So Far Above 70000 Pilgrims Performed The Amarnath Yatra 2016

AMARNATH YATRA

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JAMMU @ KASHMIR

An official of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) that manages the affairs of the annual pilgrimage said, " A total of 1,612 pilgrims comprising 1,266 males and 346 females left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas today (Thursday) in 35 buses and 22 light motor vehicles in a convoy escorted by security forces for the Valley."

"Since the Yatra started on July 2, two pilgrims have so far died of natural causes."

An ice stalagmite structure inside the cave situated at 3,888 feet above the sea level wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

Devotees believe the ice stalagmite structure called the 'Lingam' symbolises mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

Pilgrims use the north Kashmir Baltal and the south Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps to reach the cave Shrine.

From Baltal in Ganderbal district, pilgrims have to trek 14 km to reach the cave while those using the traditional Pahalgam route have to trek 46 km.

The south Kashmir Pahalgam route passes through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Pissu Top and Panchtarni.

According to Hindu scriptures, this route that Lord Shiva used to reach the cave is where he told goddess Parvati the study of immortality and eternal life.

Helicopter services are also available for the pilgrims from Baltal and Pahalgam to and fro the shrine.

Due to heightened militant activities in the Valley this year, extra security measures have been taken to provide protection to the pilgrims.

A three-tier security cover manned by the Army, Indo Tibetan Border Police Force, Central Reserve Police Force and state police are in place to secure the Jammu-Srinagar national highway which is the only surface link used by the pilgrims.

The 48-day long Yatra will conclude on August 17 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

Dharamshala - It Is A Palpable Atmosphere Of Tranquility And Calm,Making It A Difficult Place To Forget.

HILL STATION

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DHARAMSHALA

Situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh, Dharamshala is famous as the residence of the 14^th Dalai Lama, Nobel Laureate Tenzin Gyatso, of Buddhism’s Tibetan sect.

It is also the headquarters of the Central Tibetan Administration and centre of Tibetan exiles of the world. Its mystic hills and panoramic views of the Himalayas make Dharamshala a tranquil and popular tourist spot.

Dharamshala has two sections – ‘Lower Dharamshala’ is the commercial centre of the city with the Kotwali Bazaar, markets, and courts, and ‘Upper Dharamshala’ has the famous suburb McLeod Ganj, as well as Forsyth Ganj and St. John’s Church.

variety of tourist spots can be found in Dharamshala.  If you are an art lover, first thing to do is to visit Norbulingka Institute of Tibetan Culture, which reflects the ancient Tibetan culture and heritage.

Then head to Kangra fort which is one of the oldest forts of India and then to Kangra art museum where rich paintings, rare coins, sculptures and other arts can be found.

Dharamshala is a boon to adventure freaks. There are many trekking trails in and around Dharamshala. Most of them are in Kangra valley. Some of the trails are Dharamshala to Chamba valley, Dharamshala to Triund, Dharamshala to Kullu through Sari pass, etc.

 Many trails are alluring and challenging since they pass throughsparkling streams, tough terrains, steep mountains and dense forests.

You can enjoy the panoramic beauty of Kangra valley and scenic deodar forests riding on a well trained horse.

A full-day or a half-day tour here will be accompanied with a horse along with a guide

Fresh mountain air, alluring tracks, lingering fragrances of lovely flowers, scenic rural area: all these add joy to classic mountain biking activity in Dharamshala.

So for those who have a passion for environment and love cycling, Dharamshala is the perfect place. Renting a cycle is very easy in this valley as there are many agencies that encourage the sport. So you can explore the whole town on a cycle and have a rejuvenating experience.

Dharamshala has a palpable atmosphere of tranquility and calm, making it a difficult place to forget.

Steeped in Tibetan Buddhist culture and surrounded by marvels of nature, Dharamshala receives thousands of tourists every year who want to experience this marvellous place

Many western visitors come to Dharamshala in search of spiritual guidance and an audience with the Dalai Lama. 

By air

 Dharamshala can be accessed by air from Delhi and the nearest airport is at Gaggla, just 13-km away from the town. Spicejet and Air India operate flights every day in the morning from New Delhi.

By rail

 Pathankot is 85-km and is the nearest railhead for Dharamshala. Trains from all over the country make a stopover at Pathankot and from here it is a three hour journey to Dharamshala.

By road

 From Manali too bus services are available to this place. One can drive from Delhi via Chandigarh, Kiratpur, Bilaspur and it’s an 8-hours journey. From Delhi and Shimla, luxury buses ply to Dharamshala.