Useful Tips

 

TheYatra is organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Govt., in the month of Shravan, and commences mainly from Pahalgam on specified dates. In recent years the route from Baltal has also been thrown open for the pilgrims to approach the holy Cave.

Dress
Pilgrims are advised to carry sufficient wollens such as sweaters, drawers, wollen trousers, monkey cap etc. Other items could include wind cheaters, rain coat, sleeping bag or blankets, umbrella, waterproof boots/shoes, walking stick, torch etc. Ladies are advised not to go on the trek in saris, instead pants or Salwar suits with drawers should be used.

Provisions
Essential rations are available at fair price rates from the specially established Govt. Depots at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtami. Numerous wayside tea-shops and small restaurants are set up by private parties. However, pilgrims are advised to carry with them biscuits, toffees, tinned food etc. to cater to their immediate needs. Firewood or gas can be obtained at Chandanwari, Sheshnag (Wawajan), Panchtami and near the Cave.

Medical Assistance
Medical posts manned by qualified doctors and nursing staff are established enroot to cater to the needs of the pilgrims, free of cost. However, pilgrims are advised to carry along any medicines specifically prescribed for them.

Insurance
In view of the hazardous nature of the yatra, all yatries are advised to insure themselves, preferably before departure from the home stations. However, arrangements for insurance also remains available sometimes at the two base-camps during the yatra period.

Accommodation
In order to cater to the requirements of all yatries, rented accommodation with bedding facilities is being set up by the J&K Tourism and private parties during the yatra period for use on payment basis. Facilities for booking such accommodation at rates approved by the State Tourism Department will be available at the base-camps.

Registration
Registration of pilgrims are undertaken about a month ahead of the date fixed for commencement of Yatra. The dates are generally notified through press advertisements. Generally no Yatri will be allowed to proceed on the journey without a Registration Card. Govt. plans to remove registration.

Langar Permission
All applications (with particular mention of sewadars for a particular period) for grant of permission to set up free langar(s) by NGOs should reach the office of the Director Tourism (Kashmir), Srinagar, on or before Due date. No application shall be entertained/accepted after the cut-off date.