Amarnath Temple: Difference between revisions

{{short description|Hindu shrine in Kashmir, India}}

| caption            = Amarnath Cave Temple in Anantnag district (J&K)

| map_type          = India Jammu and Kashmir#India

| country            = {{Ind}}

| state              = {{flagicon image|Government of Jammu and Kashmir.svg}} [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu & Kashmir]]

| district          = [[Anantnag district|Anantnag]]

| festivals          = [[Maha Shivaratri]]

| website            = {{url|www.jksasb.nic.in|Jksasb.nic.in}}

The '''Amarnath Temple''' is a [[Hindu]] shrine located in the [[Pahalgam]] tehsil of the [[Anantnag district]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], India. A cave situated at an altitude of {{convert|3888|m|abbr=on}},<ref name="jktourism"/> about 168&nbsp;km from [[Anantnag|Anantnag city]], the district headquarters, {{convert|141|km|abbr=on}} from [[Srinagar]], the summer capital of [[Jammu and Kashmir (union territory)|Jammu and Kashmir]], reached through either [[Sonamarg]] or [[Pahalgam]]. It is an important shrine of [[Hinduism]].<ref name="thehindu">{{cite news|date=30 May 2005|title=New shrine on Amarnath route|work=[[The Hindu]]|agency=PTI|location=Chennai, India|url=http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/30/stories/2005053009340300.htm|access-date=15 November 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070618193352/http://www.hindu.com/2005/05/30/stories/2005053009340300.htm|archive-date=18 June 2007}}</ref><ref name="BBC2002">{{cite news|title=The pilgrimage to Amarnath|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2176165.stm|access-date=5 May 2012|newspaper=BBC News|date=6 August 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120106180604/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/2176165.stm|archive-date=6 January 2012|url-status=live}}</ref> The cave, located in [[Sind Valley]], is surrounded by glaciers, snowy mountains and is covered with snow most of the year, except for a short period in the summer, when it is open to pilgrims. In 1989, pilgrims numbered between 12,000 and 30,000. In 2011, the numbers reached a peak, crossing 6.3 [[lakh]] (630,000) pilgrims. In 2018 pilgrims numbered 2.85 lakh (285,000). The annual pilgrimage varies between 20 and 60 days.

The Amarnath cave, abode of the ''Mahamaya Shakti Pitha'', is one of the 51 [[Shakti Pitha|Shakti Pithas]], the temples of the [[South Asia|Indian Subcontinent]] that commemorate the location of the fallen body parts of the Hindu deity [[Sati (goddess)|Sati]].<ref>{{Cite web|last=Shankar|first=Ravi|date=26 September 2021|title=Motherlodes of Power: The story of India's 'Shakti Peethas'|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=The New Indian Express|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926061553/https://www.newindianexpress.com/magazine/2021/sep/26/motherlodesof-power-2362905.html |archive-date=26 September 2021 }}</ref>

The [[Shiva lingam|Shiva Lingam]] at the shrine is a [[Swayambhu]] lingam. The lingam is a natural [[stalagmite]] formation inside a {{convert|40|m|abbr=on}} tall cave at an elevation of {{convert|3888|m|abbr=on}} on the  [[Amarnath Peak|Amarnath Mountain]], which has a peak of {{convert|5186|m|ft}}. The stalagmite is formed due to the freezing of water drops that fall from the roof of the cave onto the floor, resulting in an upward growth of an ice formation. Here, the stalagmites considered as the lingam, a physical manifestation of Shiva, form a solid-dome-shape. Two smaller stalagmites are thought to represent [[Parvati]] and [[Ganesha]].{{Sfn|MurukutlaParvezImrozSeshadri|2017|p=9}}

According to the ancient Hindu texts of the [[Mahabharata]] and [[Purana]]s a lingam represents Shiva.<ref name="Britannica">{{Cite encyclopedia| title = lingam| encyclopedia = Encyclopædia Britannica| year = 2010| url = https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/342336/lingam| access-date = 3 February 2017| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150504222257/https://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/342336/lingam| archive-date = 4 May 2015| url-status = live}}</ref> The lingam waxes during May to August, as snow melts in the [[Himalayas]] above the cave, and water seeps into the rocks of the cave; thereafter, the lingam gradually wanes.<ref name="jktourism">{{cite web|title=Amarnathji Yatra - a journey into faith|url=http://www.jktourism.org/cities/kashmir/amarnath/index.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060616001049/http://www.jktourism.org/cities/kashmir/amarnath/index.htm|archive-date=16 June 2006|access-date=15 June 2006|work=Official Web Site of Jammu and Kashmir Tourism}}</ref>{{rs?|date=February 2023}} Religious beliefs hold that the lingam grows and shrinks with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival.<ref>[[Jon Ortner|Ortner, Jon]], [http://www.pdngallery.com/cobrand/nikonnet/ontheroad/jon_ortner/ortner_bio.html "On the road again"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061017185238/http://pdngallery.com/cobrand/nikonnet/ontheroad/jon_ortner/ortner_bio.html |date=17 October 2006 }}. ''PDN Gallery''.</ref>{{rs?|date=February 2023}} Hindus believe this is the place where [[Shiva]] explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, [[Parvati]].<ref>Shantha N. Nair, "The Holy Himalayas", pp.84.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.amarnathyatra.org/legend.htm#top |work = Bhole Bhandari Charitable Trust |title = Amarnath Cave - The legend |access-date = 19 November 2006 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070201234323/http://amarnathyatra.org/legend.htm#top |archive-date = 1 February 2007 |url-status = live }}</ref>

