SHREE AMARNATH YATRA 2018

SHREE AMARNATH YATRA2018

The Holy Amarnath Cave of Kashmir is amongst the most holy shrines in Sanatan Dharma. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the cave shrine is located in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir at elevation of above

12,000 feet. The Amarnath Cave shrine is claimed to have a history of over 5,000 years, and its legends are part of the Hindu Puranic Tradition.

Inside the main Amarnath Cave is found the Amarnath Ice Lingam of Lord Shiva. This naturally formed Ice Linga grows in size during the months of May through August. During this time, pious people come from around the world for the annual pilgrimage and festival of the Amarnath Linga. The Amarnath Lingam is said to grow and shrink with the phases of the moon, reaching its height during the summer festival.

According to Hindu mythology, this is the cave where Lord Shiva explained the secret of life and eternity to his divine consort, Mother Parvati. Within the cave are also two other ice formations

that represent Mother Parvati and Lord Ganesha.

This is a popular pilgrimage destination for Hindus - about 400,000 people visit during the 45- day season coinciding with the Hindu holy month of Shravan. Devotees generally take the pilgrimage on foot from the town of Pahalgam, and cover the journey in four to five days.

There are two alternate routes to the Amarnath Cave Shrine, the longer and more traditional path from Srinagar, and the shorter route from the town of Baltal. For devotees who are unable to make the pilgrimage on foot, horses and travel assistance are available. Arrangements to ease the journey for the elderly and infirm are available along the pilgrimage route, provided by charitable organizations.

Since Karnali Excursions was one of the first tour agencies in Nepal/India to offer pilgrimages to Amarnath since long time, we have developed a strong, well-organized and spiritually fulfilling experience for those who join us for this holy Yatra.

II Aum Namah Shivaya II

Shree Amarnath YatraJourney to Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram

SHREE AMARNATH YATRA

Day 1 (27th June 2018): Arrival to Delhi and transfer to hotel Dinner and Breakfast is included. Hotel Jaypee Sidhartha place or similar one in New Delhi.Day 2 (28th June 2018): Fly to Jammu and Drive to Katra. Rest and free day. Overnight at K.C. Residency KatraDay 3 (29th June 2018): Vaishnodevi darshan, Katra is the base camp of Mata Vaishnodevi. Vaishnodevi is 14 km uphill trek/doli/horse from Katra.Day 4 (30th June 2018): Shivkhori, Drive to Shivkhori and back to Katra. K.C. Residency Katra or simlarEarly morning drive 80 km to Ransoo. From Ransooit is 4kmr Trek to visit Shiv Khori Gufa.Day 5 (1st July 2018): Fly to Srinagar, Medical certificate day in Srinagar and sightseeing if time permits. Overnight in Hotel Grand Mahal or similar.

Day 6 (2nd July 2018): Morning Sightseeing in Srinagar and Drive to Sonmarg. Overnight in Thajwass Hotel or Similar.Day 7 (3rd July 2018): Drive to Baltal and fly to Panchatarni, 6 km uphill trek to Shree Amarnathji Gufa, overnight below Gufa in tented camp or if possible back to Panjatarni.Day 8 (4th July 2018): Trek downhill to Panchtarni and fly back to Baltal. 3 hours scenic drive to Srinagar, free day. Overnight at Mahjong Houseboats or similarDay 09 (5th July 2018): Fly from Srinagar to Delhi transfer to Hotel Jaypee Sidhartha place or similar New Delhi.Day 10 (6th July 2018): Trip concludes. Return to home

ITINERARYArrival in Delhi: 27th June 2018

Trip concludes: 6th July 2018

Shree Amarnath YatraJourney to Satyam, Shivam and Sundaram

2018

SHREE AMARNATH YATRA2018

• Return economy class Delhi, Jammu & Srinagar- Delhi flight

• Airport transfers and sightseeing by Coach as per tour program in India

• Tour leader with high altitude trained supporting crew from Nepal

• Accommodation with twin sharing bed

• Helicopter ride Baltal-Panchtarni-Baltal

• All present applicable taxes.

• All the meals

• Visa Fee for India

• Expenses of personal nature such as tips, telephone calls, laundry, liquor etc.

• Any other item not specified in ‘Cost Includes’.

• Porter, Ponies or Doli’s charge during trekking

• Medical checkup charge

• Expenses caused by factors beyond our control like rail and flight delays, roadblocks, vehicle mal-functions, flight cancellations, political disturbances etc.

THE COST INCLUDES: THE COST DOES NOT INCLUDE:

1. Flight Details Please send us your flight details as soon as you book 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 up at Delhi. Please look for Karnali Excursions sign board as you come out from the Airport.

