Amarnath, located in the scenic Kashmir Valley, is one of the most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites in India. Situated in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir, it attracts thousands of devotees annually, especially during the Amarnath Yatra season. Delhi, the national capital, serves as a major starting point for pilgrims heading to this sacred cave shrine.

This route is popular primarily for religious tourism, drawing pilgrims from all over India and abroad. In this guide, you will find detailed information on various transport options, step-by-step travel plans, practical tips, and arrival advice to help you plan your journey from Delhi to Amarnath confidently and comfortably.

Getting from Delhi to Amarnath – Main Options

Train

Train travel is a preferred mode for many pilgrims due to its affordability and connectivity. While there is no direct train to Amarnath, you can reach nearby railway stations and continue by road.

• Key stations:

  Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railway station to Amarnath, approximately 140 km away. Trains like the Jammu Rajdhani and Shri Shakti Express connect Delhi to Jammu Tawi daily.

• Travel time and cost:

  The train journey from Delhi to Jammu Tawi takes around 10–12 hours. Ticket prices vary from INR 500 (Sleeper Class) to INR 2,500 (AC 3-tier), depending on class and booking time.

• Frequency and booking:

  Trains run daily, but during the yatra season, tickets sell out fast. Booking through IRCTC well in advance is recommended to secure confirmed seats.

• Last-mile connectivity:

  From Jammu Tawi, pilgrims must hire taxis or take buses to Pahalgam or Baltal, the base camps for the Amarnath trek. Shared taxis are available but can get crowded during peak season.

• Seasonal tips:

  Jammu Tawi station can get crowded during the yatra. Arrive early to avoid rush and use station facilities like waiting rooms and refreshment stalls.

Bus

Buses provide a direct and economical way to reach the base camps near Amarnath. Both government and private operators run services, especially during the pilgrimage season.

• Bus routes:

  From Delhi, you can take a bus to Jammu or Srinagar, then switch to local buses or MSRTC-operated buses to Pahalgam or Baltal.

• Travel duration and fares:

  Delhi to Jammu by bus takes approximately 12–14 hours, costing INR 700–1,200. Jammu to Pahalgam or Baltal takes 4–6 hours, with fares around INR 200–400.

• Comfort and frequency:

  Volvo and deluxe buses operate on the Delhi-Jammu route, providing comfortable overnight travel. Local buses to base camps are frequent but can be crowded during peak pilgrimage days.

• Booking tips:

  Book Delhi-Jammu buses online via private operators or through the Jammu and Kashmir Transport website. For local buses, tickets are usually purchased on the spot.

• Challenges:

  Road conditions can be affected by weather, especially during monsoon or early winter. Night travel on hilly roads is not recommended due to safety concerns.

Car / Self-Drive

Driving from Delhi to Amarnath offers flexibility and the chance to enjoy scenic landscapes. However, it requires careful planning due to the long distance and mountainous terrain near the destination.

• Route details:

  The most common route is via NH44, passing through Ambala, Ludhiana, and Jammu. From Jammu, the road leads to Srinagar and then to Pahalgam or Baltal.

• Distance and time:

  The total driving distance is approximately 850 km, taking around 18–20 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

• Road conditions and tolls:

  NH44 is mostly well-maintained with multiple toll plazas. However, the last stretch towards Pahalgam and Baltal involves narrow, winding mountain roads requiring cautious driving.

• Rest stops and fuel:

  Major cities like Ambala, Ludhiana, and Jammu have good fuel stations and eateries. Plan stops accordingly to avoid fatigue, especially before entering hilly terrain.

• Seasonal advice:

  Avoid driving during heavy snowfall or monsoon due to landslides and slippery roads. Carry necessary permits and check weather updates regularly.

Flight

Flying is the fastest way to cover the long distance from Delhi to the Kashmir region. The nearest airport to Amarnath is Srinagar International Airport, well connected to Delhi.

• Flight details:

  Multiple daily flights operate between Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport and Srinagar Airport. Flight duration is about 1.5 hours.

