SHREE AMARNATH YATRA 2017 Shree Amarnath Yatra Journey to Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram II Aum Namah Shivaya II The Holy Amarnath Cave of Kashmir is amongst the that represent Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha. most holy shrines in Sanatan Dharma. Dedicated to This is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus Lord Shiva, the cave shrine is located in the Indian - about 400,000 people visit during the 45- day state of Jammu and Kashmir at elevation of above season coinciding with the Hindu holy month of 12,000 feet. The Amarnath Cave shrine is claimed to Shravan. Devotees generally take the pilgrimage have a history of over 5,000 years, and its legends on foot from the town of Pahalgam, and cover the are part of the Hindu Puranic Tradition. journey in four to five days. Inside the main Amarnath Cave is found the There are two alternate routes to the Amarnath Amarnath Ice Lingam of Lord Shiva. This naturally Cave Shrine, the longer and more traditional path formed Ice Linga grows in size during the months from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of May through August. During this time, pious of Baltal. For devotees who are unable to make the people come from around the world for the annual pilgrimage on foot, horses and travel assistance are pilgrimage and festival of the Amarnath Linga. The available. Arrangements to ease the journey for the Amarnath Lingam is said to grow and shrink with the elderly and infirm are available along the pilgrimage phases of the moon, reaching its height during the route, provided by charitable organizations. summer festival. Since Karnali Excursions was one of the first According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave tour agencies in Nepal/India to offer pilgrimages where Lord Shiva explained the secret of life and to Amarnath since long time, we have developed eternity to his divine consort, Mother Parvati. a strong, well-organized and spiritually fulfilling Within the cave are also two other ice formations experience for those who join us for this holy Yatra. 2017 SHREE AMARNATH YATRA Shree Amarnath Yatra Journey to Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram ITINERARY Arrival in Delhi: 27th June 2017 Trip concludes: 6th July 2017 Day 1 (27th June 2017): Arrival to Delhi and transfer Day 6 (2nd July 2017): Morning Sightseeing in to hotel Dinner and Breakfast is included. Hotel Srinagar and Drive to Sonmarg. Overnight in Jaypee Sidhartha place or similar one in New Delhi. Thajwass Hotel or Similar. Day 2 (28th June 2017): Fly to Jammu and Drive to Day 7 (3rd July 2017): Drive to Baltal and fly to Katra. Rest and free day. Overnight at K.C. Residency Panchatarni, 6 km uphill trek to Shree Amarnathji Katra Gufa, overnight below Gufa in tented camp or if Day 3 (29th June 2017): Vaishnodevi darshan, Katra possible back to Panjatarni. is the base camp of Mata Vaishnodevi. Vaishnodevi Day 8 (4th July 2017): Trek downhill to Panchtarni is 14 km uphill trek/doli/horse from Katra. and fly back to Baltal. 3 hours scenic drive to Day 4 (30th June 2017): Shivkhori, Drive to Shivkhori Srinagar, free day. Overnight at Mahjong Houseboats and back to Katra. K.C. Residency Katra or simlar or similar Early morning drive 80 km to Ransoo. From Ransoo Day 09 (5th July 2017): Fly from Srinagar to Delhi transfer to Hotel Jaypee Sidhartha place or similar it is 4kmr Trek to visit Shiv Khori Gufa. New Delhi. Day 5 (1st July 2017): Fly to Srinagar, Medical Day 10 (6th July 2017): Trip concludes. Return to certificate day in Srinagar and sightseeing if time home permits. Overnight in Hotel Grand Mahal or similar. SHREE AMARNATH YATRA 2017 The cost: USD 2149/person For the entire journey Single Supplement cost: USD 299 THE COST INCLUDES: THE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: • Return economy class Delhi, Jammu & • Visa Fee for India Srinagar- Delhi flight • Expenses of personal nature such as tips, • Airport transfers and sightseeing by telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc. Coach as per tour program in India • Any other item not specified in ‘Cost Includes’. • Tour leader with high altitude trained • Porter, Ponies or Doli’s charge during trekking supporting crew from Nepal • Medical checkup charge • Accommodation with twin sharing bed • Expenses caused by factors beyond our • Helicopter ride Baltal-Panchtarni-Baltal control like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, • All present applicable taxes. vehicle mal-functions, flight cancellations, • All the meals political disturbances etc. General Information 1. Flight Details • You must be in possession of a current passport with at least 6 months of validity Please send us your flight details as soon as you book remaining beyond Feb 2018. your flights. If there are any last minute changes, please notify us immediately by e-mail. This is very important as we need to arrange for your airport pick 3. Remaining Balance, Currency up at Delhi. Please look for Karnali Excursions sign Related board