AMARNATH YATRA 2011

Route: Chandanwari-Sheshnag-Panjtarni-Sangamè

Holy Cave Amarnath-Sangam-Baltal.

Schedule	Programme in details	Remarks	Night Stay
Saturday, Day1 è 09.07.11	Departure HWH by 12331 Himgiri Exp at 23:55 Hrs.	Around 37 Hrs Train Journey.	Train
Sunday, Day2 è 10.07.11	On Train		Train
Monday, Day3 è 11.07.11	Arrival at Jammu around 12:15 Hrs.		Hotel at Jammu
Tuesday Day4 è 12.07.11	7AM: Depart Jammu for Pahelgaon (320 Km, around 10 Hrs) by JKST Bus.	Buses are available at Tourist Reception Centre, J&K Govt, Raghunath Bazaar only early in the morning.	Hotel at Pahelgaon.
Wednesday Day5 è 13.07.11	6AM: Depart from Pahelgaon for Chandanwari (16Km, 1hr.) by Sumo/Mini Buses, then 13Km. trek to Sheshnag via Pissu Top, around 8-9 Hrs. As the Yatra proceeds further from Chandanwari one climbs a height to reach Pissu Top.	Situated 96 Kms from Srinagar. The trail runs along the Lidder River with a fabulous scenic view. There are many Langars that offer food to the Yatris. It is said that to be the first to reach for Darshan of Bhole Nath Shivshankar at Pissu Top, there was a war b/n Devtas and Rakshas. With the power of Shiv, devtas could kill the rakshas in such large number that the heap of their dead bodies resulted in this high mountain.	Tent at Sheshnag.
Thursday Day 6 è 14.07.11	6AM: Trek from Sheshnag to Panchtarani (17Km). From Sheshnag one has to climb a steep height across Mahagunas Pass at 4276 mtrs.(14000 ft) for 4.6 Km and then descend to the meadow lands of Panjtarni at a height of 3657 mtrs (12000 ft).	Sheshnag is actually a mountain which derives its name from its Seven Peaks, resembling the heads of the mythical snake. Panchtarani: Due to cold harsh winds it is strongly recommended that Yatris should carry their quota of Woolens and Vaseline! Some Yatris are also affected by deficiency of oxygen. Some may get the feeling of nausea.. The route to Mahagunas is full of rivulets, water falls and springs. At Panjtarni, at the feet of BHAIRAV MOUNT, Five Rivers flow which apparently originated from Lord Shiva's Hair (Jataon).	Tent at Panjtarni
Friday Day7 è 15.07.11	6AM: Trek  from Panjtarni to the Holy Cave Amarnath and then after Darshan trek back to Baltal (5+14 Km) or enroute stay at Barari Marg.	One comes across the Sangam of Amravati and Panjtarni rivers. Some pilgrims take bath at Amravati near the Holy Cave before going for Darshan. There are two smaller Shivlings one of Maa Parvati and other of Shri Ganesh.	Barari Marg/ Baltal/ Srinagar.
Saturday Day 8 è 16.07.11	Baltal to Srinagar by Bus (115 Km. via Sonmarg).	Side Scene through window.	Hotel at Srinagar.
Sunday Day 9è 17.07.11	Srinagar Side Scene or Reserve day for Rest.	Morning sightseeing of Mughal Gardens, Nishat Bagh and Shalimar Bagh. All the gardens are situated on the bank of Dal Lake. After lunch Shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting floating and vegetable gardens etc. Dinner and overnight stay in Deluxe Houseboats.	Hotel at Srinagar
Monday Day 10è 18.07.11	Srinagar to Delhi: Flight at 11:55 hrs. arrival at Delhi at 14:20 Hrs. Return by SDAH Duronto Exp 12660 Dn. at 20:05 from NDLS on the same day.	Rest at Train.	Train
Tuesday Day 11è 19.07.11	Arrival at SDAH at 12:25 Hrs.	RETURNS TO SWEET HOME.

• SHRI SHRI AMARNATH YATRA: USEFUL TIPS.    Carry needful warm clothing and wind shield and proper shoes: You have to trek through high mountains and there are cold winds blowing. So during the Yatra, take Woolen Clothing, Small Umbrella (only Head Cover with Elastic around Forehead and supported by strap around the chin), Wind Cheater, Raincoat, Waterproof Shoes, Torch, Stick, Monkey Cap, Gloves, Jacket, Woolen Socks and Trousers. These are essential as the climate is unpredictable and changes abruptly from sunny weather to rain and snow. The temp may abruptly fall even up to -5 degree.
•  
• DO’S
• 1.      Keep a slip with your Name, Address and the name of accompanying Yatri in your pocket.
• 2.      Take water bottle, dry fruit, chocolate, corpur with you during journey.
• 3.      Keep some cold cream or Vaseline with you to protect skin from cold winds.
• 4.      Take a little relaxation on steep inclines and don't exert yourself too much.
• 5.      Yatris are advised to follow the instructions issued by Yatra Administration.
• 6.      It is requested that do provide all needful help to the co-devotee traveling with you.
• 7.      Perform Yatra with a pious mind and keep enchanting "Om Namah Shivay" all the way.
• 8.      During the Yatra from Pahalgam onward, keep your clothes and eatables in plastic bag to avoid the things being drenched during the rain.
• 9.      Carry some common medicines such as Glucose, Disprin etc. with you for immediate relief.
• 10.  Keep the horses / ponies with your luggage and Coolies along side as it is difficult to trace them in case you are separated from them. More over you may need some of those useful items from luggage any time at a short notice.
• 11.  Best suitable shoes are Hunter shoes and most comfortable Dress is woolen track suit. The best way to perform Yatra is to keep a steady and slow pace. Don’t exert more by fast walking. The moral of the story of Hare and tortoise is best applicable here.
• DON’TS
• Don't stop at such places which are marked by warning notices. Don't take drugs during Yatra. The children and aged persons are advised not to perform Yatra, keeping in view the tough nature of the Yatra. Don't attempt short cuts on the route as it is very dangerous. 
• Some More Important Points
• ·         Pilgrims are advised not to pay more than the specified rates for either services or their provisions. Good tented accommodation with allied facilities are set-up during the Yatra period by the as well as private parties. These are provided on the basis of payment of rates fixed by the State authorities. Facilities for booking of such accommodation will be available at the base camps.
• ·         It is important to observe discipline on the trek and keep moving slowly and steadily. Adhere to the instructions issued by the Yatra Officer from time to time. Officials of the State Police, Health, Tourism, Food & Supplies and other concerned Departments are deployed on duty to help the pilgrims.
• ·         You must also ensure that you are physically fit for the journey, and have yourself medically examined. Remember that you have to cross Mahagunas pass which is at an altitude of 14,000 feet above sea level.
• ·         Please ensure that ponies carrying your luggage and eatables remain with you at all times. Also ensure that the Pony Walla, Labourer or Dandiwalla is properly registered and carries a token. You can get these allotted at fixed rates at the base camps.
• ·         Do not overstrain on steep gradients: Do not relax at points where there are warning notices; don't break traffic discipline or try to overtake other on difficult stretches. Do not make any short cut.
• ·         Don’t try to leave yourself alone or apart from your team members.