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The descent to Baltal

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We reached the place where we kept the mobile phones. After taking the pictures and videos, we came out around 11:45 am. After having some food, we decided to reach Baltal, which is approx. 16 KM from the shrine. We hired two horses and started from the shrine premises by 12:30 pm. It was a hot and sunny day. The route given to horses seems to be very steep. Sitting on a horse on a steep slope needs a lot of care. I could not take many pics while returning. The pedestrian route was well marked, and we could see the beeline of people going towards Baltal.  We could see the camp of defence forces. The helipad and their facilities in the small plains. After climbing down almost a km, we started going upwards again. Another steep climb to the top of the mountain. After covering a distance of 6 km we had a break for tea. We found a roadside shop, where Sanghamitra had magi and I took tea. Shahnawaz, the owner of the horse, also took a break to have some food.  We again proceeded to...
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Jai Bhole..Shri Amarnath Ji Darshan

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31.07. 2025 The bhandara management started vacating the inmates as early as 5 am. We were yet to know the weather condition outside. It appeared to be pretty cold. Many people have already started towards the holy cave. I saw Sanghamitra is getting ready. I too started packing the bag and got ready. People who slept nearby my side had already left.  We came outside of the tent. Sanghamitra then told me that she took the medical help last evening, as her blood oxygen levels were low. She had a bad headache and gastric problems.  Although I was not very confident that we could reach up to the holy cave, my actual plan was to stay at Panchatarmi and have Darshan the next day. Fortunately, Sanghamitra’s health was better that morning, as she wanted to have darshan. We tried to hire horses but only found one horseman, and already he has committed to some other yatris. At last we found a horseman who agreed to drop us in Holy Cave for Rs 2500 per person. The route was slushy, and i...
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The reality at high altitudes..lived experience

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30/07/2025 This is the continuation of the previous blog. Our experiences at Paushpatri on 30/07/2025 need to be described, as it was an experience that I will never forget. After we reached the tent, there was a kind of measured silence inside the tent. There were three tents with bunk beds in two rows. In a corner, we could see the blankets piled up.  One of the inmates advised us to use the vacant space. We realized that the women will be in one area and the men in another.  My bags were wet and shoes were dirty, and as I had two raincoats, water didn't enter inside the dress.  I used the upper part (third level) to keep my bags and climbed up to find a place. Sanghamitra found a place at lower berths.  Slowly my fear became a reality. All people moving from Sheshnag towards Panchtarni are diverted to the available space in the tent. The organisers of the bhandara were shouting and trying hard to control the crowd. I tried to keep my bag within my reach and tried ...
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Test of endurance

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30/07/2025 The passed night was not easy. Could not sleep at all. There were frequent disturbances. I woke up early and went to the area where common toilets were placed. Although, it was not easy to get freshened up, I could do it some how. After brushing teeth, I realised temperature levels were very low. My palm was frozen.  I rushed towards the Bhandara to have some hot water. Though the water was not very hot, it was drinkable and found some relief. After having a cup of tea, moved back to the tent. My co-pilgrims were ready to move. They packed their bags and was waiting for permission. They left the tent around 7 am. Meantime, the announcement came that the yatra is halted due to poor weather conditions. Someone said that there was heavy rain last night and a landslide blocked the way.  I saw from my wife's condition that she won't be continuing the trip that day. She appeared to be very sick and rested in tent. Her conditions hinted that she plans to rest for the day o...
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The starting

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29/07/2025 (Tuesday) We woke up at 4 am to get ready. By 5 am all yatris staying in the resorts were ready. The resort owner arranged two Innova cars to Chandanwari. It cost Rs 250 per person.  Chandanwari is a beautiful place in the lap of the Himalaya. It is an elevated point up to where we can reach by a four-wheeler. Surrounded by peaks of snow almost all months except summer, it appears to be a favourite place for those who like nature and its serenity.  En route to Chandanwari we can also see the beautiful Betaab Valley (where the Bollywood movie Betaab was filmed). We all reached around 5.40 am or so at Chandanwari. The entry point had every preparation for crowd control. Steel barricades restricted the direct movements. Under a well-designed tin shed, the yatris had to report and complete the required checks.  After completing the entry check, we all rushed towards the Bhandaras to eat something. All Bhandaras were ready to offer hot food and tea to yatris.  ...
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To Pahalgam

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28/07/2025 We woke up with a mind to get ready for the dream journey to Amarnath. Packed two backpacks with essentials for the trek to Holy Cave. Considering the excess weight, we left many things at the hotel where we stayed in Srinagar. After taking an early lunch from a Bangla restaurant near our hotel, we left to Panta Chowk at around 10 am. It took hardly 30 minutes to reach Panta Chowk.  With a lot of enthusiasm, we entered the camp area, where the security people greeted us with warmth.   It was around 11 am, we were only two waiting for the bus at the parking slot. Around 1145 more people started arriving. Vandebharat Train from Katra arrives at Srinagar Station at 11 am. From the station to the yatra camp it takes hardly 10 mns by bus and the administration arranges a free shuttle bus service from the station to the camp.  Two JnK Government Roadways bus operated on these days . One to Baltal and another one to Pahalgam. The bus ticket to Pahalgam was approx...
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Srinagar- July @ 2025

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 While passing through the street, I was wondering about the changes happening in Srinagar. Once, it was known for being a peaceful city which was largely inhabited by Hindus and tribes in the mountains, then known for the Buddhist Council and spread of Buddhist ideologies, then control of Mughals and eventually in the hands of the British, who approved the local ruler from Dogra King Gulab Shah, who bought it from the British for 75 lakhs.  The city has undergone changes, and after the removal of Article 370, the city looks for modernity as well as change. There are new flyovers and several new buildings. The Dal Lake area remains unchanged from my previous visit. The houseboats wait for tourists. The lakeshore is occupied by fewer tourists and more shikhara operators untilthe evening.  The bright sunlight reminded us that summer is in its peak in Kashmir. The roads were comparatively less crowded. People realised the change in climate. I walked through the streets to ke...
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