Amarnath Temple is one of the most sacred pilgrimage in Hinduism and thousands of devotees visit every year. Located in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, it is home to the famous Amarnath Cave, which houses an ice Shiva Lingam that naturally forms every year. Amarnath Yatra to this holy place is very sacred and devotees go through harsh weather to get blessings.
Located at 3888 meters in Himalayas Amarnath Temple is accessible by various modes of transport. You can travel by train, flight, road or even helicopter. This guide will tell you the best way to reach Amarnath as per your preference and location.
How to Reach Amarnath by Train
Traveling by train is one of the most popular options especially for budget travelers.
Nearest Railway Station
Nearest major railway station is Jammu Tawi Railway Station which is 230 km from Pahalgam and 400 km from Baltal, the two main starting points of Amarnath Yatra.
Major Train Routes to Jammu
Jammu Tawi is well connected to major cities of India including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata. Some of the major trains to Jammu Tawi are Jammu Rajdhani Express, Himsagar Express and Shri Shakti Express. From Jammu Tawi pilgrims can continue their journey by road to Pahalgam or Baltal which are the base camps for the trek.
Connecting to Baltal or Pahalgam
From Jammu Tawi Railway Station pilgrims can take taxis, buses or private vehicles to reach Baltal or Pahalgam. Journey to Pahalgam takes around 7-8 hours and Baltal is 12 hours from Jammu. Baltal is the closer starting point for shorter and steeper trek and Pahalgam is for more gradual ascent.
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How to Reach Amarnath by Flight
If you want a faster and easier option then flying is the way.
Nearest Airport
Closest airport is Srinagar International Airport which is 95 km from Baltal and 100 km from Pahalgam.
Flight Connectivity
Srinagar Airport is well connected to major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Chennai. Airlines like Air India, IndiGo, GoAir and SpiceJet operate regular flights to Srinagar and is accessible from across the country.
From Srinagar to Baltal or Pahalgam
Once you land in Srinagar you can take a taxi or hire a private vehicle to reach Baltal or Pahalgam. The road journey from Srinagar to either base camp takes around 3-4 hours. Public buses are also available for budget travelers.
How to Reach Amarnath by Road
For those who enjoy scenic road trips, road travel to Amarnath is an excellent option.
Road Connectivity
Roads to Amarnath are good and well connected to Jammu, Srinagar and other nearby cities. National Highway 44 (NH44) connects Jammu to Srinagar and is the route to Amarnath Yatra.
Bus Services
State and private buses run from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam and Baltal. JKSRTC has regular bus services, private operators also have regular services. Journey takes 7-8 hours from Jammu to Pahalgam and 10-12 hours to Baltal.
Taxi Services
For a more personalized and comfortable journey, pilgrims can hire taxis from Jammu or Srinagar to the base camps. Taxis are available, shared and private both, journey time depends on traffic and weather.
How to Reach Amarnath by Helicopter
Amarnath by helicopter is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Amarnath, especially for senior citizens and physically challenged pilgrims.
Helicopter Services
Helicopters are available from Baltal and Pahalgam to Panchtarni helipad which is 6 km from Amarnath Cave. This reduces the journey time significantly and makes the yatra more accessible to many.
A trusted service provider for Amarnath Yatra helicopter booking is Wonder World Travels which offers on time and reliable helicopter services during Yatra season.
How to Reach Amarnath from Delhi
Travelers from Delhi have multiple options to reach Amarnath:
By Train
Direct trains from Delhi to Jammu Tawi are Jammu Rajdhani Express and Jhelum Express. From Jammu you can proceed by road to Baltal or Pahalgam.
By Flight
IndiGo, Vistara and Air India operate regular flights from Delhi to Srinagar. After reaching Srinagar airport, you can proceed by road to the base camps.
By Road
Driving from Delhi to Jammu takes 10-12 hours. From Jammu proceed by road to Pahalgam or Baltal.
How to Reach Amarnath from Jammu
By Taxi
Taxis are available from Jammu to Baltal and Pahalgam. Taxi to Pahalgam takes 7-8 hours and to Baltal 12 hours.
By Road
JKSRTC operates daily bus services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Private bus services also operate on this route for pilgrims.
How to Reach Amarnath from Bengaluru
Pilgrims from Bengaluru can choose from several travel options to reach Amarnath:
By Train
Long distance trains are available from Bengaluru to Jammu Tawi but it takes 48 hours. Himsagar Express is a popular train which connects southern India to Jammu.
By Flight
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru has flights to Srinagar with one stop via Delhi or Mumbai. From Srinagar airport you can take a taxi or bus to Pahalgam or Baltal.
By Road
Driving from Bengaluru to Jammu is long but for adventure seekers you can do it. Then you can proceed by road to the base camps.
Conclusion
Choosing the right travel option to reach Amarnath Temple depends on factors like budget, time constraints, and personal preferences. For a quicker journey, flights and helicopter services are ideal. Those looking for a more spiritual and scenic journey may prefer traveling by train or road. Regardless of the mode of transport, planning ahead and considering the weather are key to ensuring a safe and fulfilling Amarnath Yatra.
