The other important pilgrimage undertaken in India besides the Chardham Yatra, is the Amarnath Yatra to the holy cave in Jammu which houses the ice Shivalingam.
Millions of pilgrims flock each year during the holy month of Shravan (July-August) to Amarnath for a glimpse of the image of the deity Shiva.
There are two routes to reach the cave-the Jammu Pahalgam route and the Jammu Baltal route.
The trip to the cave is mesmerizing thanks to the beautiful countryside of Jammu and the spectacle that nature puts on.
Best time for the Amarnath Temple Yatra
July-August
Mode of Travel to Amarnath Temple
Tourist traveling by air shall have to reach Jammu from the Srinagar airport.
Trains from almost all parts of India halt at Jammu.
Bus services from Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh are available to Jammu.
Beauty untouched by the oft cruel hand of man is difficult to find in India. Leh & Ladakh are some of the last bastions of such unutterable beauty and salubrious climate, that adventurers and tourists alike brave all odds, natural and man-made for a glimpse of the wonders of these twin stars of Jammu & Kashmir.
Located close to China’s border, and deeply steeped in the Buddhist tradition, Leh & Ladakh possess a unique culture, not found elsewhere even in the Valley.
Besides nature viewing, several adventure thrills like mountaineering and trekking can be found.
How to get there
By Air:
Flights from New Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar to Leh Airport are available.
By Road:
The Leh-Srinagar road and the Manali-Leh road are the two chief modes of traversing Ladakh.
Hotel Dragon
Hotel Shambha-la
Hotel Laser-Mo
Lotus Hotel
Mandala Hotel
Things to do
Besides the usual sightseeing, Ladakh and its capital Leh offer adventure activities and nature tours, to explore the wildlife and the jeep safari or yak/camel safaris.
River rafting in Ladakh is something you definitely do not want to miss.
In addition, amateur and professional photographers will be kept busy clicking by the fantastic wonders that nature works everyday before one’s eyes.
Visitors are advised to schedule their trips around the festivals of Ladakh like the Hemis Festival, Losar and Dosmoche Festival that display the colorful heritage and culture of the place.
Places of Interest
Ladakh’s monasteries and mountain passes are the chief attractions here.
Leh Palace
Hemis Gompa
Zongkhul Monastery
Khardungla Pass
Tikse Gompa
Cuisine and Shopping in Ladakh
Ladakhi food is mildly flavored with ample portions of potatoes, beans, chicken and mutton that are locally grown.
Until very recently, rice did not form a part of their diet at all, as this crop cannot survive in this climate.
Goat milk and cheese also are a specialty here.
Shopping in Ladakh primarily consists of Pashmina wool shawls, Buddhist masks, Thangka paintings, prayer wheels, hand-woven rugs and carpets.
Ladakh Art Palace and the Tibetan Art Emporium are good places to shop here.
admin
8 Sep, 2008
