Blog · Pilgrimage
Amarnath Yatra: Baltal route or Pahalgam route?
There are two traditional routes to the holy Amarnath cave. They differ a lot in length, days and difficulty.
The Baltal route: short and steep
Baltal, near Sonamarg, is the shorter route: around 14 km each way, and steep in places. Many pilgrims go up and come back the same day. It suits fit pilgrims with limited time.
The Pahalgam route: long and gradual
The Pahalgam route is longer, about 3 days up, via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni, with night stops in camps. The climb is more gradual and the scenery is outstanding. Our Amarnath Yatra via Pahalgam package (5 nights / 6 days) follows this route.
Registration and health certificate
Every yatri must register with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) for a specific date and route, and carry a Compulsory Health Certificate from an authorised doctor. Age limits and other conditions apply (in recent years, 13 to 70 years). The yatra dates, usually in July and August, and the rules are announced by the Shrine Board each year, so always check the official site.
Ponies, palkis and helicopter
Ponies and palkis are available on both routes. Helicopter services also run on the Baltal side; see our separate guide.
Packing
Warm and waterproof clothing, good trekking shoes, a torch, and your registration and health certificate. Weather at the cave can turn cold and wet quickly.
Questions travellers ask
Which Amarnath route is easier?
Pahalgam is longer but more gradual. Baltal is shorter but steeper. For most first-time pilgrims with time to spare, Pahalgam is more comfortable.
