In which district of Jammu and Kashmir, Amarnath Cave is located?

Solution (By Examveda Team)

The Amarnath Cave is a famous Hindu shrine located in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is renowned for housing a naturally occurring ice Shivling (symbol of Lord Shiva) that forms every year during the summer.

The cave is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) in the Himalayas and is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations for Hindus.

Although the Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage route) begins at Pahalgam in Anantnag district or Baltal in Ganderbal district, the cave itself is physically located in the Ganderbal district.

The Baltal route (14 km trek) is a shorter but steeper path that starts in Ganderbal and leads directly to the cave. The Pahalgam route (36–48 km trek) is longer and traditionally used, starting in Anantnag district, but does not host the actual shrine.

This distinction often causes confusion, as people associate the yatra with Anantnag due to the Pahalgam route. However, administratively and geographically, the cave is in Ganderbal district.

Therefore, the correct answer is Option C: Ganderbal