Pahalgam -> Chandanwari -> Pissu Top -> Zoji Bal -> Naga Koti -> Sheshnag -> Warbal -> Mahagunas Parvat -> Pabibal -> Panchtarni -> Sangam -> Amarnath Cave
From Pahalgam, district Anantnag - the traditional & most preferable route which takes one from the mythical spots of Chandanwari (9500 feet), Sheshnag Lakes (11,730 feet), Mahagunas Parvat(14,500 feet), Panchtarni (12,000 feet), etc. The whole journey forth and back takes 3-5 days and is 47 km from the main Cave.
How to Reach Amarnath
One has to arrive at Pahalgam to begin their Amarnath Yatra. To reach Pahalgam, the accessible routes via Air, Train and Buses are as follows:
By Air
Pahalgam does not have an airport. In case of emergency, helipad services are there. The flight from major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Kolkata, Chennai, Chandigarh will only bring you to Srinagar. From Srinagar, the distance to Pahalgam is 90 kms. State Transport Bus runs directly from Srinagar to Pahalgam.
By Train
Pahalgam is not immediately connected to any train station. Travelling by train depends on the tourists’ travel log/plans. If they are directly visiting Amarnath, then the nearest Railway station is Jammu, Tawi, and Udhampur. To arrive at this station you need to follow this path or check the IRCTC website.
But if you are targeting Amarnath as one of the travel spots, then it is best to stop by Delhi city to board trains. Delhi city is one common point for East, West, and Southern states. It will take approximately 12 hrs to reach Amarnath from Delhi which is 638 km away. Trains to Jammu and Udhampur at a glance The traveller can then take a cab or bus to Pahalgam through Srinagar.
By Road
Buses leave from Srinagar or Jammu, which are 95 kilometers and 275 km apart, respectively. Regular services are provided by both private and government-owned businesses. A taxi or cab service is also available from the airport. The cab charges for travelling from Srinagar to Pahalgam is 2500 INR.
Distance from Major Cities of India to Pahalgam/Amarnath via. Road/Taxi Service
After arriving at Pahalgam, How to Reach Amarnath
Amarnath Yatra registration starts in the month of April. Whether you start from Srinagar or Pahalgam, the 14,000 feet height requires mental and physical toughness to arrive at the Holy Cave. There exist two known routes to reach Amarnath Caves.
Baltal -> Domali -> Barari -> Sangam -> Amarnath Cave
2km ------- 6km ------ 4km ------ 2km
From Baltal, district Ganderbal - This is a shorter route for the Amarnath Yatra trip and usually takes 1-2 days to complete. The 18 km long trek leads to the Sangam, from where the Cave is easily reachable. Here Ponies are not allowed. Porters carry the pilgrims on Dandies.
Avail Online Helicopter Service: From Pahalgam to Panchtarni
Helicopter services are also available for pilgrims who cannot trek to the top.
Arrive at Srinagar first, then reach straight to Pahalgam. The road route takes approx 3 hrs. From Pahalgam, helipads operate between 6 a.m. to 5 p.m., depending upon the weather. The helicopter will drop you at Panchtarni. From thereon, it is a 6 km trek to the Amarnath Cave.
Online Helicopter Services at a Glance