Amarnath Yatra 2019: 5-point guide to holy journey

As Amarnath Yatra 2019 commencing Monday, hundreds of vehicles carrying pilgrims have reached at the base camps Sonamarg and Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. Over 1.5 lakh pilgrims from across the country have so far registered themselves for the 46-day long yatra, which takes place from the traditional 36-km Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

Advisors to the Governor K K Sharma flagged off the first convoy of 93 vehicles including three motorcycles, carrying the pilgrims, at the heavily-guarded Bhagwati Nagar base camp here for Kashmir in the early hours, asserting that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure peaceful and smooth yatra.

Amarnath Yatra 2019: 5-point guide to holy journey

1. Do’s for the Trek:

• Keep yourself fit to undertake the yatra. 
• You should do deep breathing exercises
• All pilgrims have to obtain a compulsory health certificate (CHC) listed by the states before applying for a yatra permit.

2. Don’ts for the trek:

• It is advisable not to stop at places which have danger signs
• Don’t take any kind of drugs during the journey
• It is advisable for aged people and children not to undertake the journey

3. How to reach Amarnath?

Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar. Helicopter services are also available.
Rail: The nearest Railway Station is Jammu.
Road: Jammu and Srinagar are also connected through road.

4. Yatra from Baltal to Amarnath Cave:

It is the shortest route to reach the cave. The region of Baltal is 14 km from the Cave and allows people to only walk.

5. Yatra by Helicopter

All pilgrims planning to avail helicopter services for Amarnath Yatra are required to obtain a medical fitness certificate from a doctor authorized by SASB (Amarnath Shrine Board), which certifies your fitness for the physically tough journey.