Amarnath darshan becomes easier with helicopter access for pilgrims

Srinagar, Jun 9: For the first time, the pilgrims this year can avail helicopter service directly from Srinagar for Amarnath yatra, an annual Hindu pilgrimage in South Kashmir. The Union ministry of Home Affairs has directed the Jammu and Kashmir administration to start the helicopter service for the pilgrims directly from Srinagar to Panchtarni.

 

 

 

 

According to the recent direction of Union ministry of Home Affairs, the Jammu and Kashmir administration will start helicopter service for the pilgrims directly from Srinagar to Panchtarni, the last stop point located at an elevation of 3,500 meters from where a six-kilometer trek takes pilgrims to the holy Amarnath cave. The decision was taken in consideration of the heavy pilgrim rush on the Amarnath yatra route.

 

 

 

 

 

Prior to the Home ministry's directions, the helicopter facility was so far available for the pilgrims from Baltal and Pahalgam, the twin route to reach Amarnath temple, to reach Panchtarni. From Panchtarni, pilgrims would either walk or take help of ponies and palanquin facility.

 

With the helicopter service from Srinagar to Panchtarni, the time required for the pilgrims to reach Panchtarni from Srinagar will definitely be reduced. The decision will add on a new route this year from Budgam, near the Srinagar airport, to Panchtarni.