Nestled in the lap of the majestic Himalayas, the Kashmir Valley has long been celebrated as “Paradise on Earth,” not only for its breathtaking landscapes but also for the warmth and hospitality of its people. This spirit of Kashmiriyat—a unique ethos of compassion, brotherhood, and inclusivity—shines brightly during the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, one of India’s most sacred pilgrimages. Despite the challenges posed by the tragic Pahalgam terror attack on April 22, 2025, which claimed 26 lives and briefly cast a shadow over the region’s thriving tourism industry, the resilience of local Kashmiris and their unwavering commitment to welcoming pilgrims have reaffirmed the valley’s role as a beacon of hope and hospitality. Through the tireless efforts of pony walas, pithu walas, palki walas, and tent house operators, the Amarnath Yatra not only fosters spiritual fulfilment but also serves as a catalyst for reviving tourism in a region eager to heal and reconnect with the world.
The Amarnath Yatra: A Spiritual and Cultural Tapestry
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra, an annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva at an altitude of 3,888 meters, is a profound expression of faith, drawing hundreds of thousands of devotees from across India and beyond. Scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025, the 38-day pilgrimage is a journey of devotion through the rugged terrains of Jammu and Kashmir, with Pahalgam and Baltal serving as the primary base camps. The yatra holds immense socio-cultural significance, as highlighted by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who described it as a “socio-cultural responsibility of the J&K family” after consultations with leaders of all major political parties. This collective resolve underscores the region’s commitment to ensuring a safe, welcoming, and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims.
The yatra is more than a religious event; it is a vibrant celebration of human connection, where the local Kashmiri community plays an indispensable role. From pony walas guiding pilgrims through treacherous mountain paths to pithu walas carrying their belongings and palki walas offering palanquins for those unable to walk, the locals embody the essence of selfless service. Tent houses, operated by Kashmiri families, provide shelter and sustenance, transforming the rugged pilgrimage route into a home away from home. This hospitality, rooted in centuries-old traditions, is a testament to the region’s enduring spirit, even in the face of adversity.
The Heart of Kashmiriyat: Local Heroes of the Yatra
The Amarnath Yatra is a labor-intensive endeavor, and the local Kashmiri community forms its backbone. Pony walas, pithu walas, and palki walas are the unsung heroes who ensure that pilgrims can navigate the challenging terrain with ease and safety. These individuals, often from humble backgrounds, undertake physically demanding tasks to support the yatris, earning a modest income while exemplifying the spirit of service.
Pony walas, like Mohammad Ramzan and Basheer Ahmad, are integral to the yatra, guiding pilgrims on horseback through the steep, rocky paths leading to the Amarnath cave. Despite the economic setbacks caused by the Pahalgam attack, which led to a significant dip in tourist arrivals, these pony walas remain hopeful that the yatra will bring a resurgence of visitors. Ramzan, reflecting on the lean months following the attack, expressed optimism: “Our peak season for earnings has gone… but we hope that more locals will visit us over the next few months before the onset of winter. That might offset some of the losses.” Basheer Ahmad echoed this sentiment, pinning hopes on a large turnout for the yatra: “We have a lesser number of pilgrims coming for the Amarnath Yatra via Pahalgam route now. We hope it will change this year.”
Pithu walas, who carry pilgrims’ belongings on their backs, and palki walas, who transport elderly or physically challenged devotees in palanquins, demonstrate remarkable strength and compassion. Their work is not merely a job but a reflection of their commitment to the pilgrims’ well-being. The story of Adil Hussain Shah, a 29-year-old pony rider who lost his life during the Pahalgam attack while trying to protect tourists, is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by these local heroes. His brother, Naushad Shah, recounted how Adil confronted the attackers to save innocent lives, earning widespread admiration, including from Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who attended his funeral. Such acts of bravery and selflessness are woven into the fabric of the yatra, reinforcing the bond between Kashmiris and the pilgrims they serve.
