safe during this pandemic, pilgrimage can be completed later. Now, the authorities are planning Yatra for the year 2022. The tentative dates with regard to the Amarnath Yatra have been provided in the table below:
| Events | Date (Tentative) |
| Application form availability for Yatra | 28th April 2022 |
| Last date for registration | 31st May 2022 |
| Shri Amarnathji Yatra will begin from | 29th June 2022 |
| Yatra will be completed by | 7th August 2022 |
Eligibility Criteria for Amarnath Yatra
- Children below 13 years of age are not eligible to visit Amarnath.
- Similarly, people above 75 years of age cannot visit this holy cave.
- Apart from the above age criteria, the female devotees who have more than six weeks of pregnancy are also not eligible.
Registration Fee
All the persons who are planning to visit Amarnath cave should know the registration process. There is registration of Rs. 150/- and postal charges need to be paid. The structure of the registration fee is as under:
| No. of Yatries in a Group | Postal Charges |
| 1 to 5 | Rs.50/- |
| 6 to 10 | Rs.100/- |
| 11 to 15 | Rs.150/- |
| 16 to 20 | Rs.200/- |
| 21 to 25 | Rs.250/- |
| 26 to 30 and so on | Rs.300/- |
Shri Amarnath Yatra Application Form
All the people should know the registration process before planning the visit to Amarnath Cave. Go through the following guidelines to know the registration details:
- First of all, pilgrims need to access the official website of the Shri Amarnath Yatra Shrine Board, Jammu, and Kashmir i.e. www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/.
- Now, you will find a link for online registration for the Yatra. On clicking the same, a new page will open.
- On the new webpage, there will be a link for ‘Login, Register, and Make Payment’.
- New users need to click on the ‘Register’ link and fill the registration details carefully.
- After entering the details in the application form, click on the ‘Submit’ button.
- After submitting the application form, take the printout of the same and attached the demand draft of the requisite amount with the application form.
- Now, send the same to the Chief Executive Officer, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Chaitanya Ashram, Talab Tillo, Jammu via registered post before the last date.
- Yatri can also visit the official website and read all the crucial information about Amarnath Yatra.
Shri Amarnath Yatra Highlights: Do’s and Don’ts
All the devotees should explore the information about the Shri Amarnathji Yatra before planning the visit. Here are the important information and tips for the holy Yatra.
Accommodation
There will be insulated huts and tents for accommodating the pilgrims during the Yatra at various camps. Yatris can take the huts by paying the fee.
Registration Process
All the Yatris should complete registration at least one month before the commencement of the Yatra.
Insurance
A Yatri who has registration with Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and having a genuine Yatra Permit will be entitled to get the benefit of insurance cover of Rs.3.00 Lakh in case of death due to an accident during the Yatra period.
DO’s
- It is important to be fit for completing the Amarnath Yatra. Hence, before going to Yatra, check your health and after ensuring all safely proceed ahead.
- Start morning or evening walk and cover 4 to 5 Kms daily to achieve good fitness.
- Deep breathing and yoga will help you as the trek of Amarnathji is quite tough.
- Carry important items like a small umbrella, windcheater, woolen clothing, raincoat, walking stick, trekking shoes, gloves and torch, etc. as the Yatra has a trekking route which has high mountains and strong cold winds.
- Children below the age of 13 years of age and elderly above 75 years of age cannot undertake Yatra.
- Ladies are recommended to avoid saree as it is not suitable to wear Saari during the Yatra. Pant shirt and tracksuit will be better options for Yatra.
- You can use horses and porters for carrying luggage during the travel as it is the toughest trek.
- Carry dry fruits, water bottles, chocolates, roasted grams/channa, and toffees, etc. during Yatra.
- Keep your spare clothes and eatables in a waterproof bag during the yatra from Baltal/Pahalgam onwards.
- Also, carry Vaseline/Cold Cream/Sunscreen to keep skin healthy.
- Always trek in a group and avoid trekking alone. It would be tough to visit Amarnath Cave alone due to its geographical conditions.
- Carry all your ID proofs so that in case of emergency, authorities can contact your relatives. Keep a note containing name, address, contact number, etc. in the pocket.
- In case of any emergency, contact the helpline number given by the Shri board or contact local police.
- Follow all the instructions given by the administrations.
- Do not leave any wastage around you, use a dustbin for the same.
- Always help to the fellow Yatris and perform the pilgrimage with pious mind.
DON’TS
- Don’t use slippers during the Yatra as you may face problems due to steep rises and falls. Use trekking shoes with laces.
- Don’t stop near the places where the administration has marked warning signs.
- Don’t attempt short ways to reach Holy cave as it would be dangerous.
- Don’t do anything which is against the environment and yatra. Follow all the rules as per the instructions.
Official Website Link: http://shriamarnathjishrine.com/
Stay connected with us for the latest information on Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2022-23.