The descent to Baltal


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 the base camp. Our estimated time of reaching at Baltal was 3.30 to 4 pm. 

It was a continuous descent. We could find people resting at different points. A very small number of people were going towards the shrine as the time had already passed. 

By 3.45 pm we reached the base camp. Someone from the organising committee collected the Id card from us. Officially that meant our Yatra ended. 


Shahnawaz (who escorted us to Baltal from the Holy Cave) 

By the time we could hear an announcement. After 4 pm, all yatris are not allowed to leave Baltal base camp. We tried to reach outside of the camp. Shahnawaz bid adieu to us. He was very soft-spoken and extraordinarily decent. We could see that he holds respect among his fellow mates.

When we left the exit, I had a deep feeling of something I missed. I felt like the mighty Himalayas were calling me back. I will never forget the early morning we had spent at Panchtarni, the Peaks, the meadow and the river... The Holy Cave at Amarnath cannot be explained by just words.

We paid his charges plus a bakshish. My wife was highly impressed with his behaviour; she even gifted the raincoat which we purchased from Sheshnag.

Approx a walk of another 2 km. A driver, in the meantime, approached us near the gate. He promised to take us outside from the camp and provide us a hotel room in Sonamarg.  He advised us to pay the room rent by Google Pay, and he will take us to Sonamarg. 

With a hope that we would get a private hotel room instead of staying in a tent, we moved further. We walked, walked, and walked to the parking spot where the vehicle was kept pretty far away. We could find several Bhandaras on either side of the road. They often gave us popcorn and peanuts and wholeheartedly invited us to have juices, lime water, chats, food, etc. 

We finally reached near the taxi and jumped in. We were literally tired and needed a shower as well as a good sleep. Around 5.45 pm we reached the hotel at Sonamarg

A dream journey ended.This journey gives me confidence that I can think of another trip... maybe next year... yes, if Bholenath gives me another chance.



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