[[Lidder Valley]], where the cave is located, has a number of glaciers.<ref name=":14">{{Cite web|last=Santoshi|first=Neeraj|date=2009-06-04|title=Helicopter sorties changed to prevent melting of Amarnath ice lingam|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/helicopter-sorties-changed-to-prevent-melting-of-amarnath-ice-lingam/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228104240/https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/helicopter-sorties-changed-to-prevent-melting-of-amarnath-ice-lingam/ |archive-date=28 December 2021 }}</ref> In 2009, [[glaciologist]] M. N. Koul, the former head of the geography department at the [[University of Jammu]], has said that while more scientific studies are needed, contributors to change in lingam size could include changes in the water's pathways to the lingum.<ref name=":14"/> The cave is made of limestone and gypsum.<ref name=":15">{{Cite book|last=Chandrasekharam|first=D.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=F7pZfLUoHJIC|title=Myth and Geology|date=2007|publisher=Geological Society of London|isbn=978-1-86239-216-8|editor-last=Piccardi|editor-first=Luigi|pages=32|chapter=Geo-mythology of India|editor2-last=Masse|editor2-first=W. Bruce}}</ref> Heat generated by tourists affects the size of the stalagmite.<ref name=":15"/> Outside temperate changes also affect their size.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2007-07-01|agency=PTI|title=Amarnath Lingam melts away|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/amarnath-lingam-melts-away/story-UnAAexHa5nVr0PxPfKuL5O.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|newspaper=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808125610/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india/amarnath-lingam-melts-away/story-UnAAexHa5nVr0PxPfKuL5O.html |archive-date=8 August 2020 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Wani|first=Ashraf|date=15 July 2016|title=Amarnath's Shivlinga melts in just 13 days this year|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-shivlinga-melts-in-just-13-days-329481-2016-07-15|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211228104240/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-shivlinga-melts-in-just-13-days-329481-2016-07-15 |archive-date=28 December 2021 }}</ref> To minimize artificially induced temperature changes, helicopter trips and helipad sites are regulated.<ref name=":14"/>  There has been talk of artificially extending the life of the stalagmites, this has met with objections.<ref name=":14"/><ref name=":15"/>

The book [[Rajatarangini]] (Book VII v. 183) refers to Krishaanth or Amarnath. It is believed that in the 11th century CE, Queen Suryamati gifted [[trishula]]s, [[banalinga]]s and other sacred emblems to this temple.<ref name="shriamarnathyatra.net">{{cite web |url=http://www.shriamarnathyatra.net/ |title=Amarnath Yatra: In Search of Salvation |publisher=Shriamarnathyatra.net |access-date=2013-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130617091512/http://shriamarnathyatra.net/ |archive-date=17 June 2013 }}</ref> ''Rajavalipataka'', begun by [[Prajna Bhatta]], contains detailed references to the pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave Temple. In addition, there are further references to this pilgrimage in many other ancient texts.

  | url=https://sacredsites.com/asia/india/amarnath_cave.html | title=Amarnath Cave, Kashmir |last=Gray | first=Martin | website=World Pilgrimage Guide | access-date=20 January 2020}}</ref>

 

It is believed that [[Shiva]] left [[Nandi (bull)|Nandi]], the bull, at Pahalgam (Bail Gaon). At Chandanwari, he released the [[Moon]] from his [[hair]] (Jata). On the banks of Lake Sheshnag, he released his [[Indian Cobra|snake]]. At Mahagunas Parvat (Mahaganesh Mountain), he left his son [[Ganesha]]. At Panjtarni, Shiva left behind the [[Classical element|five elements]] - Earth, Water, Air, Fire and Sky. As a symbol of sacrificing the earthly world, Shiva performed the [[Tandava]] Dance. Then, finally, Shiva entered the Amarnath Cave along with [[Parvati]] and both of them manifested into a [[Lingam]] made of ice. Shiva became the [[lingam]] of ice and Parvati became the [[yoni]] of rock.<ref>{{cite web|last=Saraswat|first=Lalit|title=Shiv Shankar's secret of immortality and the Amarnath Cave|date=11 March 2012 |url=http://www.shivshankar.in/shiv-shankars-secret-of-immortality-and-the-amarnath-cave/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120824044146/http://www.shivshankar.in/shiv-shankars-secret-of-immortality-and-the-amarnath-cave/|archive-date=24 August 2012|access-date=6 June 2012|publisher=ShivShankar.in}}</ref>

 

==Yatra (pilgrimage) details and routes ==

 

 

Pilgrims visit the holy site during the 45-day season around the festival of [[Shraavana#Festivals|Shravani Mela]] in July–August, coinciding with the Hindu holy month of [[Shraavana]].<ref name=pilc1/> The ''Amarnath Yatra''  pilgrimage occurs when the [[stalagmite|iced stalagmite]] [[Lingam|Shiva lingam]] reaches the apex of its waxing phase through the summer months.{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=83-84}} The period of July–August is a popular time for the pilgrimage.<ref name=amarn1>[http://www.amarnathyatra.org/yatra.htm "Amarnath Yatra explained"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170706150149/http://www.amarnathyatra.org/yatra.htm |date=6 July 2017 }}, [http://www.amarnathyatra.org/yatra.htm Amarnath Yatra organisation] .</ref><ref name=boston1>[http://archive.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/07/amarnath_journey_to_the_shrine.html "Amarnath: Journey to the shrine of a Hindu god"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170708050954/http://archive.boston.com/bigpicture/2012/07/amarnath_journey_to_the_shrine.html |date=8 July 2017 }}, [http://archive.boston.com Boston.Com] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160329172255/http://archive.boston.com/ |date=29 March 2016 }}, 13 July 20112.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=27 September 2012|title=Hiking through the mountains of Kashmir|url=https://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2012/09/amarnath-yatra|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171008080537/https://www.economist.com/blogs/banyan/2012/09/amarnath-yatra|archive-date=8 October 2017|access-date=8 October 2017|newspaper=The Economist}}</ref> The beginning of the annual pilgrimage is marked by ''pratham [[Puja (Hinduism)|pujan]]'' ({{Translation|first prayer}}).<ref>{{Cite web|last=Ahmad|first=Mukhtar|date=15 June 2011|title=Amarnath yatra's pratham pujan held near Pahalgam|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatras-pratham-pujan-held-near-pahalgam/20110615.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110623170802/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatras-pratham-pujan-held-near-pahalgam/20110615.htm|archive-date=23 June 2011|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Rediff|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Ahmad|first=Mukhtar|date=19 June 2011|title=Amarnath yatra likely to start from June 29|work=Rediff.com|url=https://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatra-likely-to-start-from-june-twenty-nine/20110619.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110622074521/http://www.rediff.com/news/report/amarnath-yatra-likely-to-start-from-june-twenty-nine/20110619.htm|archive-date=22 June 2011}}</ref>

