So you are all prepped up to go miles and beyond and get the Darshan of Baba Barfani? If you are reading this, chances are you are. The year 2022 opens its door to once again welcome devotees of Lord Shiva to his sacred abode after the Yatra got suspended for the past two years. Shri Amarnath Ji Cave is the holy shrine for Hindu pilgrims who flock here every chance they get to worship the icy-Shivalinga naturally formed of snow.
Since ancient times, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has been one of the important pilgrimage destinations. It takes more than wandering, wishing and walking the routes to reach the Holy Cave, which is situated at the height of 12756 ft. Undoubtedly, the Cave where Lord Shiva arrived with Maa Parvati for complete seclusion isn’t easy to reach even for bravehearts.
Though for Baba Barfani, arriving here means detaching himself from worldly influence and everything, even his son, pilgrims are advised to carry these extensions as part of them to scale this arduous journey and all for the right reasons. Health & fitness is of prime concern for young and old, and you may develop high-altitude sickness symptoms. Here is a list of things to carry for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2022:
1. Trekking Shoes & Stick
For long-distance walking and trekking, it is important to have shoes designed to protect your feet from bruising and abrasion. Trekking footwear offers good traction against the rough, slippery, muddy, steep terrain and provides comfort to the ankle and soles. Apart from a reliable hiking shoe, a trekking stick is what you need to cover the distant journey.
2. Warm Clothes
Pack everything woollen from caps and socks to thermal inner wear. The journey to Amarnath is a cold and chilling Yatra, and making it to the top in good shape is no less than an achievement. Maintain the body heat and keep the cold out. Keep clothes with good insulation properties, and balance the body energy level just right.
3. Carry Medicines & First-aid Box
High-altitude sickness gets as real as the progress in your trekking expedition. Tough times and terrain tell us the pressure we can take to survive the journey ahead. So do not be taken aback if you may feel nauseated or develop chronic headaches. Instead, be prepared in advance with the first-aid kit and medicines. They can come in handy anytime during this Yatra.
Recommended read- All you need to know about Shri Amarnath Yatra Ji
4. Sunscreen for harmful UV rays
Yes, the Yatra to the Holy Cave will expose you to harmful UV rays, and it is important to look after your skin. Prevent skin sunburn by applying sunscreen. It helps protect skin from premature ageing and keeps the skin healthy. And while you are deciding on buying one, make sure to check the richness of SPF content and PA rating.
5. Reusable Water Bottle
Temperature, weather conditions and long walking duration all lead to dehydration, which is why the intake of fluids is necessary during the trek. Although it is unlikely you will get all kinds of flavoured drinks on this religious pilgrimage, keeping a water bottle that you can refill as and when you require it is a requisite. Spare any unnecessary complications during this journey by being ready in advance.