Tent houses, operated by local Kashmiri families, are another cornerstone of the yatra’s ecosystem. These temporary shelters, set up at base camps like Nunwan and Chandanwari, provide pilgrims with a place to rest, eat, and prepare for their arduous journey. Offering warmth, food, and a sense of community, these tent houses are a lifeline for yatris braving the cold Himalayan nights. Local operators, many of whom invested heavily in tourism infrastructure following the region’s post-2019 tourism boom, view the yatra as a vital opportunity to recover from the economic devastation caused by the April attack. As one hotelier noted, while the yatra itself may not directly boost their business due to pilgrims’ focus on the pilgrimage, the influx of visitors fosters a broader revival of economic activity in the region.
The Pahalgam Attack: A Blow to Tourism and Resilience in Response
The April 22, 2025, terror attack in Baisaran meadow, Pahalgam, was a devastating blow to Kashmir’s tourism sector, which had been flourishing with a record 3.5 million visitors to the Kashmir Valley in 2024. The attack, which killed 26 people, including 25 tourists and one local, sent shockwaves across India, leading to widespread cancellations and a temporary shutdown of 48 out of 87 government-authorized tourist resorts. Hotels in Pahalgam, once bustling with activity, saw occupancy rates plummet to a mere 10%, and local businesses, from restaurants to souvenir shops, faced unprecedented losses. The attack not only disrupted the peak summer tourism season but also challenged the narrative of normalcy that had been carefully cultivated since the revocation of Article 370 in 2019.
The economic impact was profound, particularly for communities like Pahalgam, which rely entirely on tourism due to the absence of agriculture or other industries. Hoteliers, taxi drivers, pony walas, and shopkeepers, who had invested heavily in anticipation of a robust season, were left grappling with debts and uncertainty. Syed Bashir, a handicraft seller, lamented, “For us, the season is already over. Why would anyone spend their money to visit a place from where they can’t be sure if they will return?” Mohammed Mohsin, who had recently renovated his family’s hotel in Pahalgam, faced financial ruin after the attack, with bookings canceled and the town reduced to a “ghost town.”
Yet, amidst this despair, the Kashmiri community’s response was a powerful testament to their resilience and hospitality. Local guides, pony walas, and residents risked their lives to rescue tourists during the attack, with stories of bravery flooding social media and news outlets. Nazakat, a 28-year-old guide, saved a family of 11 by escorting them to safety through a small opening in a fenced area, while others carried injured pilgrims to hospitals on ponies or their backs. Drishti Singh, a tourist from Pune, praised the locals’ support: “In the midst of this tragic moment, the unwavering support of Kashmiris is keeping the human spirit alive.” These acts of courage and compassion underscored the region’s commitment to protecting visitors, even at great personal risk.
Reviving Tourism: The Amarnath Yatra as a Beacon of Hope
The Amarnath Yatra has emerged as a critical opportunity to revive Kashmir’s tourism sector, which is slowly limping back to normalcy two months after the Pahalgam attack. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has been at the forefront of efforts to restore confidence, expressed optimism about the region’s recovery during a visit to Pahalgam on June 22, 2025. Posting on X, he shared images of a bustling market, noting, “Today I returned to a Pahalgam filled with activity. Foreign tourists from all over the country jostled for space with local picnickers who were making the most of the cold weather and rain.” His symbolic cabinet meeting in Pahalgam on May 27 and subsequent efforts to reopen public parks signal a concerted push to reassure visitors that Kashmir is safe and open for business.
The yatra, with its massive deployment of 581 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) companies, surveillance cameras, jammers, and drones, is designed to ensure an incident-free pilgrimage, further boosting confidence among potential visitors. Local stakeholders, including the Jammu and Kashmir Hotels and Restaurants Association, have introduced significant discounts—up to 65% on hotel tariffs—to attract tourists back to the valley. The introduction of new air-conditioned train services from Katra to Srinagar has also facilitated easier access, encouraging both pilgrims and tourists to return.
