Deepak Banchta of Shantha Chopal and and Satish Chauhan Kishore Balson Narrate their Epic Amarnath Yatra..
We kicked off our journey on June 29, super excited and ready to go and trek 46 km on foot to be at the feet of the Lord Amarnath.
We left for Pahalgam where the real adventure started. The Indian Army had our backs, which made us feel really safe with everything going on in the valley.
The soldiers were everywhere, making sure we could just focus on our pilgrimage,” Deepak shares.
“When we got to Pahalgam, the trek began. Every day, loads of people set off, some walking, some on horses, and some in those palanquins.
We had stayed overnight at Pahalgam, Next day we trekked through Chandanbari, Sheshnag, where a splendid Lake shines in all its beauty and we bowed in all respects to Sheshnag.
Then comes Pisu top and then Panchtarni, for many it is a night stay, but we continued ahead. Here begins a six km long ascent to the Amarnath Cave, our ultimate destination to have darshan of Barfani Baba. 
The arrangements were top-notch—so many food stalls, lots of water, and great support from the army.
It was heartwarming to see them helping out, giving oxygen to those struggling and just being there for everyone.”
Reaching the Holy Cave
“The morning of July 5, we made the final climb from Panchtarni to the cave.
The path was narrow and steep, but the views were stunning. Snow-covered peaks all around us, it was like being in a icy haven of streams and lakes and melting glaciers.
We finally bowed to ice Shivling in the cave—a creation of Lord Shiva, Divine Nature. The peace we felt after seeing Barfani Baba was soul uplifting,” Deepak recalls.
“We started the trek back around 9:00 AM after darshan. We made it to Baltal in just two and a half hours, which was super quick for us! It is the shortest route that only tough pilgrims use as it is the steepest. 
From there, we grabbed a bus back to Srinagar. There were traffic jams because so many people were traveling, but the system worked well. The army led the way, and everything moved smoothly.”
Reflection: A Journey of Heart and Soul
“Looking back, finishing the yatra in three days was a miracle. When both of us, pahari from Shimla, were trekking, even the army men admired our speed and stamina as we walked so fast tirelessly ahead of them.
Normally it takes longer, but we managed it in just a day on our way back. We were tired but felt so accomplished. This trip was a mix of physical endurance and spiritual awakening,” Deepak reflects.
“The beauty of the Himalayas, the devotion of the pilgrims, and the fantastic arrangements made this journey unforgettable" as there was free langars on the way offering sweets and meals and assistance.
Contrary to perceptions in Outside in Himachal or other places, we find the valley is peaceful and life looks normal.
Local people are cooperative and taxi service is prompt and cheaper than what we get in Shimla or Manali when we traveled in Srinagar to Dal Lake.
The peace we felt at Barfani Baba’s cave was incredible. We came back home with our hearts full and spirits high, grateful for the chance to go on this pilgrimage.”
