Amarnath itinerary

Plan 01

1 day at Amarnath (Baltal route)

1. 01

   Day 1: Baltal to the cave and back, only if very fit

   The Baltal route is about 14 km one way, so a round trip is about 28 km at altitude and is realistic only for very fit pilgrims on a fixed slot. Most pilgrims treat it as an early start from Baltal, darshan at the cave and a return the same day, with ponies or palkis for those who need them. Report to the Shrine Board check points at the times on your permit, carry warm and waterproof layers, and turn back if the weather or your body tells you to. Anyone doubtful should add an overnight stop instead of forcing a single day.

Plan 02

2 days at Amarnath

1. 01

   Day 1: Reach the base camp and acclimatise

   Travel from Srinagar to Baltal, or to the Nunwan base camp near Pahalgam, and spend the night at the base camp or a nearby hotel booked in advance. Complete the check-in and permit and RFID formalities, rest, drink water and eat light. Do not skip the early night; the next morning starts early.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Nunwan Base Camp	An evening and night before starting the route	Easy	During the Yatra in July and August

   Pace: All the stops today are easy on the legs.

2. 02

   Day 2: Darshan and descent

   Start before dawn on the Baltal route, take the first sections slowly, reach the cave in the morning and come down the same day, or fly to Panjtarni by helicopter if you have a seat and walk or ride the last stretch. Keep your own pace and rest at langars and medical posts along the way.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Panjtarni	A night and an early start, or a short stop for helicopter passengers	Moderate	During the Yatra in July and August

   Pace: Moderate walking today — plan a sit-down break between stops.

   With parents at Panjtarni: The meadow is open and relatively level, but it is cold and at altitude, and the surrounding climb is steep. Rest is essential, and the last stretch to the cave still needs care.

Plan 03

3 days at Amarnath

1. 01

   Day 1: Base camp and registration checks

   Arrive at the base camp, complete the check-in on your permit, sleep early. Use the evening to repack: layers, rain cover, torch, any medicines and a copy of your permit and health certificate.

2. 02

   Day 2: Climb, with a night at altitude on the Pahalgam route

   On the Pahalgam route you walk from Chandanwari through Pissu Top to the Sheshnag camp, a stage that is steady but long. Sheshnag Lake, at about 3,590 m, is the scenic reward. Stay in the Board-permitted camps and eat at the langars.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Chandanwari	About an hour as a stop; the start of a multi-day trek during the Yatra	Easy	Outside the Yatra season for a quiet visit; July and August for the Yatra start
   Sheshnag Lake	An evening and night at the camp during the Yatra	Demanding	July and August during the Yatra; frozen and inaccessible in winter

   Pace: Sheshnag Lake involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.

   With parents at Sheshnag Lake: Demanding. The camp is at altitude and cold, reached after a long climb. Sleep is poor for many people, so older pilgrims should rest well and have medical clearance.

3. 03

   Day 3: Mahagunas, Panjtarni and darshan

   The route crosses Mahagunas Pass, at about 4,276 m, then descends to Panjtarni. From there the cave is an early start the next morning. This is why the Pahalgam route normally takes more days than the three shown here; check the Board's schedule and your slot, and allow for return days.

   Stop	Time needed	Walking	Best time
   Panjtarni	A night and an early start, or a short stop for helicopter passengers	Moderate	During the Yatra in July and August
   Mahagunas Pass	A full day's stage between the two camps	Demanding	During the Yatra, in clear morning conditions

   Pace: Mahagunas Pass involves a lot of walking or steps — do it early, and keep the rest of the day light.

   With parents at Panjtarni: The meadow is open and relatively level, but it is cold and at altitude, and the surrounding climb is steep. Rest is essential, and the last stretch to the cave still needs care.

   With parents at Mahagunas Pass: Demanding. Steep, high and cold, with thin air near the top. Ponies and palkis operate, but even they bring risk. Only pilgrims with medical clearance should attempt it.

Read before you go

Guides for the stops on these routes

Pacing

Pacing a Amarnath trip for parents and children

• The Yatra is demanding and the Shrine Board requires a health certificate; see your own doctor well before registering and follow their advice, including on altitude.
• The Board publishes age limits each year (13 to 70 in 2026). Check the current notice and do not travel on a hope that a rule will be relaxed.
• Choose the route to match your fitness. The Baltal route is short but steep; the Pahalgam route is longer and spread over more days. Neither is easy.
• Hire ponies or palkis only from Board-registered operators at Board-set rates where these apply, and agree the arrangement before you start.
• Build in rest and acclimatisation days, pace yourself on the climbs, drink water regularly and turn back at the first serious sign of altitude sickness.
• Pack for cold and rain at any time: thermals, a waterproof jacket, gloves, a cap, sturdy footwear with grip, a torch and your medicines, plus a copy of your permit and health certificate.

Amarnath with elderly parents: the full guide →