Amarnath yatra: Rates of ponies, labourers hiked

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir authorities today revised this year's hiring rates of ponies and labourers whose services are availed by devouts during their journey from Panchtarni to the Amarnath cave.

"In connection with Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2011, the District Development Commissioner of (south Kashmir's) Anantnag (district) Kifayat Hussain Rizvi held a meeting to fix the rates for riding and pack ponies, dandi labours and tents at various halting stations," an official spokesman said.

The meeting decided that rate for "dandi" (carriers) has been fixed at Rs 2,100 from Panjtarni to holy cave, Rs 300 for labour and Rs 700 for ponies, the spokesman said.

Panchtarni is the last camp for the pilgrims and is at a distance of six kilomters from the cave.

He said the rates for other stations would remain same as per last year's decision.

The annual pilgrimage to the cave will begin on June 29 this year and conclude on August 13.