In India, there has always been excitement around the Amarnath Yatra since time immemorial. We have heard about the difficulties and dangers surrounding the ‘yatra’. Finally, in 2024, we decided to experience ourselves and share it with you all. Before planning this trip, you should know when to target, or many of you may know that the Yatra is only activated during the Shravan month (July-August). In this blog, we will take you all on a breathtaking journey to the picturesque landscape of Baltal Base Camp.
The Amarnath Yatra is considered as one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, drawing thousands of devotees from across the country to the holy Amarnath Cave in the Himalayas. We were highly curious to witness the naturally formed ice Shiva Lingam, symbolizing Lord Shiva at a height of 3,888 meters.
Before we take you to the Baltal Base Camp, the most important aspect before even planning your journey is to get…….
Table of Contents
1. How many ways are there to reach the pious Shri Amarnath Ji Cave?
You can reach the holy Amarnath Cave either via Pahalgam or Baltal.
The Pahalgam route, spanning around 47-50 km, typically takes 3 to 5 days, offering a more gradual trek with beautiful landscapes but a longer duration and greater difficulty.
​On the other hand, the Baltal route, which is much shorter at 14-16 km, can be completed in a single day but is much steeper and more challenging. The Baltal path is recommended for physically fit people seeking a quicker journey​.
Considering the limited time we had, we chose the Baltal route. Though it’s more strenuous, the shorter duration allowed me to complete the Yatra faster, without compromising the spiritual experience.
Now, after finalising your route, the next big and the most important step in the whole process……
2. Registration for the Amarnath Yatra
Well, till a few years back, things were relatively easy for the pilgrims. However, in recent times, considering the safety of the pilgrimage, registration has become compulsory before planning your trip. It usually opens several months before the yatra commences.
You can register for the Amarnath Yatra using this link. You need to ensure that you complete the registration process and obtain your Yatra Permit well in advance. The most vital aspect of the whole process is to obtain the Medical Fitness Certificate from the prescribed list of hospitals. If you need any help, we are just a click away on this matter…..
You might have query like…..
Why do we need a Medical Certificate????
You need to understand that given the high altitude and challenging terrain, a medical fitness certificate is required for all pilgrims. It is also advisable to undergo a thorough health check-up and prepare physically by exercising regularly.
Note: Only those whose age falls in the range of 13 to 70 years are eligible for the medical certificate.
After obtaining the medical certificate, you must upload a soft copy of the medical certificate and your photo to the registration link. Pay an amount of 150 INR (in 2024), and within half an hour, you will get your Yatra Permit for that specific date you applied for. The process is quite simple for tech-savvy individuals.
Now the next thing after you obtain your registration certificate…..
3. What to pack for the Amarnath Yatra?
The weather in the Himalayas is unpredictable, so pack wisely. Essential items include
- The original Medical Permit and the Yatra Permit (most important)
- warm clothing,
- rain gear,
- trekking shoes,
- a first-aid kit,
- sufficient cash,
- personal identification card,
- a portable oxygen cylinder if needed.
Don’t forget to carry dry fruits, energy bars, and water to energise youself during the trek. Apart from these you can take your own personal essentials if any.
Now that we have packed, let the……
4. The Journey Begins: Kolkata to Jammu
By Air:
The fastest way to reach Jammu from Kolkata is by air. Several airlines operate connecting flights from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport to Jammu Airport via Delhi. The flight duration depends on the layover duration at Delhi. Upon reaching Jammu, you can proceed to Srinagar by road or air.
By Train:
For those like us, who prefer rail travel, several trains connect Kolkata to Jammu Tawi Railway Station. Some of the popular trains include the Himgiri Express, Sealdah Express, and Kolkata-Jammu Tawi Express. The train journey takes around 36 to 45 hours, providing ample time to witness the changing landscapes as you move from the plains of Bengal to the foothills of the Himalayas.
We took the Kolkata-Jammu Tawi Express, and it took over 48 hours to reach Jammu Tawi. It was a tiresome journey for all of us. Of course, we did order some delicious food through online portals. That was the only best part of this journey.
It was a scorching hot day in Jammu when we arrived. Just outside the station, there was a temporary tent setup for obtaining the RFID card for going ahead with our trip. Obtaining an RFID card is equally important as obtaining the permit. Thankfully, there were little or now crowd when we reached there and in no time the whole process was over.
