Amarnath Yatra 2023: Which Route Should You Take — Baltal Or Pahalgam. Check Details

The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) provides two Amarnath route maps: one from Pahalgam to Amarnath and one from Baltal to Amarnath. Check out the details about both the routes here.

Shri Amarnath Cave Shrine

Source : PTI

Amarnath Yatra 2023: The Amarnath Yatra, one of the most anticipated journeys of the year, is held in the months of July and August, according to the Hindu calendar's Shravan month. Families, friends, and companions embark on a spiritual Amarnath yatra route in search of peace, enlightenment, prosperity, and, most importantly, Lord Shiva's blessings. The Amarnath Yatra has two routes, one longer and one shorter. One can choose the route to Amarnath Temple based on their convenience and level of difficulty.

Which Route Should You Take For Amarnath Yatra: Baltal Or Pahalgam?

The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) provides two Amarnath route maps: one from Pahalgam to Amarnath and one from Baltal to Amarnath. 

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Route 1: Baltal To Amarnath Route

Route Map: Baltal – Domali – Barari – Sangam – Amarnath Cave

The Amarnath Baltal route begins in Baltal and ends in Domali. The distance is approximately 2 kilometres. From here, it's another 6 km to Barari and then another 4 km to Sangam. This leaves you with only 2 kilometres to your final destination, Amarnath Cave.

This is the shortest route, taking only 1 to 2 days (round trip). The trek from Baltal to Amarnath Cave is approximately 14 kilometres long.

Remember that this route is a bit difficult, and it is not recommended for elderly people due to the weather conditions and terrain of the region. Keep in mind that this route does not have any ponies. You have the option of walking or taking Dandies.

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Route 2: Pahalgam To Amarnath Route

Route Map: Pahalgam – Chandanwadi – Pissu Top – Zoji Bal – Naga Koti – Sheshnag – Warbal – Mahagunas Top – Pabibal – Panchtarni – Sangam – Cave

The Amarnath Yatra from Pahalgam begins at the base camp in Pahalgam and ends in Chandanwari. The distance between them is approximately 16 kilometres. Then, from Chandanwari, a 13-kilometer trek takes you to Sheshnag, followed by a 4.6-kilometer trek to Panchtarni. A 2 km walk from here will take you to Lord Shiva's abode, Amarnath Cave.

The distance from Pahalgam to Amarnath Cave is approximately 36 to 48 kilometres and takes 3 to 5 days to complete (one way). Most pilgrims prefer this route because it is not only easier than the Baltal route but also more scenic. This is the better option if you have senior devotees with you. You can also hire ponies to help them on their journey.

Amarnath Helicopter Routes

Those who are uncomfortable walking the Amarnath Yatra can opt for Amarnath helicopter services. Tourism of India arranges helicopter services to Amarnath from the helipads in Baltal and Pahalgam. In addition, our Amarnath tour packages 2023 include prompt transfers, meals, comfortable accommodations, and sightseeing.

There are two Amarnath Helicopter routes: 

1. Baltal – Panchtarni – Baltal route (2 km trek to Holy Cave from Panchtarni)
2. Pahalgam – Panchtarni – Pahalgam route (6 km trek to Holy Cave from Panchtarni)

There are options to hire palkis to the Amarnath Cave as well. But they will also drop you 2 km before reaching the cave. So, this option is not available on the Baltal route.