BEAUTY: The Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organised travel system, evolved over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit of “wander,adventure and spirituality" The Amarnath cave has been a place of worship since times immemorial. Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice – stalagmite. One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in it shymns. Shiva is known to have made his home in the Himalayas. He built no housenor shelter, not for himself or his bride. Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnath cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode.Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva). THE BELIEF: It is believed that after the Middle Ages, this cave was forgotten by people before it was discovered by a shepherd in the 15th century once again. Another story relates to Bhrigu Muni. Long time ago,it is believed that the valley of Kashmir was submerged under water and Kashyap Muni drained it through a series of rivers and rivulets. Therefore when the waters drained, Bhrigu Muni was the first to have Darshan of Lord Amarnath.Thereafter, when people heard of the Lingam, it became an abode of Lord Bholenath for all believers. This is a pilgrimage which is done by lakhs of people each year. There are many other references to Amarnath. One,the legendary king Aryaraja used to worship a lingam formed of ice in Kashmir. Another,the book ‘Rajatarangini’, refers to Amareshwara or Amarnath. It is believed that Queen Suryamathi in the 11th century AD gifted trishuls, banalingas and other sacred emblems to this temple. Another, ‘Rajavalipataka’ begun by Prjayabhattahas detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave. Other than this,there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.		Tour Itinerary   Day 1: Arrival at Srinagar – Sonmarg On your arrival at Srinagar airport, Drive to Sonmarg. Check in Hotel. Briefing about Amarnath. Present all health reports. Discuss Yatra Plans. Visit Thajwas Glacier. Overnight stay at Sonmarg. Day 2: Sonmarg to Holy Amarnath Cave After breakfast, drive to Baltal. Complete formalities of checkup and Paperwork and catch the helicopter. ( At times Helicopter is not available immediately so Expect to stay back for a night at Camps) From here we begin the Amarnath yatra. From Panjtarni (6km) visit the cave either by horse, by foot or by a palki. Overnight stay at camp. Day 3: Sonmarg to Srinagar local sightseeing Early morning fly back to Baltal via helicopter. After breakfast, drive straight to Srinagar. Check in Hotel. Our team will take you to famous Mughal Gardens of Kashmir which includes, Nishat Garden, Shalimar Bagh, Chashmashahi, PariMahal. Dinner. Overnight stay at Srinagar. (At an additional cost of Rs 2700 you can enjoy your stay at a Boat House instead of Hotel.) Day 4: Departure transfer to airport After breakfast, the team will assist you with transfers to airport for your destination.

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Tour Attractions   SRINAGAR The nearest aerodrome to Amarnath Cave is Srinagar. Srinagar is a beautiful valley having world famous sights to see, such as Dal Lake, Nagina Lake, Shankaracharya Temple, Mughal Gardens and what not. It is the most sought after tourist place. It is also known as "Paradise on earth". Srinagar is summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. There are daily flights to Srinagar from Delhi and Jammu and week day flights from Chandigarh and Amritsar. SONMARG Sonamarg (Meadow of Gold) is a hill station in Ganderbal district in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir. It has, as its backdrop, snowy mountains against a cerulean sky. The Sindh meanders along here and abounds with trout and mahseer, snow trout can be caught in the main river. In late April when Sonamarg is open for road transport, the visitors can have access to snow which is furnished all over like a white carpet. Ponies can be hired for the trip up to Thajiwas Glacier a major attraction during the summer months. A close by excursion is to Baltal. This little valley lies at the foot of the Zojila, only a day's journey away from the sacred cave of Amarnath is a base camp for Amarnath yatra. Thajiwas Glacier The Thajiwas Glacier is consider to be among the most accessible glaciers as one can easily walk to its base or reach there by hired ponies.Thajiwas Glacier is just half an hour walk from Sonamarg town. A motorable road takes you to the base of the glacier but the more popular mode of transport is by ponies. Like most tourists places, pony rides are overpriced at Rs. 500 or more for to and fro ride to the Glacier.The Thajiwas Glacier recedes as the summer progresses. Baltal Baltal is a camping ground for pilgrims, 15 km north of Sonamarg on the Sind River at the base of Zojila pass in Jammu and Kashmir. This little valley is only a day's journey away from and provides a shorter high-altitude alternate route to the sacred cave of Amarnath. Renowned for its scenic beauty, Baltal meadows offers tent accommodation for the pilgrims and tourists. Panjtarni At Panchtarni, Lord Shivji left the five elements behind (Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky) which make the living being. He is the Lord of these elements. Panchtarni is a very beautiful place in the feet of Mount Bhairav. Upon reaching Panjtarnione can see a river split in 5 main parts in the plain. It is said that the five rivers originated from Lord Shiva’s hairs (Jata). Nights at Panchtarni are very cold. AMARNATH CAVE This is The Cave which was chosen by Bhole Shankar for narrating the secrets of immortality and creation of Universe to Maa Parvatiji. Centuries ago Maa Parvati asked the secret behind his immortality. Upon consistent request started searching for a lonely place where no living being could listen to it.  He chose Amarnath Cave. In preparation to that He left His Nandi (The Bull which He used to ride) at Pahalgam. At Chandanwari He released Moon from his hairs (Jataon). At the banks of Lake Sheshnag He released the snakes.  He decided to leave his Son Ganesha at Mahaganesh Hill. At Panjtarni, Shivji left the Five Elements behind. It is believed that as a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Shivaji and Maa Parvati had tandav Dance. After leaving behind all these, Bhole Shankar enters the Holy Amarnath Cave along with Parvati Maa. Lord Shiva takes his Samadhi on the Deer Skin and concentrates. To ensure that no living being is able to hear the immortal tale, He created Rudra named Kalagni and ordered him to spread fire to eliminate every living thing in and around the Holy Cave. After this He started narrating the secret of immortality to Maa Parvati. But as a matter of chance one egg which was lying beneath the Deer skin remained protected. The pair of pigeons which were born out of this egg became immortal having listened the secret of immortality (Amar Katha). Many pilgrims report seeing the pair of pigeons when they trek the arduous route to pay their obeisance before the Ice-Lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva). Here it is said that the image of Shiva, in the form of a Lingam, is formed naturally of an Ice Stalagmite, which waxes and wanes with the Moon's cycle. By its side are fascinating, two more Ice Lingams, that of Maa Parvati and of their son, Ganesha.