The time frame, during which the pilgrimage remains open, depends on the formation of iced lingam. For example, in 1995 the pilgrimage remained open for 20 days. From 2004 to 2009, it remained open for 60 days. During the following years, it remained open for between 40 and 60 days.{{Sfn|MurukutlaParvezImrozSeshadri|2017|p=28}} In 2019, the Yatra remained open for 46 days from 1 July to 15 August.<ref>{{cite news|date=14 April 2015|title=Amarnath Yatra 2015 to commence on July 2 and finish on August 29|publisher=Bihar Prabha News|url=http://news.biharprabha.com/2015/04/amarnath-yatra-2015-to-commence-on-july-2-and-finish-on-august-29/|url-status=live|access-date=14 April 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150417224854/http://news.biharprabha.com/2015/04/amarnath-yatra-2015-to-commence-on-july-2-and-finish-on-august-29/|archive-date=17 April 2015}}</ref>

===State quotas and mandatory pilgrim pre-registration & e-tracking ===

{{anchor | Registration | Quota | ID | ID card | Tag | Tags | Tracking }}

Pilgrims have to pre-register months in advance and are allotted quotas according to [[list of states of India|state]]. States comprising a majority of the allotment include Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Gujarat, Maharashtra and West Bengal.{{Sfn|MurukutlaParvezImrozSeshadri|2017|p=36-37}} To ensure the health and safety of the pilgrims, such as during the disaster or medical emergency etc., each pilgrim and vehicle is given a unique wearable traceable identification tag which are scanned at the several designated places along the pilgrim route.<ref name=":5"/> Since 2019, pilgrims are given identification cards for the duration of the pilgrimage which are scanned at several locations for tracing the pilgrims.<ref name=":5">{{Cite web|last=Sen|first=Sudhi Ranjan|date=2019-06-15|title=In a first, Amarnath pilgrims to be tagged for a safe trek|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-a-first-amarnath-pilgrims-to-be-tagged-for-a-safe-trek/story-BRWnfgDP4oiubFf4aXyXKM.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190615041521/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/in-a-first-amarnath-pilgrims-to-be-tagged-for-a-safe-trek/story-BRWnfgDP4oiubFf4aXyXKM.html |archive-date=15 June 2019 }}</ref> Similarly, the vehicles are also tracked via the tags, so that the entire pilgrimage can be traced.<ref name=":5"/>{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=84}} the registration fee in 2022, on the "first come, first serve basis", was INR150 per pilgrim.

===Transport and roads ===

{{anchor | Transport }}

Nearest airport is [[Srinagar International Airport]]. Nearest railway stations are on the [[Jammu-Baramulla line]] - [[Srinagar railway station]] for the north pilgrim route through Baltal and [[Anantnag railway station]] for the south route via Pahalgam-Chandanwari. The State Road Transport Corporation and private transport operators provide the regular services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltal. Also privately hired taxis are available from Jammu, Anantnag, Pahalgam, Srinagar, etc.

On the south route via Pahalgam-Chandanwari, the helicopter services from Chandanwari base camp to Panjtarni (6&nbsp;km from the cave) are also available from various private operators.<ref name="nvonews.com"/>

''Chandanwari-Sangam Highway'' as part of [[National Highway 501 (India)|NH501]], including 11&nbsp;km long ''Khanabal-Baltal Tunnel'' (Sheshnag Tunnel) under the Mahaganus Top (Ganesh Top), is the 22&nbsp;km long greenfield section of the national highway on the South Route which will connect the South and North yatra routes via the highway tunnel. In January 2023, [[MoRTH]]'s [[National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited|NHIDCL]] invited RFP submissions by vendors by 20 Feb 2023 for preparation of DPR (detailed project report) which will take 10 months to prepare, subsequently after 2 months long pre-construction preparation the construction will take 5 years, with the target completion date of 31 March 2029 (total 6 years).<ref name=amart1>[https://hindi.news18.com/news/nation/amarnath-yatra-22-km-road-planning-with-tunnel-for-all-weather-connectivity-complete-in-five-years-5240337.html Amarnath Road Project: हर मौसम में अमरनाथ पहुंचना होगा आसान, सुरंग के साथ 22Km लंबा रोड बनाने की योजना.], News18, 18 Jan 2023.</ref>

===2 main routes===

{{anchor | Route | Routes }}

 

 