After a tiring journey, we were relieved to catch a bus that took us to our hotel near Jewel Chowk, a bustling area in the city. Once we settled in and freshened up, we decided to explore the local scene. The vibrant streets around the hotel were filled with lively markets, and we had some engaging conversations with the locals, learning more about the culture and traditions. It was a relaxing break before we embarked on the real journey ahead.
You can also read our previous blog on Jammu to learn more about this place. Finally, we ended our day before moving to……
Note: Amarnath Yatri, looking for budget options can also opt to stay at the Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp set up for the Amarnath Yatra. You will find bus options from there to either Baltal or Pahalgam. Its quite cheap and affordable with the dormatories available.
5. Jammu to Srinagar: Gateway to the Himalayas
The day we departed from Jammu, it was raining steadily, casting a cool, refreshing atmosphere over the city. To make our journey more comfortable, we had booked a tempo traveller for all the passengers at ₹10,000 per day, which gave us the flexibility to stop wherever we wanted. It was a convenient choice, especially for breaks or scenic stops along the way. We also noticed several Langars (community kitchens) set up on the roadside, providing free meals for travelers making their way to Srinagar—a truly heartwarming sight on such a spiritual journey.
Around mid-morning, we stopped at a cosy dhaba for a simple but delicious breakfast, which was much needed after the early start.
By the time we reached the Nowpora area in Srinagar around 2 PM, the rain had subsided, and the city greeted us with clear skies and cool weather. It felt like the perfect start to the next leg of our pilgrimage.
To know more about Srinagar and things to see you can go through our previous blog on Srinagar.
We decided to drop off the majority of the baggage for the next day and continue with our journey to the Baltal Base Camp. We only kept medicines, original documents, RFID Card, dry fruits, one extra spare clothes (in case we get drenched) and rain coat.
Now that we are ready for the most important part of the trip, let’s take you to the……
6. Baltal Base Camp
After a hearty breakfast, we began our journey to Baltal Base Camp from Srinagar, one of the most scenic routes in Kashmir. The drive itself was breathtaking, filled with endless stretches of green valleys and the Sindh River flowing alongside us. As we left Srinagar, the landscape gradually transformed, and by the time we reached Sonmarg—famously known as the “Meadow of Gold“—we were greeted with majestic peaks and the clear blue sky. Sonmarg felt like a piece of paradise.
The road from Sonmarg to Baltal, about 15 kilometres, is equally spectacular. Baltal is surrounded by towering mountains, lush meadows, and waterfalls that seem to spring out of nowhere. The journey offered numerous opportunities to pause, click snaps, and marvel at the stunning beauty of the region, something that was made more convenient by having our Tempo Traveller.
Baltal itself is a serene base camp, known primarily for being the starting point for the Amarnath Yatra. It truly was an unforgettable experience—every turn of the road revealed a new aspect of Kashmir’s beauty, with Baltal serving as a stunning destination at the end of the road.
We got off the traveller at about 600 meters from the Base Camp. In no time we were surrounded by tent owners to stay at their tent. Show your negotiation skills, as it generally costs 100 INR per bed for a day.
After security check-in, we were allowed to get inside the camp. We noticed about four langars and numerous shops selling clothes, food and souvenirs. We were in awe after reaching the base camp.
We ended our day with some delicious food from the langhars. This made the journey even more special, as we could stop whenever needed and savour the hospitality that comes naturally to this part of India.
Now that we reached it, you might be curious about the next part of the trip. For that you need to wait and follow us and hope you enjoyed reading our blog.
Wait! We are not going anywhere without this last question…….
7. What kind of help are we going to provide?
Let us inform you that we prepare itineraries not only for anywhere in India but also for Asia. We have been travelling since we were toddlers. So here in our blogs and stories, we will give you a glimpse of our journey and help you plan your trip.
Read about our Uzbekistan blogs.
Read about our Kazakhstan blogs.
Read about our Singapore blogs.
Read about our Vietnam blogs.
Read about our Cambodia blogs.
Read about our Bali blogs.
Read about our Kuala Lumpur blog series.
Read about our Sri Lanka blogs.
Read about our Nepal blogs.
Read about our Char Dham blogs.
Read about our Ladakh blogs.
Read about our day trip to Hyderabad.
Read about our Madhya Pradesh blogs.
Do follow our Instagram handle @mindfulllofvacations and watch for the next destination story of Kerala. For any query related to any trip, drop a mail at @mitkau007@gmail.com.
by mitkau