Guidelines

  • Start Walking Early: Start walking 4–5 km daily at least a month before the Yatra to build stamina.
  • Practice Breathing & Yoga: Do daily pranayama and light yoga to boost respiratory power and oxygen efficiency.
  • Stay Hydrated: Drink at least 5 liters of water every day to avoid dehydration and headaches.
  • Eat Smart: Load up on carbs to keep your energy levels steady and prevent fatigue.
  • Act Fast on Altitude Symptoms: If you feel dizzy, breathless, or unwell—move to a lower altitude right away.
  • Seek Medical Help: Medical posts are available every 2 km—don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re feeling off.
  • No Alcohol or Smoking: Stay away from alcohol, smoking, and even caffeine—they make altitude sickness worse.
  • Listen with Caution: If someone is unwell, don’t take everything they say at face value—judgment can get cloudy at high altitudes.
  • Take Symptoms Seriously: Never ignore signs of high altitude sickness—it can be dangerous if left untreated.
  • Prepare Your Body, Respect the Mountains: Fitness, awareness, and quick action keep your journey safe and enjoyable.

Follow these tips for a smooth journey and stay tuned for further updates.

Do’s for the Yatris:

  • Do carry sufficient woolen clothing as the temperature may sometimes abruptly fall to below 5 degree Celsius.
  • Do carry umbrella, wind cheater, raincoat, and waterproof shoes as the weather in the Yatra area is unpredictable.
  • Do keep your clothes and eatables in a suitable water proof bag to avoid your belongings getting wet.
  • Do keep in your pocket a note containing the name / address, mobile telephone number of any Yatri proceeding for Darshan on the same date as you are doing, for emergency purposes.
  • Do carry your identity card / driving license and Yatra permit with you.
  • Do travel in a group, with porters / horses / ponies carrying your luggage.
  • Do ensure that all those comprising the group remain in your sight, lest you are separated from your group.
  • On your journey home, you must leave the Base Camps along with all other members of your group.
  • Do seek immediate assistance of the Police in case any member of your group is missing. Also have an announcement made on the Public Address System at the Yatra Camp.
  • Do help your fellow Yatris travelling with you and perform Yatra with a pious mind.
  • Do strictly follow the instructions issued by the Yatra Administration, from time to time.
  • For any assistance contact SASB Camp Directors / nearest Yatra Control room.
  • In case of any accident or emergent situation, immediately contact the nearest Camp Director / Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) deployed at various locations.
  • Free Food facility is available in the entire Yatra area at the Langars.
  • Pre-paid SIM Cards from other States shall not work in J&K and Yatra area. Yatris can purchase pre-activated SIM Cards at the Base Camps of Baltal and Nunwan and at Bhagwati Nagar, Jammu and Lakhanpur.
  • Earth, water, air, fire and sky are integral parts of Lord Shiva. Therefore, respect the environment and do nothing whatsoever to pollute the Yatra area.

Don’ts for the Yatris:

  • For women Yatris: they should not wear sarees during the Yatra. Salwar kameez, pant-shirt or a track suit is advisable.
  • Women who are more than 6 week pregnant shall not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.
  • Children below 13 years in age and elderly persons above the age of 70 years shall not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage.
  • Don’t stop at places which are marked by warning notices. Walk only on the tracks.
  • Don’t walk barefoot or be without woolen clothing at any time as the temperature in the Yatra area remains low and changes abruptly.
  • Don’t use slippers because there are steep rises and falls on the route to the Holy Cave. Only wear trekking shoes with laces.
  • Don’t attempt any short cuts on the route as doing so is dangerous.
  • Don’t commence journey on an empty stomach. If you do so, you may attract a serious medical problem.
  • Don’t do anything during the entire Yatra which could cause pollution or disturb the environment of the area.
  • Do not bring with you any polythene material as its use is banned in J&K and is punishable under law.
  • Avoid throwing coins, currency notes, decorative chunnis, brass lotas or any other material towards the Shivlingam while having Darshans at the Holy Cave.
  • Do not stay at Holy Cave overnight in view of high altitude and harsh and unpredictable weather conditions.

In case of any query related to Yatra, please contact us at 0191-2503399 and 0191-2555662 (Jammu) 0194-2313146, 0194-2313147-49 (Srinagar), Toll Free Number :- 180018071987, 18001807199 and website: https://jksasb.nic.in.