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Do's And Dont's

Do’s

  • The pilgrimage to Amarnath caves is tough and physically taxing which makes it is necessary that you are physically fit to be able to withstand the rigors of the arduous trek. In preparation of the pilgrimage and to improve your level of fitness, start taking regular walks of four to five kms in the morning or evening. To increase the utilization of oxygen in rarified atmosphere at high altitudes, breathing exercises such as “Pranayam” and Yoga should be practiced.
  • It is a must to be well equipped for the tough journey that can have unpredictable weather. Warm clothing, raincoat, sturdy but comfortable shoes fit for trekking, cap, gloves, warm socks, trousers and  full set of extra clothes in case you get wet and some eatables are primary requirements that must be carried in a waterproof  rucksack or bag.  A good sturdy walking stick also helps. The weather gods in these parts play truant and from a bright sunny day, it can change to a chilly rainy day in minutes with temperatures dipping sharply to subzero.
  • Ladies should wear salwar kameez or pants or a track suit rather than a sari which will hinder climbing and walking in this rough and at many places terrain. Pregnancy is not a good time to go on this physically taxing pilgrimage. It is not advisable for women who are more than six weeks pregnant to go on this pilgrimage.
  • This pilgrimage is not suitable for senior citizens above the age of 65 and for children under 13 due to the strenuous trek and permission to undertake the Yatra is not granted for them.
  • Make sure that the porter or pony carrying your luggage be always close at hand so that you are free to walk without any weight and anything that you need is always available to you.
  • Ensure that you are well hydrated by drinking water frequently. A water bottle must be carried by everyone. The strenuous journey also required you to have high energy. Carry eatables such as dry fruit, nuts, roasted gram, toffee, unrefined raw Indian sugar (jaggery), chocolate, fruit etc. to give you that energy.
  • The sun can get very hot sometimes and at this altitude exposure to sunlight over a period of time can result in sunburns. The cold winds can also make skin dry and rough. Use coldcream or sunscreen lotion on the exposed parts of the body such as face, nape, hands etc.
  • Never undertake this journey alone. It is advisable to trek in a group keeping all members of the group always in sight so that each one gets the support of the group is needed.
  • In case of emergency, your identity should be easily discernible. Always keep all information about you in a small pocket book such as names and mobile numbers and addresses of members of your group, your Yatra permit and any other ID.
  • You must also remain within the group while coming back and all members of the group must leave the base camp together. Assistance of the Police must be sought immediately and other actions such as announcements on the Public Address System must be made in case any member of your group is missing. If you are separated from the group and are left alone then too you must take the help of Police and make announcements on the PAS.
  • The Yatra administration is aware of the bigger picture and gives instructions to pilgrims to ensure their safety and the successful completion of the Yatra and it is in the best interest of all pilgrims to follow these instructions.
  • All the five elements of the environment such as earth, water, air, fire and sky created by the Almighty and where the supreme deity of this pilgrimage Lord Shiva resides should be respected. The mountains and all the surrounding areas of the Amarnath Caves are the abode of the Lord and nothing should be done to pollute this pristine environment. Plastic packaging is banned throughout the pilgrimage route and should not be used at all.
  • To ensure that you do not pollute the environment care must be taken to place all waste material dustbins that are placed on the way and at the camps. Organic waste should go in the green dustbins only.
  • Lavatories and urinals that are fitted in camps and on the pilgrimage route should be used and you must not relieve yourself in the open.

Don’ts

  • Do not stop or wait at places where there is a warning notice not to do so.
  • Do not use slippers or other unsuitable footwear as you might slip on slippery rise and falls along the route. Trekking shoes with laces are the best option for this journey.
  • Do not attempt to take short cuts as they could be perilous.
  • Do not pollute or disturb the environment during the entire Yatra, to and fro. Do not use plastic packaging which is banned in the State punishable by law.

 

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