• Cost and booking:

  Airfares range from INR 2,000 to INR 6,000 depending on the airline and booking time. Booking early through airline websites or aggregators like MakeMyTrip is advisable.

• Airport to base camps:

  From Srinagar, hire taxis or take buses to Pahalgam (90 km) or Baltal (65 km). Taxi fares vary from INR 1,500 to INR 3,000 depending on vehicle type.

• Frequency and convenience:

  Flights are frequent but may face delays due to weather, especially in winter. Early morning flights are preferable for onward travel.

• Seasonal tips:

  Srinagar airport can be foggy during winters causing delays. Keep buffer time for connecting road travel to Amarnath.

Step-by-Step Travel Plan

This simple itinerary is designed for first-time travelers from Delhi planning to visit Amarnath during the pilgrimage season.

• Book your train or flight tickets early:

  Secure your Delhi-Jammu train or Delhi-Srinagar flight tickets at least a month in advance via IRCTC or airline portals to avoid last-minute hassles.

• Reach Jammu or Srinagar early:

  Arrive at Jammu Tawi railway station or Srinagar airport by morning to have ample time for onward travel to base camps.

• Arrange local transport:

  Pre-book taxis or check bus schedules from Jammu or Srinagar to Pahalgam or Baltal. Shared taxis are economical but may be crowded.

• Prepare for the trek:

  From base camps, organize your trek permits, guides, and necessary gear. Carry warm clothes and hydration supplies as weather can be unpredictable.

• Plan your return:

  Book return tickets and local transport in advance, especially during peak yatra days, to avoid overcrowding and delays.

• Stay updated on weather and route conditions:

  Monitor local news and official yatra websites for any route closures or advisories.

Practical Travel Tips

• Safety first:

  Carry a valid ID and yatra registration documents at all times. Follow instructions from yatra authorities and avoid traveling alone on mountain trails.

• Food and water:

  Carry bottled water and light snacks during the trek. Avoid eating from unverified street vendors to prevent stomach issues.

• Booking strategy:

  Use IRCTC for train tickets and official airline websites for flights. For local transport, negotiate fares upfront or use trusted taxi services like Uber or local apps.

• Local commute:

  In Jammu and Srinagar, use prepaid taxis or app-based cabs for safe and transparent fares. Avoid unmetered taxis to prevent overcharging.

• Luggage tips:

  Pack light and waterproof bags. Keep essential medicines and warm clothing easily accessible during the trek.

• Seasonal warnings:

  Avoid traveling during heavy snowfall or monsoon due to landslides and route closures. Check weather forecasts regularly.

Best Time & Conditions

The Amarnath Yatra typically takes place from late June to August, coinciding with the summer months when the route is accessible. Weather conditions and crowd levels vary throughout the season.

Travelers should plan their journey to avoid peak rush and adverse weather for a safer and more comfortable experience.

• Avoid traveling during weekends and festival holidays to escape heavy traffic and crowded accommodations.

• Early morning departures help bypass fog and traffic delays, especially on the Srinagar-Jammu highway.

• Monsoon months (July-August) can bring sudden rains; carry rain gear and check route conditions daily.

• Post-August, the route closes due to snowfall; plan your trip accordingly to avoid cancellations.

Arrival at Amarnath & What to Expect

Upon reaching the base camps of Pahalgam or Baltal, pilgrims prepare for the final trek to the Amarnath cave. The area is bustling with yatra facilities including medical aid, food stalls, and resting tents.

Local transport options include pony rides and helicopter services for those unable to trek. Accommodation ranges from government-run tents to private guesthouses. Use prepaid taxis or authorized guides to navigate the area safely.

Conclusion

Among all options, taking a train from Delhi to Jammu Tawi followed by road travel to Pahalgam or Baltal is the most balanced choice combining cost-effectiveness and convenience. For those short on time, flying to Srinagar and then hiring a taxi is the fastest and most comfortable option.

With proper planning, advance bookings, and awareness of seasonal conditions, your journey from Delhi to Amarnath can be smooth and spiritually fulfilling. Embark on this sacred pilgrimage with confidence and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of the Himalayas along the way.