as you come out from the Airport. • The remaining balance to be paid in USDcash only. • Karnali Excursions unfortunately cannot accept 2. Passport, India Visa Related any personal cheques. • USA and UK passport holders require Visa in • Additional Funds: Please plan to bring India– Get this at home contacting nearest approximately USD 600 OR GBP 400per person Indian embassy or consulate Indian Passport for your personal use during Yatra (to hire a holders or OCI card holder do not require horse, Doli and porter duringYatra, phone calls, Visa in India. mineral bottle water, to buy souvenirs etc.) 2017 SHREE AMARNATH YATRA WHAT SHOULD YOU CARRY? NOTE, THIS IS JUST A GUIDELINE, ADJUST AS PER YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS:- Thermals - 3 sets (legging and vests) very Shirts/T-shirts and trek pants or loose pants – water important proof trek pant ideal for Parikrama Hand gloves and liners. One pair cotton gloves One pair of hiking boots (light weight and waterproof) - very important 4-5 large 1 gallon ziplock bags – Ideal to pack 2-3 largegarbage bags to protect clothes from rain& daily clothing for Parikrama days dust. Place this in provided duffle bags Sunglass (100% UV PROTECTION) with retainer LED Head lamp (battery operated) and/or Torch light thread/ chain) - very important with batteries - very important Bottle to bring back Holy Water Snack: Hard candies, dry fruit, energy bars etc. Sunscreen – very important Sun cap / Hat – very important Lots of Wipes & sanitizers – very important Personal medicine – If you are taking regularly Hand & Foot warmer Nose mask for dust free breathing Chapstick, Lipbalm and Vaseline One pair of sports shoes (snickers) Pair of sandal with back straps Hand mirror Cotton Towels (big and small) - 1/2 Woolen sweeter with high-neck and hood-1 Shawl and Muffler -1 Skirt for ladies (Advisable for open toilet) -1 Undergarments - 12 Six pairs of cotton & two pairs of woolen socks Monkey cap (Balaclava) woolen/fleece -1 Backpack – Personal items, camera etc. Wind Breaker jacket and pant Garbage bag or plastic bags for used cloths Money belt / Money pouch with Ziplock Video and Still camera with extra batteries Swiss army knife (optional) Reading Books (optional) Music (optional) – Have extra batteries Daily Diary (optional) Water bottle (optional) – If you like one Recommended small 1staid kit: Band aids – small & big, cotton balls, antibiotic ointment, common cold, cough remedies, allergy care etc. Make sure to carry all the medication that you are taking regularly. Also, get an advice from the doctor about taking your regular medication and being on high altitude. 4. Travel Insurance –Mandatory Everyone must carry a travel insurance which covers emergency rescue (both by Air and ground), repatriation and medical expenses. Please bring two copies of insurance. When you come to Delhi please handover one copy to our representative in Delhi and keep the 2nd copy with you. 5. Preparation, Health and Medical Related Although most of the trip will be done in vehicles, it is important that remains in relatively good health. If you have any chronic health conditions please consult your doctor prior to coming to Nepal. SHREE AMARNATH YATRA 2017 Medical facilities are available throughout the shall be responsible for any changes in the itinerary journey.Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. will provide a due to unavoidable circumstances, including, but not first aid medical kit and equipment for treating high limited to: Government restrictions, landslides, road altitude sickness, blockages, flooding, snowfall, political disturbances, Remember to exercise and/or hike regularly. Form a flight cancellations, illnesses or accidents. Any habit of drinking at least three (preferably 5) liters of additional costs that are a result of such circumstances water every day. This habit will be extremely helpful will have to be taken care of by the yatri. to keep you in good shape during the Yatra. Note that not all the areas in Amarnath Yatra have good communication facilities, except form Panchtarni to Amarnath Caves. Health certificate is must in the Yatra. We will send you the certificate form once you book the Yatra. This has to be filled up by your doctor. There will be one more health checkup in Srinagar as mentioned in Day 05 8. Yatra Logistics • You will be picked up and dropped off at the 6. Karnali Staff airport – Provide flight details you will be Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. only employs well- trained, provided one reasonable size duffle bag per responsible, and capable staffs that have successfully person for the entire duration of Yatra. This bag led several trips over many years throughout all over will be provided on evening of the arrival day. India, Tibet and Nepal. Each trip is staffed with an Hence each yatri should have one backpack experienced guide who speaks English and Hindi, - Transfer your Yatra baggage into this ensuring a pleasant and smooth journey for the duffle bag and remember the duffle bag group.