Amarnath (3,888 m), Jammu & Kashmir · 34.2149°, 75.5008°
A glacier cave at 3,888 m where an ice stalagmite — the Amarnath lingam — waxes and wanes, by tradition with the moon. The July–August yatra over Himalayan passes (Pahalgam or Baltal routes), escorted and regulated by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, is among the most arduous mass pilgrimages in the world; Kalhana's 12th-century Rajatarangini already records the shrine.
Here Shiva told Parvati the Amar Katha — the secret of immortality — first shedding moon, snake, Ganga and all companions at stages along the route; a pair of pigeons overheard and became immortal, and sighting doves in the cave is held supremely auspicious.
Registration via SASB; ~32–46 km trek routes; helicopter options.
coordinates: wikipedia-2026-08-26 · sources retrieved 2026-08-26 · dynasty page: —