Amarnath

Amarnath is a Hindu shrine and pilgrimage site located in the Himalayas in the Indian union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The principal shrine sits in the Amarnath valley near the town of Pahalgam in the Anantnag district, at an altitude of about 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) above sea level. The site is one of Hinduism's most revered centers of worship dedicated to Lord Shiva.

Inside the Amarnath Cave, a natural ice stalagmite is believed by devotees to symbolize the Shiva lingam. The cave also contains other ice formations and stalactites; the shapes change with the seasons and year to year. The grotto's religious aura is rooted in mythic traditions that associate Shiva with the site, where he is said to have revealed spiritual knowledge, including the secret of eternal life, to his consort Parvati.

Each summer, the Amarnath Yatra brings thousands of pilgrims from across India to undertake a trek to the cave, along routes from the base camps at Pahalgam and Baltal. The pilgrimage is conducted under the administration of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board and is subject to weather, security considerations, and safety advisories. The trek traverses high-altitude terrain, and pilgrims typically travel in groups with guides and medical services along the route. The yatra has become a focus of regional commerce and tourism in addition to its religious significance.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, established to manage the shrine and the annual pilgrimage, coordinates security, administration, and facilities for pilgrims. Access can be affected by snow, landslides, and security measures, and authorities issue advisories during the season.