==== South route - 43 km: Pahalgam-Chandanwari route ====

It begins with a {{convert|43|km}} mountainous trek from the Nunwan and Chandanwari basecamp at [[Pahalgam]] and reaches cave-shrine after night halts at [[Sheshnag Lake]] and [[Panchtarni]] camps.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2016-08-18|title=Amarnath yatra ends, least number of pilgrims in decade|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|agency=PTI|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Amarnath-yatra-ends-least-number-of-pilgrims-in-decade/article14576514.ece|url-access=subscription|access-date=2021-12-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200109081309/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/Amarnath-yatra-ends-least-number-of-pilgrims-in-decade/article14576514.ece|archive-date=9 January 2020|issn=0971-751X}}</ref> The journey from Pahalgam takes about five days.<ref name="nvonews.com"/> It runs from Pahalgam (on Jammu-Srinagar NH) to Chandanwari Basecamp (9,500&nbsp;ft) - 16&nbsp;km, Pissu Top - 3&nbsp;km, Zoji Bal-Naga Koti-Sheshnag (11,730&nbsp;ft) - 9&nbsp;km, Waribal-Mahaguns Yop (Ganesh Top, 14,500&nbsp;ft) - 4.6&nbsp;km, Pabibal-Panchtarni (22,729&nbsp;ft)-Sangam (T-section for North route via Baltal) - 6&nbsp;km, Amarnath cave - 3&nbsp;km. Whole foot track route takes 3 to 5 days one way.

 

The route is motorable up to Chandanwari, which will become motorable up to Sangam after construction of ''NH501 Chandanwari-Baltal Highway'' which includes ''Khanabal-Baltal Tunnel'' (Sheshnag Tunnel) under the ''Mahaganus Top'' (Ganesh Top), see "Transport" section above.<ref name=amart1/> Once completed, all the route will become motorable except the last 3&nbsp;km from Sangam to Amarnath cave.

 

 

 

==== Ancient route: Awantipur-Pissu Top-Sheshnag-Panchtarni====

 

[[Bhrigu]]'s ''Amarnath Mahatmya'' identifies a number of location on the pilgrimage on the way to the Amarnath cave: Shurahyar, Shivpora, Pandrethan, Pampore, Javati, Awantipur, Barsu, Jaubror, Belihar, Wagahama, Chakreshwar (Tsakdar), Hari Chandar, Sthalwat (Thajwor), Suryai Gohwat (Sriguphvara), Lambodari, Sirham, Bodrus, Bala Khelyan, Ganish, Mammaleshwar, Bhrigupati Kshetra, Nila Ganga, Pissu Hill (Pissu Top), Sheshnag, Wavjan, Panchtarni, Amravati.{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=132-134}} On the return journey Mamleshwar and Naudal are crossed.{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=134}} Following the construction of drivable road, alignment of this pilgrimage route has presently changed at some places (which has now become "South route" - see above).{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=134}}

===Organization and facilities===

{{anchor | Facilities | Organisation | Organization }}

Officially, the Yatra is organised by the government in collaboration with the ''Shree Amarnath Shrine Board'' (SASB). Various agencies provide necessary facilities all along the route during the Yatra period, which includes provision of ponies, supply of power, telecommunication facilities, firewood and setting up of fair price shops.<ref name="nvonews.com">{{cite web|last=Handoo|first=Ashok|date=7 June 2011|title=Amarnath Yatra 2011- The Countdown Begins|url=http://nvonews.com/2011/06/07/amarnath-yatra-2011-the-countdown-begins/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130512043642/http://nvonews.com/2011/06/07/amarnath-yatra-2011-the-countdown-begins/|archive-date=12 May 2013|access-date=2013-04-15|publisher=Northern Voices Online}}</ref>

 

En-route the cave, various [[non-governmental organisations]] have set up food supply and resting tents called ''[[pandal]]s'' which are available for free to the pilgrims. Near the shrine, hundreds of tents which are erected by locals can be hired for a night's stay.<ref name="nvonews.com"/>

 

Srinagar Pilgrimage Centre, with capacity to host 3000 ''yatris'', facilitates pilgrims' stay who are travelling for the holy pilgrimage. The state government began its construction in May 2022.<ref name=pilc1>{{Cite web |title=J&K LG takes part in 'Bhoomi Pujan' of Amarnath Yatri Niwas in Srinagar |url=https://daijiworld.com/news/newsDisplay?newsID=954551 |access-date=2022-05-05 |website=daijiworld.com |language=en}}</ref>

 

Every year, thousands of central armed forces and state police personnel are deployed to provide security to pilgrims from potential terror threats. The forces position at various halts and also in the perimeter of the shrine.<ref>{{cite web|date=29 June 2011|title=High security on Amarnath Yatra routes|url=http://ibnlive.in.com/news/high-security-on-amarnath-yatra-routes/163441-3.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110703060827/http://ibnlive.in.com/news/high-security-on-amarnath-yatra-routes/163441-3.html|archive-date=3 July 2011|access-date=2013-04-15|publisher=Ibnlive.in.com}}</ref> This includes CRPF, BSF, ITBP, NDRF/SDRF and state police and traffic police.{{Sfn|MurukutlaParvezImrozSeshadri|2017|p=45-46}}

