Amarnath Yatra, Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir India

 Amarnath is located in Jammu and Kashmir and is popular Hindu pilgrimage site. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Amarnath Temple is one among the most revered Hindu pilgrimage places in India.

According to Hindu mythology it is believed that this is where Lord Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his wife Parvati. Inside the main Amarnath Cave sits a giant ice stalagmite that is supposed to resemble the Shiva Ling and every year thousands of pilgrims make this difficult trek up into the mountains to show their devotion to Lord Shiva. The ice Shiva Ling forms between the months of May to August and then gradually melts away. The other ice formations in this cave represent Shiv and Parvati's son Ganesh.

The famous Amarnath Yatra which takes place every year during the month of Sawan (July to August) commence from both the routes, of Pahalgam and Baltal. Chandanwari which is around 15 km from Pahalgam is the starting point for Amarnath Yatra.

The dates for the Amarnath Yatra this year are from 28 June 2013 to 21 August 2013 and online registration has started from 18th March 2013. Registration can be done online through the Amarnath Yatra official website www.amarnathyatra.org

Children who are below the age of 13 years and persons above the age of 75 years will not be eligible to undertake the Amarnath Yatra 2013.