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Every year up to 500,000 Hindus file in a spectacular procession through the mountain world of the crisis-stricken region of Kashmir. The "Amarnath Yatra", the pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath is the most unusual and also most dangerous pilgrimage in India, if not in the whole world. For the first time in decades a foreign television team was allowed to accompany the pilgrimage.
In summer, when the paths in Kashmir´s mountain region are free of the deep snow, they set off - country folk, nomadic holy men and smart yuppies from India´s mega-cities. In their thousands they wander through the magnificent high mountains, sleep in tents and eat in makeshift canteens. The pilgrimage lasts for three days. Destination is the 4,000-metre-high cave of Amarnath. It was there, according to legend, that the God Shiva revealed the secret of immortality to his wife. Therefore the cave is sacred to the Hindus. The path winds its way along the steep mountain slopes, through ice fields and rock debris. The highest pass is at a height of 5,000 metres. Cold weather, falling stones and the unaccustomed effort take their toll. Last year 67 pilgrims did not survive the trek. Moreover, the route goes through a dangerous region. India and Pakistan have fought two wars over Kashmir. Militant groups commit terror attacks against India´s government and army in the Kashmir Valley, and also against the Hindu pilgrims. For this reason India protects the pilgrimage with a massive contingent of military, border and special troops.