===Economic impact of yatra===

The yatra is a way of earning revenue for the state government by imposing tax on pilgrims.<ref>{{Cite web|date=18 June 2020|title=Remove entry fee on buses to Vaishno Devi, Amarnath: BJP|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-vaishno-devi-amarnath-bjp/articleshow/6064803.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms|archive-date=16 February 2019|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=27 August 2010|title=No Additional Tax Levied on Vehicles Going to Amarnath and Vaishno Devi|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=65397|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216035134/http://pib.nic.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=65397|archive-date=16 February 2019|access-date=2021-12-27|publisher=Press Information Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Government of India}}</ref> Local [[Bakarwal|Muslim Bakarwal-Gujjars]] also make a living by offering services to the Hindu pilgrims. This source of income has been threatened by the Kashmiri militant groups who have harassed and attacked the yatra numerous times.<ref name=":1"/><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|last=Fazili|first=Ehsan|date=21 July 2001|title=6 pilgrims among 13 killed in 2 blasts. Amarnath Yatra suspended; Shabir blames Hindu extremists|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010722/main1.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120712034536/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2001/20010722/main1.htm|archive-date=12 July 2012|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The Tribune India}}</ref><ref name="oneind1">Vicky Nanjappa (11 July 2017). [http://www.oneindia.com/india/amarnath-yatra-has-been-attacked-thrice-the-past-2491675.html "Amarnath yatra has been attacked thrice in the past"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711041021/http://www.oneindia.com/india/amarnath-yatra-has-been-attacked-thrice-the-past-2491675.html|date=11 July 2017}}, [http://www.oneindia.com One India News] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712042724/http://www.oneindia.com/|date=12 July 2017}}.</ref><ref>{{Cite news|date=2017-07-11|title=Amarnath yatra: Terrorists were directed to eliminate 100 to 150 pilgrims, says intelligence report|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amarnath-yatra-attack-follow-up/article19256586.ece|access-date=2021-12-27|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref name="ind1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite news |date=April 2003|volume=2 |issue=11 |title=Chronology of Major Killings in Jammu and Kashmir|url=http://www.kashmirherald.com/apr2003/jkmassacres.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170806192943/http://www.kashmirherald.com/apr2003/jkmassacres.html|archive-date=6 August 2017|newspaper=Kashmir Herald}}</ref>

=== Annual number of pilgrims  ===

{{anchor | Number | Number of pilgrims | Pilgrim numbers | Demography }}

The number of annual pilgrims having generally rising consistently from between 12,000<ref name=":13">{{Cite journal|last=Navlakha|first=Gautam|date=2006|title=Pilgrim's Progress Causes Regression|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=41|issue=27/28|pages=2975–2977|jstor=4418427|issn=0012-9976}}</ref>{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=42}}-20,000<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Roy|first=Arundhati|date=1 Sep 2008|title=Azadi|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QDEEAAAAMBAJ |magazine=Outlook Magazine|page=15}}</ref>-30,000 in 1989,<ref>{{Cite book|last1=Mehta|first1=Deepak|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8BpFDwAAQBAJ&dq=number+of+pilgrims+to+amarnath&pg=PT111|title=Violence and the Quest for Justice in South Asia|last2=Roy|first2=Rahul|date=2018-01-01|publisher=SAGE Publishing India|isbn=978-93-5280-654-6|language=en}}</ref> to over 400,000 in 2007,{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=42}}<ref name=":7">{{Cite news|last=Rohde|first=David|date=2002-08-05|title=Braving Nature and Militants, Hindus Trek for a Peek at a God's Icy Symbol|language=en-US|work=The New York Times|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2002/08/05/world/braving-nature-and-militants-hindus-trek-for-a-peek-at-a-god-s-icy-symbol.html|url-access=limited|access-date=2021-12-28|issn=0362-4331}}</ref> 634,000 in 2011,<ref>{{cite web|date=12 August 2011|title=Amarnath yatra: Record 6.34 lakh visit shrine|url=http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/amarnath-yatra-record-6-34-lakh-visit-shrine_725854.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120309175611/http://zeenews.india.com/news/nation/amarnath-yatra-record-6-34-lakh-visit-shrine_725854.html|archive-date=9 March 2012|access-date=2013-04-15|publisher=Zee News}}</ref> 622,000 in 2012,<ref name=":8"/> 350,000 in 2013,<ref name=":8">{{Cite news|date=18 August 2016|title=Amarnath yatra ends today, least number of pilgrims in decade|work=The Economic Times|agency=PTI|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amarnath-yatra-ends-today-least-number-of-pilgrims-in-decade/articleshow/53756858.cms?from=mdr|access-date=2021-12-28}}</ref> 285,006 in 2018.<ref name=":6">{{Cite web|last=Hussain|first=Ashiq|date=2018-08-26|title=Amarnath Yatra ends with a three-year high of 2.85 lakh pilgrims|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-ends-with-a-three-year-high-of-2-85-pilgrims/story-15ZugEnAVC93knAfREa7IN.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=Hindustan Times|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180826192448/https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/amarnath-yatra-ends-with-a-three-year-high-of-2-85-pilgrims/story-15ZugEnAVC93knAfREa7IN.html |archive-date=26 August 2018 }}</ref>

|<ref>{{Cite web|date=21 June 2021|title=Amarnath Yatra cancelled for second year in a row due to Covid-19|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amarnath-yatra-cancelled-for-second-year-in-a-row-due-to-covid-19/articleshow/83716327.cms|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|website=The Times of India|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210621123211/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/amarnath-yatra-cancelled-for-second-year-in-a-row-due-to-covid-19/articleshow/83716327.cms |archive-date=21 June 2021 }}</ref>

|381,000

|<ref name=":8"/>

|<ref name=":9">{{Cite report |title=Annual Report 2003-04|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_03_04.pdf|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210729101902/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_03_04.pdf|archive-date=29 July 2021|website=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|page=32}}</ref>

