The Himalayan pilgrimages are the oldest organised travel system, evolved over time by Hindu sages and embodying the spirit of wander, adventure and spirituality”
Shiva, in the form of a lingam, is formed naturally of an ice – stalagmite One of the holy trinity, Shiva is a living god. The most ancient and sacred book of India, the Rig Veda evokes his presence in its hymns. Vedic myths, ritual and even astronomy testify to his existence from the dawn of time.
Shiva is known to have made his home in the Himalayas. He built no house nor shelter, not for himself or his bride. He was an ascetic, and yet married; he could be both for “he was the wild god sporting in the forest or taking his ease on a cloud.”
Legend has it that Shiva recounted to Parvati the secret of creation in the Amarnathji cave. Unknown to them, a pair of mating pigeons eavesdropped on this conversation and having learned the secret, are reborn again and again, and have made the cave their eternal abode. Many pilgrims report seeing the pigeons-pair when they trek the arduous route to pay obeisance before the ice-lingam (the phallic symbol of Shiva).
Day 1: Delhi or Jammu – Pahalgam
On arrival in Srinagar met upon and then drive to Pahalgam Or arrivals at Jammu Railway Station / Airport met and then drive to Pahalgam. . On arrival at Pahalgam transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Pahalgam – Chandanwari
Leave Pahalgam (Valley of Shepherds) for Chandanwari. Pahalgam is the best base for most of the treks. Chandanwari (2896 Mts.) is a small shut off valley at the junction of Sheshnag stream and the stream for Astanmarg. The distance of about 16 kms will be covered in about 4-½ hrs. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Chandanwari.
Day 3: Chandanwari – Sheshnag
Chandanwari to Sheshnag is about 13 kms. (3576 Mts.) The trial climbs the Pisu Ghati and then climbs gradually to the Sheshnag Lake. Sheshnag is one of the windiest places in this valley. The distance will be covered in about 5 hrs. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Sheshnag.
Day 4: Sheshnag – Panchtarni
The 13 kms trek from Sheshnag to Panchtarani (3657 Mts.) will be covered in about 5 hrs. The walk is through Mahagunas Pass (3200 Mts.) and then a gradual walk to Panchtarani. Dinner and overnight stay in tents at Panchtarni
Day 5: Panchtarni – Amarnath – Sheshnag
Start trek early in the morning from Panchtarani to Amarnath cave. Amarnath is only 6 kms away from Panctarani. Have a dip in the ice cold water of Amarnath stream, which flows outside the cave. Inside the cave there is scenery of calm tranquillity of white and glistering three massive Lingmas stand erect symbol of Lord Shiva, Parvathi and Ganesh. Trek back towards Sheshnag. It is a descending walk till Sheshnag.
Day 6: Sheshnag – Pahalgam – Srinagar
Trek down to Pahalgam via Chandanwari. On arrival in Pahalgam drive to Srinagar. Transfer to Houseboats. Dinner and overnight stay in Houseboats.
Day 7: In Srinagar
Morning sightseeing of Mughal Gardens visiting Nishat Bagh (Abode of pleasure) built by Asif Khan brother in law of Jehangir in 1632 AD. And Shalimar Bagh (Abode of love) built by Jehangir for his wife Empress Noor Jehan. All the gardens are situated on the bark of Dal Lake with the Zabarwan Mountains in the background. Enroute visit carpet-weaving factory. After lunch Shikara ride on Dal Lake visiting floating and vegetable gardens etc. Dinner and overnight stay in Deluxe Houseboats.
Day 8: In Srinagar
Free for shopping and individual activities. Dinner overnight Houseboats.
Day 9: Srinagar – Jammu or Delhi
Early morning transfer to TRC/Airport to drive back to Jammu or fly Jammu/Delhi
Tour End