Best Time to Visit Amarnath - Temperatue, Weather and Climate

Whether you are a spiritual traveler or an adventure seeker, if you plan to go to Amarnath, you must know the best time to visit Amarnath. Due to its high altitude, the Amarnath Cave Temple remains open to the public only for a specific time of the year. For the rest of the time, it remains closed. 

Just mentioning the word Amarnath can trigger different emotions in different people. While most people may immediately think of the sacred Amarnath cave temple, one of the most holy places popular pilgrhttps://www.clubmahindra.com/blog/images in India. Others may think of the pristine Himalayan landscapes. 

The Amarnath Yatra or the Amarnath Pilgrimage usually begins on the auspicious date of Skandshashti as per the Hindu calendar in July and ends during Shravan Purnima in August. So, the best time to visit Amarnath Yatra is between June and August. 

Before we delve into the Amarnath Yatra's best time, let us know more about Amarnath. 

Nestled in the laps of the mighty and pristine Himalayan Mountain ranges in Kashmir, Amarnath is not any ordinary place to visit. But it is one of the most sacred places in India that transcends seasons and time. Spiritual travelers and ardent devotees of Lord Shiva from all over the world come to Amarnath every year to bow their heads to the great lord and seek his blessings. 

The main attraction in Amarnath is the popular and holy Amarnath Cave temple, which is located at an altitude of about 3900 metres above sea level. This sacred cave holds great religious and emotional significance to the Hindus all over the world. The cave is devoted to Lord Shiva and the passage through the cave is called Amarnath Yatra. The pilgrimage takes place only once in a year during the summer months when the cave becomes physically accessible due to the melting snow. 

The cave temple is located in a remote location and reaching it can be challenging. The journey to the temple is arduous yet every year millions of devotees come here and complete the difficult journey with unwavering faith. Unlike other temples, in the Amarnath cave temple there is no idol of the lord. Instead, people worship the Ice lingam, which is believed to be formed by itself. 

Just as mysterious is the formation of the Shiv Linga at the temple, it also has a fascinating mythological association. According to Hindu legends, Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of immortality to his consort, Goddess Parvati, at the Amarnath Cave. Many people believe visiting this temple would wash away all their sins. 

Visiting Amarnath during summer (From May to June)

As spring arrives and the sun starts to shine bright over the horizon in Amarnath, the landscape in the region undergoes a significant change. The heavy snow cover starts to melt, and it marks the beginning of the annual pilgrimage season, which attracts millions of devotees and enthusiastic travellers. 

If you are planning to go on a spiritual journey, the best time to visit Amarnath 2024 is between June and August, as the yatra commences on 29th June and concludes on 19th August. The weather in Amarnath during the summer is cool but pleasant. The average temperature here during this time of year does not go beyond 25 degrees Celsius during the day. The nights tend to get even cooler. 

Much before the pilgrims arrive, the local authorities clear the snow from the route leading up to the cave temple to help the devotees have a smooth journey to the top. Remember, the pilgrimage season is the peak season in Amarnath and thousands of devotees come here. So, you should get your stay bookings done in advance to avoid last-minute hustle. 

Visiting Amarnath during monsoon (From July to September)

The rains in Amarnath can be very unpredictable. Although it generally starts to rain by mid-July or August, even with light shows, the temperature here starts dropping drastically. But this is also the only time of the year when the holy pilgrimage to Lord Shiva's abode at the Amarnath cave temple is possible. If you are planning to go on a spiritual journey and seek the blessing of the lord, it is advisable that you come well-prepared to deal with the weather in the region. 

Make sure to carry raincoats that could protect you from both rain and cold. Most importantly, wear a pair of good quality boots that has good grip. Since you have to trek up the mountain, the land can get slippery due to rain. While the journey to the top may be challenging, as you climb up, you can enjoy the most gorgeous landscape you may have seen anywhere in India. 

The showers paint the entire region in a million shades of green, turning the region into a paradise. The greenery you see around is a cynosure to the eye, and make your journey to the top better. So, monsoon season is the best time for the Amarnath Yatra. 

Travelling to Amarnath during winter (October to April)

If you do an online search for Amarnath best time to visit, you would know none of the results you get would recommend going to Amarnath during the winter season. Winter is the longest season in Amarnath, and for most of the year, the entire region is covered under a thick blanket of snow. 

During this time of the year, the weather is extremely chilly. The temperature tends to drop up to -7 degrees Celsius and sometimes even below that. Also, during this time of the year, the region receives heavy snowfall, and all the routes leading up to the cave are blocked. 

However, if you love snow, and want to go on a fun holiday to the mountain and enjoy adventurous activities like skiing or snowboard then you would love visiting Amarnath during this time. Also, the mountains get covered in snow and fog, and everywhere you see, you would see a sea of white snow, which is a sight to behold and an experience of a lifetime. 

Now that you know the best time to visit Amarnath, here are some important tips to remember if you are planning to go on the Amarnath cave temple yatra in 2024:

• Since the temple is at a high altitude, you may feel cold as you climb higher and higher, especially if you are not used to living in cold conditions and come from a city. So, make sure to carry warm clothes with you while you trek up to the temple. 

• Wear good quality boots made of tough rubber. It should have a good grip to help you tread over water and snow. 

• You don't get a mobile network here, especially near the cave area. Only BSNL network is available at the base camp. Also, there are no phone booth facilities here. So, carry a roaming-enabled BSNL SIM card from your hometown. 

• Photography is strictly prohibited near the caves. Also, littering is not allowed in the region. So, please abide by the guidelines and keep the surroundings clean. 

• Avoid going on the spiritual yatra with family if you have a young child aged below 12 years or old-aged parents aged more than 70 years. The terrain here can be tough and also the weather may not be conducive for them. 

In spite of all the challenges, going to the Amarnath caves is one of the best life experiences and if you complete the journey, you can boast about it for the rest of your life. Also, seeking the divine blessings and seeing the stunning landscape will remain etched in your mind forever!