|533,000

|<ref name=":8"/>

|342,883

|<ref>{{Cite web|title=Annual Report 2019-20|url=https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_19_20.pdf|url-status=live|publisher=Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India|page=280|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210420094335/https://www.mha.gov.in/sites/default/files/AnnualReport_19_20.pdf |archive-date=20 April 2021 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine |date=9 July 2019|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Over 1 lakh pilgrims perform Amarnath Yatra in 8 days|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-day-8-1565007-2019-07-09|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|magazine=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190709083903/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-day-8-1565007-2019-07-09 |archive-date=9 July 2019 }}</ref>

|{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=137}}<ref name=":8"/>

|285,006

|<ref name=":6"/><ref name=":10">{{Cite magazine |date=23 July 2019|agency=Press Trust of India|title=Amarnath yatra crosses last year's figure of 2.85 lakh pilgrims|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-crosses-last-year-s-figure-of-2-85-lakh-pilgrims-1572634-2019-07-23|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-28|magazine=India Today|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201108003410/https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/amarnath-yatra-crosses-last-year-s-figure-of-2-85-lakh-pilgrims-1572634-2019-07-23 |archive-date=8 November 2020 }}</ref>

|260,003

|<ref name=":10"/>

|388,000

|<ref name=":11"/>

|220,490

|<ref name=":10"/>

|400,000

|<ref name=":11"/>

|<ref name=":12"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Baweja|first=Harinder|date=31 August 1994|title=Further setbacks in Kashmir as militants ban Amarnath yatra, removal of bunkers in Hazratbal|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190803215732/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19940831-further-setbacks-in-kashmir-as-militants-ban-amarnath-yatra-removal-of-bunkers-in-hazratbal-809582-1994-08-31|archive-date=3 August 2019|access-date=2018-08-04|publisher=India Today}}</ref>

|352,771

|<ref name=":10"/>

|153,314

|<ref name=":9"/>

|<ref name=":12"/>

|372,000

|110,793

|<ref name=":9"/>

|<ref name=":12"/>

|353,000

|<ref name=":8"/>

|119,037

|<ref name=":9"/>

|{{Sfn|Reader|2013|p=42}}<ref name=":7"/>

|622,000

|<ref name=":8"/>

|173,334

|<ref name=":9"/>

|634,000

|<ref name=":8"/>

|114,366

|<ref name=":9"/>

|455,000

|<ref name=":8"/>

|149,920

|<ref name=":9"/>

[[Sir Walter Roper Lawrence]] in ''[[The Valley of Kashmir]]'' (1895) writes that the difficulty of pilgrimage route affected the weak and sick, with many also falling victims to [[cholera]].{{Sfn|Lawrence|1895|p=298-299}} In 1928, over 500 pilgrims and mules died on the way to the cave.{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=136}} In 1969 a cloudburst resulted in the death of 40 pilgrims.{{Sfn|Warikoo|2009|p=136}} The [[1996 Amarnath Yatra tragedy]] involved the death of 243 pilgrims due to exhaustion and exposure.<ref>{{Cite web|last1=Chakravarty|first1=Sayantan|last2=Baweja|first2=Harinder|date=15 September 1996|title=Freak weather conditions during Amarnath yatra claim 200 lives|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19960915-freak-weather-conditions-during-amarnath-yatra-claim-200-lives-834427-1996-09-15|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|website=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200909103040/https://www.indiatoday.in/magazine/nation/story/19960915-freak-weather-conditions-during-amarnath-yatra-claim-200-lives-834427-1996-09-15 |archive-date=9 September 2020 }}</ref><ref name=":13"/> In July 2012, 12 pilgrims were killed in a road accident. The pilgrims were part of a team who had set up a community kitchen at the pilgrimage.<ref>{{Cite news |date=27 July 2012|agency=PTI|title=16 Amarnath Yatra pilgrims killed in road accident|url=https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/16-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-killed-in-road-accident-494361|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|work=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170721081754/http://www.ndtv.com:80/india-news/16-amarnath-yatra-pilgrims-killed-in-road-accident-494361 |archive-date=21 July 2017 }}</ref> Three people were killed and more injured due to a [[cloudburst]] at [[Baltal, Jammu and Kashmir|Baltal]] in 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Akhzer|first=Adil|date=2015-07-26|title=Amarnath: 3 killed, 11 injured as cloudburst hits yatra base camp in Baltal|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/2-minors-killed-as-cloudburst-hits-amarnath-yatra-base-camp/|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|website=The Indian Express|language=en|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150726133848/http://indianexpress.com:80/article/india/india-others/2-minors-killed-as-cloudburst-hits-amarnath-yatra-base-camp/ |archive-date=26 July 2015 }}</ref> Of the 622,000 yatra pilgrims in 2012, 130 died during the yatra. The major cause was attributed to people who were not physically fit for the arduous climb, high elevations, and adverse weather undertook the yatra. Some also died in road accidents before reaching the base camp from where the yatra starts. Of the 130 deaths, 88 were due to purported health reasons and 42 in road accidents.<ref>{{Cite news|date=2 August 2012|title=Amarnath yatra ends, Charri Mubarak reaches shrine|work=The Economic Times|agency=PTI|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/politics-and-nation/amarnath-yatra-ends-charri-mubarak-reaches-shrine/articleshow/15327136.cms|access-date=2021-12-27}}</ref> On 16 July 2017, 18 pilgrims died and many were seriously injured after a [[Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation|JKSRTC]] bus, which was plying from [[Jammu|Jammu city]] to [[Pahalgam]] as part of Amarnath Yatra Convoy, fell into a 150-ft deep gorge near [[Nachlana]] area of [[Jammu division|Jammu]]'s [[Ramban district]] around 1:45 P.M. 16 pilgrims had died on the spot, while 2 succumbed later to their injuries.<ref>{{Cite web |title=16 Amarnath yatris killed as bus falls into 150-foot gorge |url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2017/jul/16/16-amarnath-yatris-killed-as-bus-falls-into-150-foot-gorge-1629484.html |access-date=2022-07-10 |website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> This accident happened less than a week after a deadly terrorist attack on a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims from [[Gujarat]].

