Sacred Treks & Yatras
Complete route guides with difficulty ratings and transport options
Vaishno Devi
Katra, Jammu & Kashmir
Distance
12 km (one way from Katra)
Elevation
5,200 ft (1,585 m)
Duration
5-7 hours one way
One of the most visited shrines in India. The Holy Cave shrine of Mata Vaishno Devi is at 5,200 ft in the Trikuta Mountains. Over 8 million pilgrims visit annually.
Route Options:
Amarnath Yatra
Anantnag, Jammu & Kashmir
Distance
36 km via Pahalgam / 14 km via Baltal
Elevation
3,888 m (12,756 ft)
Duration
3-5 days (Pahalgam) / 1-2 days (Baltal)
The Amarnath Cave houses a naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam. The annual yatra (June-August) is one of the most challenging and sacred pilgrimages in India.
Route Options:
Hemkund Sahib
Chamoli, Uttarakhand
Distance
19 km from Govindghat
Elevation
4,632 m (15,197 ft)
Duration
2 days (via Ghangaria)
A high-altitude Sikh pilgrimage site at 4,632m, surrounded by seven snow-capped peaks. The glacial lake is one of the highest in India.
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Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Mount Kailash, Tibet (China)
Distance
52 km parikrama
Elevation
5,636 m Dolma La Pass (18,471 ft)
Duration
22-28 days total
The ultimate Hindu pilgrimage. Mount Kailash (6,638m) is believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva. The 52 km parikrama around Kailash at extreme altitude is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience.
Route Options:
Kedarnath Trek
Rudraprayag, Uttarakhand