Shri Amarnath Yatra Ji is a pilgrimage journey of a lifetime. Full of perils and faith, the trail will lead you to all the mythical spots associated with the story of Immortality (Amar Katha). The traditional route of Pahalgam in Kashmir is where devotees gather to begin the yearly organised Yatra. At a distance of 13 km from Pahalgam is Chandanwari. This serves as the base camp for all who successfully registered to undertake the Yatra.
The place where the Shri Amarnath Ji Cave is located is special because Lord Shiva himself chose it. In this Cave, he narrated the story of Amar Katha to his consort Parvati. Lord Shiva’s route to the Cave starts with Pahalgam, but there is another route through Baltal in Sonamarg. The former is a traditional route, whereas the latter is a shorter route to arrive at the Holy Cave.
Shri Amarnath Ji Cave is famous for housing the naturally formed mystical ice stalagmite of Shivling. Once you have registered, your destination will be apparent. Based on the route you have chosen, and whether you are reaching by air, train or road, you can plan your journey to the Amarnath Cave.
Know Before You Go
- The opening date for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is announced in the month of February/ March.
- Registrations are open in April.
- Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra begins at the end of June and concludes in August.
- Heli-Services are operational during the Yatra period only.
- The helicopter services from Pahalgam or Baltal only go as far as Panjtarni, which is approximately 5-6 kilometres from the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath.
Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Online Helicopter Booking
However, in this section, we are specifically covering How to Arrive by Air. All Yatris are required to produce a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC).
With the Heli-services, you can now cover Amarnath Yatra on the same day. This is done to make the Darshan of Baba Barfani easily accessible to the pilgrims.
Heli- Services operate during the months of June and August. The services closed with the concluding day of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. This year the Yatra concluded on August 11, 2022.
This is the first time that devotees can easily travel from Srinagar to Panchtarni or Srinagar to Neelgrath in a single day. Previously, only two sectors had helicopter service, but now there are four sectors (to & fro) with a total of 11 helicopters available for passengers.
Also Read: Remarkable Tourist Places That Will Make Your Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra Awesome
Where to Book a Heli-ticket?
To book the Heli-tickets to Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, you can either log in to the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board or directly visit the booking portal from the website heliservices.jksasb.nic.in
The Online ticket booking process involves four steps:
- User Registration to the Portal
- Users Login to the Portal using their credentials
- Book Helicopter Ticket
- Print e-ticket
You can check the Heli-rates here.
Helicopter Services Available Sectors
Earlier Heli-services are operated from only two sectors, i.e., Baltal and Pahalgam. Starting this year (2022), two more sectors have opened up. And now there are four. They are:
- Srinagar to Neelgrath
- Srinagar to Pahalgam
- Baltal Axis (Neelgrath – Panchtarni – Neelgrath): For the Baltal-Panjtarni sector, you are required to reach the Baltal Helipad.
- Pahalgam Axis (Pahalgam – Panchtarni – Pahalgam): For the Pahalgam-Panjtarni sector, you are required to reach the Pahalgam Helipad.
Important Note:
- Keep printed tickets from the portal. Digital tickets are not acceptable.
- Carry the original Aadhar Card.
- Carry the ID proof you submitted during the online booking time.
- Bring SASB prescribed Health certificate in original.
- Please note that you must strictly follow the instructions, including reporting time, given by the respective helicopter operator.