On 8 July 2022, at around 5:30 pm, [[flash floods]] due to localised [[cloudburst]] near the holy cave shrine washed away scores of pilgrims. According to reports, at least fifteen pilgrims died in the [[2022 Amarnath floods|incident]]. Jammu and Kashmir lieutenant-governor Manoj Sinha announced compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the 15 pilgrims who died in the flash floods.{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}

On 2 August 2000, militants attacked the Nunwan base camp in [[Pahalgam]]. 32 people, including 21 unarmed Hindu pilgrims, 7 unarmed Muslim civilians and 3 security force officers, in a two hour long indiscriminate shoot, were killed.<ref name=oneind1/><ref>{{Cite web|date=4 August 2000|title=Amarnath pilgrimage resumes|url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/866133.stm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824225051/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/866133.stm|archive-date=24 August 2017|access-date=2021-12-27|website=BBC News}}</ref> Among the dead were mostly pilgrims or porters and horsemen who were ferrying pilgrims.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web|date=3 August 2000|title=Night of massacres leaves 105 dead in valley. Army out in Jammu. Central team in Srinagar|url=https://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000803/main1.htm#1|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170714051835/http://www.tribuneindia.com/2000/20000803/main1.htm#1|archive-date=14 July 2017|access-date=2021-12-27|publisher=The Tribune India}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=MacKinnon|first=Ian|date=2 August 2000|title=Muslim militants kill 21 Hindu pilgrims in Kashmir|work=[[The Independent]]|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/muslim-militants-kill-21-hindu-pilgrims-in-kashmir-5370347.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925184434/http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/muslim-militants-kill-21-hindu-pilgrims-in-kashmir-711394.html|archive-date=25 September 2015}}</ref> This attack was part of the larger [[2000 Amarnath pilgrimage massacre|1-2 August 2000 Kashmir massacre]] in 5 separate coordinated terrorist attacks that killed at least 89 (official count) to 105 people (as reported by [[Press Trust of India|PTI]]), and injured at least 62 more.<ref name=oneind1/><ref name=":4"/> Then Indian Prime Minister [[Atal Bihari Vajpayee]] blamed [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]] for the killings.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.indianembassy.org/new/killings_jk_august_03_2000.htm |title=Prime Minister Vajpayee's statement in Parliament regarding the recent massacre in Jammu & Kashmir |publisher=Indianembassy.org |access-date=2013-04-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070804025219/http://www.indianembassy.org/new/killings_jk_august_03_2000.htm |archive-date=4 August 2007 }}</ref>

On 20 July 2001, a terrorist threw a grenade on a pilgrim night camp at Sheshnag near the Amarnath shrine in which at least 13 persons, including 3 women, were killed in two explosions and firing by militants, 2 were security officials and 3 of the killed person were Muslim civilians.<ref name="ind1">{{Cite web|date=10 July 2017|title=Amarnath terror attack survivor narrates tale of punctured bus tyre and terror strike|url=http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170712002443/http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/amarnath-yatra-terrorist-attack-kashmir-tyre-puncture/1/999075.html|archive-date=12 July 2017|access-date=12 July 2017|publisher=India Today}}</ref><ref name=":2"/> 15 other were also injured in the attack.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2017-07-11|title=Amarnath Yatra devotees have faced repeated terror attacks: Here's the blood-soaked history of pilgrimage|url=https://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170711065834/http://www.firstpost.com/india/amarnath-yatra-devotees-have-faced-repeated-terror-attacks-heres-the-blood-soaked-history-of-pilgrimage-3799091.html|archive-date=11 July 2017|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Firstpost}}</ref>

On 30 July and 6 August 2002, in two separate incidents terrorists from al-Mansuriyan, a front group of the [[Lashkar-e-Taiba]], massacred 2 and 9 pilgrims and injured 3 and 27 people in Srinagar and near Nunwan pilgrimage base camp respectively.<ref name=oneind1/><ref name=":3"/>

On 26 May 2008, the [[Government of India]] and the [[state government]] of [[Jammu and Kashmir (state)|Jammu and Kashmir]] reached an agreement to transfer {{convert|100|acre|km2}} of forest land to the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB)<ref>{{Cite magazine |date=28 June 2008|agency=Indo-Asian News Service|title=SASB CEO replaced over Amarnath land row|url=https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/sasb-ceo-replaced-over-amarnath-land-row-26749-2008-06-28|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-27|magazine=India Today|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210518214319/https://www.indiatoday.in/latest-headlines/story/sasb-ceo-replaced-over-amarnath-land-row-26749-2008-06-28 |archive-date=18 May 2021 }}</ref> to set up temporary shelters and facilities for Hindu pilgrims. Kashmiri separatists opposed the move citing reasons that it will jeopardize the article 370 that gives separate identity to the people of Jammu and Kashmir and prevents any Indian citizen to settle in Kashmir. People in Kashmir staged widespread protests against this decision by government of India.<ref>{{cite web|last=Raghavan|first=B S|date=7 August 2008|title=Jammu is not for burning|url=http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/07guest.htm|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080813125304/http://specials.rediff.com/news/2008/aug/07guest.htm|archive-date=13 August 2008|access-date=2013-04-15|work=Rediff.com}}</ref> Due to the protests, the J&K State government relented and reversed the decision to transfer land. As a result, Hindus in the Jammu region launched counter-agitations against this roll back.<ref>{{cite web|date=4 August 2008|title=Economic blockade affects life in Kashmir|url=https://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/economic-blockade-affects-life-in-kashmir-35297|url-status=live|access-date=2013-04-15|publisher=NDTV|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170902210035/http://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/economic-blockade-affects-life-in-kashmir-35297 |archive-date=2 September 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=Bamzai|first=Sandeep|date=6 August 2016|title=Kashmir: No algorithm for Azadi|url=https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speak/kashmir-no-algorithm-for-azadi/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160810045102/https://www.orfonline.org/expert-speaks/kashmir-no-algorithm-for-azadi/|archive-date=10 August 2016|access-date=2021-12-27|website=ORF|language=en-US}}</ref>

