Overview
The Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter is one of the most difficult and revered Hindu pilgrimage tour, taking devotees to the Holy cave shrine of Amarnath. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the main attraction is a naturally formed Shiva Lingam of ice that grows and shrinks with the lunar cycle. A 4 days tour include a helicopter ride, intended to drastically cut the hard time of walking and make their sacred tour accessible to people with low physical fitness or pressed for time.
Amarnath has great spiritual significance because it is the site where Lord Shiva explained the mystery of life and eternity, known as Amar Katha to his spouse, Goddess Parvati. The trek is a deep manifestation of devotion. The tour commences at Pahalgam, famed for its beautiful valleys and traditional route.
Day 1: Srinagar Arrival & Pahalgam Transfer
The first day is well-spent in transit from Srinagar to the peaceful base camp closest to this splendor of a route. The tour starts from Sheikh-ul-Alam International Airport, also considered as the summer capital of Jammu & Kashmir. A representative receives pilgrims and then takes them by road. The scenic drive to Pahalgam, also known as the “Valley of Shepherds” around 90-100 kms and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Pahalgam lies on the banks of Lidder River, a starting point for the traditional spiritual tour.
On your arrival in Pahalgam, devotees check into their hotel. The rest of the day is for rest and acclimatization at the higher altitude necessary before the helicopter ride and high-altitude hike the next day. Dinner and an early bedtime are advisable as preparation.
Day 2: Pahalgam – Panjtarni – Amarnath Cave – Panjtarni – Pahalgam – Srinagar
This is the spiritual high point of the tour, includes a high-altitude helicopter ride and the final trek to the Holy cave. Pilgrims are taken from Pahalgam early in the morning to the helipad area, usually Chandanwari or nearby, depending upon the operational routes and permissions, although the helicopter from Baltal or Neelgrath. The helicopter would carry travellers from the base camp all the way to the high-altitude meadow of Panjtarni.
Panjtarni is around 6 kms away from the Holy cave. The devotees cover the last reach by foot or hire a pony or Palki, arranged on the spot. This last journey is treacherous yet exhilarating, as one gets the first glimpse of the holy cave. Pilgrims pay worship to the grand ice Shiv Lingam, the main objective of the yatra. Darshan is considered very spiritual and life-changing despite being very short due to time constraints.
After darshan, pilgrims travels back to the Panjtarni Helipad. They board the helicopter for the return flight to the base helipad, then take the road back to Srinagar. The evening concludes with a check-in at a hotel or traditional houseboat in Srinagar.
Day 3: Srinagar Sightseeing
The day is spent relaxing and soaking up the famed beauty of Srinagar after the spiritual and physical rigors of the Yatra. Generally, the day begins with a visit to the breathtaking Mughal Gardens, represents the masterpiece of Persian architecture and design. The tour includes the Nishat Bagh, Shalimar Bagh, Dal Lake and the Zabarwan Mountains.
Shankaracharya Temple sits on a hill overlooking Srinagar and Dal Lake offering breathtaking views of the valley below.
Dal Lake experience in the evening offers a Shikara ride, passing through the tranquil waterways in a classic wooden boat around floating gardens and attractive houseboats is an unforgettable experience. The tour includes an overnight stay at a houseboat, offering a unique and relaxing finale to your day.
Day 4: Departure from Srinagar
The day concludes the spiritual and scenic excursion. After breakfast a final morning spent on the houseboat or in the hotel is free for the pilgrims to buy last-minute souvenir shopping, the Pashmina Shawls, Saffron or Walnut Wood Carvings.
The day concludes, leaving devotees with heartfelt blessings from Baba Amarnath and an unforgettable remembrance of Kashmir’s natural grandeur.