2. Passport, India Visa Related• USA and UK passport holders require Visa in

India– Get this at home contacting nearest Indian embassy or consulate Indian Passport holders or OCI card holder do not require Visa in India.

• You must be in possession of a current passport with at least 6 months of validity remaining beyond Feb 2018.

3. Remaining Balance, Currency Related

• The remaining balance to be paid in USDcash only.

• Karnali Excursions unfortunately cannot accept any personal cheques.

• Additional Funds: Please plan to bring approximately USD 600 OR GBP 400per person for your personal use during Yatra (to hire a horse, Doli and porter duringYatra, phone calls, mineral bottle water, to buy souvenirs etc.)

General Information

The cost: USD 2149/person For the entire journeySingle Supplement cost: USD 299

SHREE AMARNATH YATRA 2018

WHAT SHOULD YOU CARRY? NOTE, THIS IS JUST A GUIDELINE, ADJUST AS PER YOUR PERSONAL NEEDS:-

Thermals - 3 sets (legging and vests) very important

Shirts/T-shirts and trek pants or loose pants – water 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 daily clothing for Parikrama days

2-3 largegarbage bags to protect clothes from rain& dust. Place this in provided duffle bags

Sunglass (100% UV PROTECTION) with retainer thread/ chain) - very important

LED Head lamp (battery operated) and/or Torch light 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 RelatedAlthough 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 YATRA2018

Medical facilities are available throughout the journey.Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. will provide a first aid medical kit and equipment for treating high altitude sickness,

Remember to exercise and/or hike regularly. Form a habit of drinking at least three (preferably 5) liters of water every day. This habit will be extremely helpful 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

6. Karnali StaffKarnali Excursions (P) Ltd. only employs well- trained, responsible, and capable staffs that have successfully led several trips over many years throughout all over India, Tibet and Nepal. Each trip is staffed with an experienced guide who speaks English and Hindi, ensuring a pleasant and smooth journey for the group. Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. is committed to providing the best and most reliable service for each group for this: The Journey of a Lifetime!

7. Risk and LiabilityKarnali Excursions (P) Ltd will make every effort to ensure that your journey is smooth and as pleasant as possible. However, please be reminded that all programs in India are strictly conducted under the rules and regulations of the Indian Government. Therefore, neither Karnali Excursions (P) Ltd. nor its Indian Agent

shall be responsible for any changes in the itinerary due to unavoidable circumstances, including, but not limited to: Government restrictions, landslides, road blockages, flooding, snowfall, political disturbances, flight cancellations, illnesses or accidents. Any additional costs that are a result of such circumstances will have to be taken care of by the yatri.

8. Yatra Logistics• You will be picked up and dropped off at the

airport – Provide flight details you will be provided one reasonable size duffle bag per person for the entire duration of Yatra. This bag will be provided on evening of the arrival day. Hence each yatri should have one backpack

- Transfer your Yatra baggage into this duffle bag and remember the duffle bag number

- Your normal baggage will be stored at the hotel in Delhi until you return from Yatra

• Ensure to keep some snack and minimal supplies along with you for personal use in your backpack as Your duffle bag will travel separately along with the support truck

• Please bear in mind bring the adaptor for 220-240 volts for charging any electrical devices

• WIFI and internet connection is available in Delhi, Jammu and Srinagar Local Simcard could be bought in Delhi airport. You are welcome to use home based cell phone. Please make sure that India is in roaming coverage area.

Get some hiking practice…

Develop a habit of drinking water…

Stay mentally and physically healthy and see you all very soon in Himalayas…Journey of a Lifetime!

With warm RegardsKarnali Excursions Team

SHREE AMARNATH YATRA 2018

Savi Meghani (UK)Home: +44 20 88667984

Mobile: +44 7435217216Email: savi_meghani@hotmail.co.uk

Vanita Hirani (UK)Home: +44 20 89910692

(Mon-Fri, call after 4:30 PM)

Mobile: +44 7941992907E-mail: vanitahirani@hotmail.com

NEPAL HEAD QUARTER Hira Dhamala

Home: +977 1 4233192/4233087 Mob: +977 9851035496

E-mail: karaliexcursions@gmail.com Web: www.karnaliexcursions.com

www.kailashtrekking.com

Harish Patel (USA)Home: +1-734-741-8824

Mobile: +1-734-945-6179 E-mail: harishdp@comcast.net

Ramesh Natarajan (Canada)Mob: +1-416-300-2460

Sridevi Gayathri Ramesh(Canada) Mob: +1 647-273-2100

E-mail: grdiyers.karnali@gmail.com

NORTH AMERICA Sarla Dave (USA)4440 E Hardford Avenue

Phoenix AZ 85032

Tel: +1 7088 956439

Mob: +17086 897848

WORLD-WIDE CONTACT DETAILS OF KARNALI EXCURSIONS