Environmentalists have expressed concern that the number of people participating in the Amarnath Yatra is having a negative impact on the area's ecology and some have expressed support for government regulated limits on the number of pilgrims permitted to make the trek.<ref>{{cite web|last=Byerly|first=Rebecca|date=12 March 2012|title=Massive Hindu Pilgrimage Melting Sacred Glacier|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/culture/article/120312-hindu-pilgrimage-stresses-fragile-himalaya-environment|url-access=subscription|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120317144327/http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2012/03/120312-hindu-pilgrimage-stresses-fragile-himalaya-environment/|archive-date=17 March 2012|access-date=2013-04-15|work=National Geographic News}}</ref> However no studies have been made nor has an environmental impact assessment done. As of date, the Government of India restricts travellers only on the basis on logistics, time window for the yatra and weather.

The [[Government of Jammu and Kashmir]] had in 2010 issued a notification under the State Motor Vehicle Taxation Act 1957, under which vehicles going to Amarnath Yatra will have to pay a tax of {{INR}} 2,000 for seven days and {{INR}} 2,000 per day after that. Similar provisions were made for pilgrims going to Sri Mata Vaishno Devi under which they need to pay {{INR}} 2000 for a period of three days. India's central political party the [[Bharatiya Janata Party]] expressed its ire over imposition of entry fee and accused the then UPA led central government to direct the Jammu and Kashmir dispensation to desist from making attempts to "discriminate" between followers of various religions. BJP criticized the decision "as a reminiscent of Jizya imposed during Mughal period on Hindus," In response to the question in [[Lok Sabha]] (Lower house of the Indian Parliament) then Minister of State for Finance, [[S. S. Palanimanickam]] clarified that tax is levied on all India Tourist Vehicles entering the state and is therefore not correct to say that Government of Jammu & Kashmir is levying any additional tax on vehicles going to Amarnath and [[Vaishno Devi]]. He also said that Taxation of Motor vehicles falls under the purview of State Governments as per the seventh schedule of Constitution of India and Central Government cannot direct the State Government to change the tax rate on vehicles.<ref>{{Cite news |date=18 June 2010|agency=PTI|title=Remove entry fee on buses to Vaishno Devi, Amarnath: BJP|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-vaishno-devi-amarnath-bjp/articleshow/6064803.cms|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190216172418/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Remove-entry-fee-on-buses-to-Vaishno-Devi-Amarnath-BJP/articleshow/6064803.cms|archive-date=16 February 2019|access-date=2021-12-27|newspaper=The Times of India}}</ref><ref name=":0"/>

File:Tent near Amarnath Cave.JPG|Tents are available to hire for a small fee near the base of the imposing Amarnath Cave as visible in the background.

'''Bibliography'''

* {{Cite book|title=[[Notes of Some Wanderings with the Swami Vivekananda]]|publisher=Udbodhan, Calcutta|year=1913|editor-last=Swami Saradananda|ref={{sfnref|Sister Nivedita, Notes of Some Wanderings with the Swami Vivekananda|1913}}|author=[[Sister Nivedita]]}}

'''Pilgrim health'''

* {{Cite journal|last=Navlakha|first=Gautam|date=2006|title=Pilgrim's Progress Causes Regression|journal=Economic and Political Weekly|volume=41|issue=27/28|pages=2975–2977|jstor=4418427|issn=0012-9976}}  

* {{Cite journal|last1=Salaria|first1=Amit Kumar|last2=Kumar|first2=Vishal|last3=Kumar|first3=Prasoon|last4=Dogra|first4=Ekta|date=2018|title=Epidemiology of Orthopaedic Morbidities in Pilgrims of Shri Amarnath Yatra|url=https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2018&volume=12&issue=11&page=RC01&issn=0973-709x&id=12213|journal=Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research|doi=10.7860/JCDR/2018/37236.12213|doi-access=free}}

'''Environment'''

*  {{Cite news |last=Shah|first=Umar Manzoor|date=13 June 2019|title=Ecological harm from Hindu glacier pilgrimage|url=https://www.ucanews.com/news/ecological-harm-from-hindu-glacier-pilgrimage/85389 |access-date=2021-12-27|work=[[Union of Catholic Asian News]]}}  

* {{Cite news |date=19 June 2019|title=CRPF to launch 'save environment' campaign during Amarnath Yatra|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/jammu/crpf-to-launch-save-environment-campaign-during-amarnath-yatra/articleshow/69854849.cms |access-date=2021-12-27|newspaper=The Times of India}}  

* {{Cite news |date=2009-02-26|title=Environmental issues during Amarnath Yatra to be addressed|url=https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/environmental-issues-during-amarnath-yatra-to-be-addressed/|access-date=2021-12-27|newspaper=The Indian Express|language=en}}  

* {{Cite web|date=14 March 2015|title=Pilgrims welcome but pollution is a worry|url=https://www.greaterkashmir.com/more/pilgrims-welcome-but-pollution-is-a-worry|access-date=2021-12-27|website=Greater Kashmir}}