Amarnath Yatra

Amarnath Yatra 2009 Update

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The annual Amarnath yatra commenced from the traditional Pahalgam route from today (06/26), while the pilgrimage has already been in progress via Baltal route on the Srinagar-Leh axis from June 16. The yatra via Pahalgam route earlier scheduled to begin from June 7 could not be started due to bad weather conditions and accumulation of heavy snow on several patches along the 32-km-long Chandanwari-holy cave stretch.

A batch of 1,415 pilgrims, who were camping at the Nunwan Base Camp, Pahalgam, was allowed to proceed for the pilgrimage this morning via the traditional Chandanwari route.

Meanwhile, the Amarnath Shrine board has once again appealed to the intending pilgrims registered for the Pahalgam route to keep adequate flexibility in their travel plans as only 2,000 registered pilgrims per day would be permitted in the initial phase to proceed on the yatra on a first-come, first-served basis on the traditional Pahalgam-Chandanwari-holy cave route in view of the track and weather conditions. No old or infirm person and children below 12 years will be permitted to undertake the yatra on the Sheshnag route in view of the difficult snow route.

Women pilgrims have been advised to avoid undertaking the yatra on this route, at least for the next seven days or so.

Amarnath Yatra

How to register for Amarnath Yatra 2009

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As every year, the Jammu and Kashmir Bank has been authorised by the government to register the intending pilgrims. You can click here to register.
Around 110 branches of the bank spread over the country will facilitate the registration of the pilgrims.
Bookings up to 3,00,000 are being done at counters;  and up to 1,20,000 through Internet   – which is a preferred means. The bank is also providing the mobile banking facilities at the base camp that will remain open from June 6 to August 5. ATM facility will be available round the clock.
In Jammu, the bank has set up an extra counter at the Exhibition Ground for registration, which will remain open on week days from 3.p.m in the afternoon till 6.p.m. , and on Saturday from 1.p.m to 4.p.m. in the afternoon.

The registration will close on July 30.

Additionally, the SASB has earmarked a daily allocation of 200 Yatra registrations each to a recognized travel and tour operator, and a daily quota of 50 registrations each in favour of the hotel industry in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions.

Notice regarding Re-Registration of Yatris for Shri Amarnathji Yatra- 2009
 

 
Consequent upon the rescheduling of the Yatra 2009, which was to commence on 7th of June instead will now start on 15th June, and culminate on 5th August 2009. The rescheduling of the dates will definitely cause inconvenience to those who have already registered themselves for Darshan for the dates from 7th June to 14th June online or offline. The Yatris can approach the designated branches for certain recourse and help. The Branches in such case will accede to their request and act accordingly: –
For Manual Booking:
The already registered Yatri who will approach the branch for the change of date of the Darshan will be accommodated in other dates to his convenience subject to the availably of the quota in that particular Darshan date without any further charges, however the route of the Yatra will remain unchanged.
The modified date on the already issued Slip will be countersigned and seal affixed.
In case the already registered Yatri intends to change the Route the fresh slip will be issued to the Yatri on further charges.
The facility is to be offered to the Yatris who have the registration of 7th June to 14th June.
For Online Booking:
The already registered Yatri (online) will revisit the site opt for re-registration and punch the Registration No. of the slip he/she is already holding and the caller mail id which has been put in on the actual registration.
Then he/she will select the next available date of his/her convenience subject to the availability of the quota on that particular date, however the route of the Yatra will remain unchanged.
The system will generate the fresh Yatra slip without asking for any further charges.
The facility is restricted to the Yatri who have the registration of 7th June to 14th June in there already registration.

Booking can be scheduled or rescheduled here.
 

River Rafting, Tourist Information

2009 National Rafting Championship at Pahalgam

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Srinagar (PTI): The hill resort of Pahalgam in South Kashmir will host National Rafting Championship next month, state Tourism and Cultural Minister Nawang Rigzin Jora said on Sunday.

The championship will be held in the third week of June at Pahalgam, 100 kms from here.

He said the state government was exploring the possibility of tapping Pahalgam’s rich potential in golf and adventure tourism given its treasure of natural landscape best suited for modern tourism-related sports activities.

“Pahalgam will get certain add-on facilities to make tourism year-round activity,” Jora said during a visit to Pahalgam.

He said holding the National Rafting Championship will be a beginning in that direction.

Pahalgam, like Gulmarg, is also ideally suited for heli-skiing, which can attract more tourists, Jora said.

The minister took stock of various ongoing developmental projects in the hill resort and met representative of various tourism-related associations.

He inspected the golf course at Pahalgam, which is being upgraded to an 18-hole course at a cost of Rs. 26 crore and is spread over nearly 142 acres of land.

He said the development of golf course would be completed by the end of current financial year.

The minister said in order to provide facilities that can match the best in the world, a health club, six tourist huts and a cafeteria would be constructed in close proximity of the golf course.

Pahalgam Club, with facilities to host national and international conferences, is being constructed at a cost of Rs 12.50 crore, he said.

The officials of Pahalgam Development Authority said the basic infrastructure in Betaab Valley has been created at a cost of Rs 2.38 crore and work on sewerage project at Pahalgam is afoot. They said Rs. 20 crore is being earmarked on upgradation of tourism infrastructure in the area and Rs. 11.59 crore have already being spent for the purpose.

The minister also inspected the newly-renovated Tourist Reception Centre and Adventure Complexes, completed at a cost of Rs. one crore and directed the authorities to keep available all the facilities to the visitors.

He sought cooperation from the people associated with tourism for maintaining ecological balance and urged for awareness campaigns for banning use of non-biodegradable items like polythene at tourist destinations.

Bollywood shootings, Chandanwari

What is Betaab Valley?

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“Betaab Valley” is the place where they shot the famous scenes from movie Betaab. Hajan, on the way to Chandanwari from Pahalgam is an idyllic spot for a picnic. Filmgoers will recognize it instantly as it has been the location of several movie scenes.

Betaab was shot over long outdoor schedules. Starting off with over 50 days in Pahalgam, Kashmir which served as Sunny’s ranch, and 30 days in Bangalore where the action scenes were captured. “Dingy’s Tikamgarh farm -house was initially shot in Delhi and then in Bangalore. Only two sets – that of the interior of Roma’s house and one for the Badal yun garajta hai song were put up in Mumbai.

Betaab remains a benchmark as far as young romances go. It makes for a perfect Valentine watch even after 25 years!

 

Visit Pahalgam for leisure, trekking, rafting, golf, skiing, hiking, photography and relaxation in picturesque Himalayas