Amarnath Cave (3900 meters) is a 150 feet high and 90 feet wide cave which is mentioned in ancient Hindu texts and scriptures and is believed to be the spot where Lord Shiva Mediated and told the secret of eternal life to his divine consort, Godess Parvati. The cave itself is believed to more than 5000 years old. An Ice Stalgamite, considered to be a Shiva Lingam by Hindus is worshipped with great fervour and devotion, which is formed due to freezing water droplets from the roof of the cave and grows up vertically utpo 20 feet and gradually wanes after. The cave is surrounded by snowy mountains and stays covered in snow except in summers. Modern kashmiris believe that cave is founded by a shepherd Buta Malik, while his flock got lost and took shelter in the shrine. His family still receives some portion of the alms offered by pilgrims. However, the earliest references of the cave is been mentioned in many Ancient Hindu Manuscripts believed to be thousands of years old. The spot which was accessible and known to only a select few, has been opened for the general public now as every year hundreds of thousands of devotees visit this ancient pilgrimage. The pilgrimage starts from Pahalgam situated at a confluence of Lidder River and a tribuatry flowing from Sheshnag Lake. It is also a famous tourist spot with breath-taking views. Among its many beautiful places the best of them are meadows of Baisaran, surrounded by beautiful pine trees. Also there is Betaab Valley, which got it's name due to the shoot from a famous bollywood movie of the same name here. It's an ideal picnic spot just 14 kilometers to Aru Valley which is another picturesque meadow and the basepoint for trekking to Kolhai Glacier and Tarsar Lake. Enroute the trek to Amarnath the trekkers come across Sheshnag Lake which is a clear fresh water lake of high quality drinkable water and home to several species of fish including Trout. Situated at 3700 meters above sea level, the lake gets its bluish-green colour from its surrounding meadows. The Lake offers breath-taking views of the snow capped peaks as several tributaries beautifully flow to form the pristine lake. It is said to be the abode of Sheshnag the mythical king of snakes. The highest spot of the trek is Mahagunas Pass (4300 meters) which is not very far from Sheshnag Lake but takes considerable time of the trekker due to its steep climb and altitude.... See more
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