ॐ नमः शिवाय

amarnath yatra 2025 via pahalgam to baltal

The Amarnath Yatra is not just a pilgrimage—it is a test of faith, patience, brotherhood, and surrender to Mahadev. In 2025, I was blessed to undertake this sacred journey with my cousins, traveling from Jammu to Jammu, following the traditional Pahalgam route and returning via Baltal, all under the secure yatra convoy on NH-44. What unfolded was a life-changing Himalayan experience filled with devotion, raw landscapes, shared hardships, and the unmatched seva of langars at every step.

Journey Begins: Jammu → Pahalgam (Convoy on NH-44)

Our yatra began early morning from Jammu, where thousands of yatris gathered with one purpose—Baba Barfani ke darshan. Moving in a BSF/CRPF-led convoy, the journey on NH-44 itself felt sacred. Saffron flags fluttered, chants of “Bam Bam Bhole” echoed from buses and trucks, and strangers already felt like family.

As we crossed Udhampur, Ramban, Banihal, and the Qazigund tunnel, the air grew cooler and the mountains greener. The discipline of the convoy ensured safety, but the spirit of the yatris brought warmth. Tea stalls, volunteers, and roadside langars welcomed us like home.

By evening, we reached Pahalgam—a valley that feels like a blessing even before the yatra begins.

Base Camp Pahalgam: Calm Before the Climb

Pahalgam was serene—lush gardens, Lidder River flowing silently, and snow peaks watching from afar. After registration checks, medical clearance, and gear arrangements, we rested.

This phase show:

• Green meadows & landscaped gardens
  
  

• Group moments with cousins
  
  

• Clear skies with shifting clouds, reminding us how unpredictable the Himalayas are
  
  

That night, excitement and devotion kept sleep away. The real test was about to begin.

Day 1: Pahalgam → Chandanwari → Pissu Top → Sheshnag

Early morning, after prayers, we started the trek. The road till Chandanwari was gentle, but beyond that, the mountains began to test our resolve.

Pissu Top

This steep ascent humbles every yatri. Pilgrims climbing slowly—some on foot, some on ponies—you can feel the effort in every step. Rain clouds hovered, and the wind carried chants of Har Har Mahadev.

Langars – The Soul of the Yatra

One of the most emotional parts of the journey was the langars everywhere:

• Hot kahwa & tea in freezing winds
  
  

• Fresh khichdi, rajma-chawal, puri-sabzi
  
  

• Volunteers massaging tired legs, offering medicines, even drying wet clothes
  
  

No money. No caste. No region. Only seva and bhakti.

By evening, we reached Sheshnag—a place that looks straight out of heaven.

Sheshnag: Where Silence Speaks

Nestled between towering mountains, Sheshnag Lake glowed in shades of turquoise and silver. Our camps stood beside the lake, colorful tents contrasting with the rugged terrain.

• The pristine lake
  
  

• Tents scattered across alpine meadows
  
  

• Clouds rolling dramatically over sharp peaks
  
  

Day 2: Sheshnag → Mahagunas Top → Panchtarni

This was the toughest day.

Mahagunas Top

Snow patches, slippery paths, and thin oxygen tested everyone. Many walked in silence, conserving energy. Ponies struggled, yatris slipped, but hands were always extended to help.

From the top, the view was unreal—endless Himalayan ranges, glaciers, and valleys. The photos of misty mountains and narrow trails perfectly reflect this raw beauty.

Descending towards Panchtarni, rain joined us. Wet clothes, cold fingers—but warm hearts.

Panchtarni: The Last Halt

Panchtarni felt powerful. Five streams flowing together, prayer flags fluttering, and thousands of yatris preparing for the final darshan.

• Rain-soaked jackets
  
  

• Tired yet glowing faces
  
  

• Unity among strangers
  
  

At night, temperatures dropped sharply. Wrapped in layers, listening to the wind and distant prayers, we slept under the protection of Mahadev. But That night, hardly anyone slept. Baba was near.

Darshan Day: Panchtarni → Holy Cave of Amarnath

Before dawn, we started the final climb. The path was crowded, cold, and spiritual beyond words.

And then—the Holy Cave.

Inside, Baba Barfani stood in silence, radiant and eternal. In that moment, all pain disappeared. No camera can capture what the heart feels there.

I bowed, closed my eyes, and thanked Mahadev—for strength, family, and this life.

Return via Baltal: Faster but Fierce

After darshan, we descended towards Baltal—steep, rocky, and demanding. Compared to Pahalgam, Baltal is shorter but harsher.

• Narrow valleys
  
  

• Fast-flowing rivers
  
  

• Crowded camps and intense terrain
  
  

By evening, we reached Baltal base camp—exhausted, fulfilled, and transformed.

Baltal → Jammu: Journey Back, Soul Changed

Returning to Jammu under convoy again, silence replaced chants. Everyone was lost in thought—reliving moments, hardships, and blessings.

From strangers to family. From fatigue to faith.
This yatra leaves its mark forever.

Final Thoughts by Vky Pandit

If Mahadev calls you, don’t hesitate. Prepare well, walk slow, respect the mountains, and trust the journey.

ॐ नमः शिवाय | Har Har Mahadev
— Vky Pandit
Pahad Amaze Us | Exploring faith, Himalayas & the soul

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Exploring Pogal Paristan & the Himalayas
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