Kashmir & Amarnath Yatra - A Journey of Devotion and Discovery

By Mansi H. Farde

The Excitement Before the Journey I was beyond excited guess why? Because I was finally going to Kashmir for the Amarnath Yatra!

It was my first experience with such an intense trek, and honestly, I was a bit nervous. But thanks to Sahyog Mantra Tours, we had a perfectly planned itinerary that gave me confidence.

I wasn’t traveling alone I had the privilege of going with Dr. Neeta Patil, the director of Sahyog Mantra Tours, someone I always love traveling with because our vibes match perfectly. Along with us, there were 10 amazing women, aged between 50 and 60, and we were their guides for this divine journey. 

A Few Days in Kashmir Before the Trek

Since I always wanted to explore Kashmir, I requested Dr. Neeta ma’am that we arrive two days before our guests.

As we landed at Srinagar Airport, our car was already waiting for us. Without wasting time, we left for Gulmarg, hoping to see some snow, but unfortunately, it wasn’t the season. Still, the beauty of the place was breathtaking!

After enjoying Gulmarg, we headed to our hotel in Tangmarg for a quick refresh, followed by dinner and a peaceful night’s sleep.

The next day, in the evening, we welcomed our 10 guests at Srinagar Airport. On our way to the hotel, we passed through stunning landscapes—rivers, apple orchards, and picturesque valleys—it truly felt like heaven!

We reached Hotel Shabnam Resort, freshened up, and guided our guests about the trek scheduled for the next morning. The excitement was at its peak!

The Trek Begins – Amarnath Yatra from Chandanwari

At 3 AM, we set off for the Amarnath Yatra, beginning our trek from Chandanwari. Before starting, we stopped at langars (community kitchens), had some tea, and prepared ourselves for the challenging journey ahead.

Our first stop was Sheshnag. It wasn’t easy at all! The trek was much tougher than I had imagined. But somehow, we made it to Sheshnag Camp, where our company had already booked tents for us.

The next day, we continued our journey to Panchtarni, but this time, we had to use horses and palkhis (palanquins) because the altitude was making it difficult to breathe.The scenery was mesmerizing, but physically, we were struggling. Finally, we reached the Amarnath Cave—the sacred temple was visible from a distance, filling us with immense peace and devotion. But we still had 1 km left to cover.

An Unexpected Divine Experience

Just when we were about to complete the final stretch of our journey, Dr. Neeta ma’am fell seriously ill due to the high altitude.She had a high fever, and I had no choice but to stay back with her instead of continuing to the temple.

We stopped at a small rest point where tea and cookies were being served, and there was a small seating area. However, staying there for long was not allowed.

As I was wondering where we would go, a man suddenly approached us.

Without us asking for help, he allowed us to stay, brought us a blanket, and made sure we were comfortable. His kindness was unexpected—it felt as though he had appeared just for us.

Meanwhile, another elderly man, visibly weak and shivering, approached me.

Through his trembling voice, he told me that he had lost his phone, and his group had left him behind. He was vomiting, unable to walk, and looked extremely unwell. Without a second thought, I helped him reach the medical camp and got him admitted.

A while later, as he regained strength, he came back, folded his hands, and with teary eyes said,

“Beta, tum bahut acchi ho. Bhagwan tumhari raksha kare.”

 At that moment,

I felt something truly divine. Even though I couldn’t visit the Amarnath temple, I felt as though God had come to me in the form of these people.

But the real miracle happened when we were about to leave.

I turned back to thank the kind man who had given us shelter and a blanket. But he was nowhere to be seen. We looked around, asked people nearby, but it was as if he had disappeared into thin air.

Who was he?

A kind stranger?

Or was it Baba’s blessing in disguise?

Some moments in life cannot be explained—they can only be felt. And this was one of them. Meanwhile, our guests successfully completed the darshan and returned. We then began our descent back to Srinagar, where we checked into our hotel for some much-needed rest. 

Exploring Srinagar & Bidding Farewell

After recovering, we made the most of our time in Srinagar—visiting gardens, local markets, and bonding with our guests from Pune.

It was a wonderful experience, sharing stories and laughter together.

The next day, we dropped our guests at the airport, but Dr. Neeta ma’am and I stayed back for two more days to explore Kashmir a little more.

One of the highlights was our visit to Doodhpathri, where I enjoyed Makki di roti with Sarson da saag—an authentic local delicacy.

We spent time interacting with locals, soaking in the beauty of Kashmir, and capturing unforgettable memories. Finally, it was time to return home. As we boarded our flight from Srinagar Airport, I carried with me not just memories but a longing for more journeys—because the heart of a traveler never stops seeking new horizons. 

Final Thoughts

This trip was not just about Kashmir’s beauty or the Amarnath Yatra—it was a journey of faith, responsibility, and unexpected blessings. I may not have entered the Amarnath temple, but I felt God’s presence in the people around me. This experience will stay with me forever.

Now, as I write this, I already miss Kashmir and its magic!

Would I Do It Again?

Without a doubt, YES!

Would you like to experience this incredible journey too?

Let me know in the comments!