For pony walas, pithu walas, and palki walas, the yatra represents a lifeline. While the number of pilgrims using the Pahalgam route has historically been lower than the Baltal route, there is hope that increased participation in 2025 will provide much-needed income. Mehbooba Mufti, president of the People’s Democratic Party, emphasized the importance of supporting these local service providers, urging the government to allow more pony walas to participate and to provide financial assistance to those struggling with loans post-attack. Her call to welcome yatris with “the same warmth and hospitality that Kashmiris have extended for hundreds of years” resonates deeply with the community’s ethos.
The Kashmir Traders and Manufacturers Federation (KTMF) has also reaffirmed the region’s tradition of brotherhood and hospitality, welcoming the yatra as a symbol of unity and economic revival. As tourists and pilgrims begin to trickle back, drawn by the valley’s natural beauty and the locals’ warm embrace, there is a growing sense of optimism. Ravi Gosain, president of the Indian Association of Tour Operators, noted, “Locals are very welcoming, hoteliers, tour guides, and shopkeepers are very friendly, and people are coming back. You can see it—all flights are coming in full, tourism is bouncing back quickly.”
Kashmiriyat: A Legacy of Compassion and Connection
The hospitality extended during the Amarnath Yatra is a reflection of Kashmiriyat, a cultural ethos that transcends religious and regional divides. This spirit was vividly displayed during the Pahalgam attack, when locals risked their lives to save tourists, and continues to define the yatra experience. Whether it’s a pony wala guiding a pilgrim through a snowy pass, a pithu wala carrying heavy loads with a smile, or a tent house operator offering a warm meal, these acts of kindness create lasting bonds between Kashmiris and visitors.
The yatra also fosters a sense of shared humanity, as pilgrims from diverse backgrounds converge in the valley, united by faith and welcomed by a community that sees their presence as a source of pride. As one shawl vendor remarked after the attack, “We want to tell all Indians that we stand with them… We are all Indians.” This sentiment is echoed in the words of a Kashmiri writer for The Global Kashmir: “Tourism in Kashmir is not just about sights and scenery—it is about human connection. It is about telling the world, again and again, that we are not just a land of mountains and lakes, but a people who refuse to be defined by violence.”
Challenges and the Path Forward
Despite the optimism surrounding the yatra, challenges remain. The closure of key tourist spots like Betaab Valley, Aru Valley, and several public parks in Pahalgam has limited the scope of tourism activities. Hoteliers and local businesses continue to face financial strain, with many struggling to repay loans taken during the pre-attack tourism boom. The government’s efforts to waive airport fees and provide incentives to airlines are steps in the right direction, but sustained support is needed to fully revive the sector.
Moreover, the psychological impact of the attack lingers, with some tourists still hesitant to visit. However, the bravery and hospitality of locals, coupled with enhanced security measures, are gradually restoring confidence. The yatra, with its massive scale and cultural significance, serves as a powerful symbol of Kashmir’s resilience and its ability to rise above tragedy.
Conclusion: A Shared Act of Faith
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is more than a pilgrimage; it is a celebration of Kashmir’s enduring hospitality and a testament to the region’s unbreakable spirit. The pony walas, pithu walas, palki walas, and tent house operators embody the heart of Kashmiriyat, offering not just services but a sense of belonging to every yatri who traverses the valley’s sacred paths. As the region recovers from the wounds of the Pahalgam attack, the yatra stands as a beacon of hope, drawing pilgrims and tourists alike to experience the warmth of a community that refuses to be defined by violence.
With the collective resolve of the J&K administration, local stakeholders, and the Kashmiri people, the yatra is poised to not only fulfill its spiritual purpose but also catalyze a broader revival of tourism. As Chief Minister Omar Abdullah noted, the return of bustling markets and smiling visitors is a sign that “Pahalgam is healing and it is open again.” For every pony wala leading a pilgrim, every pithu wala carrying a load, and every tent house offering shelter, the yatra is a reminder that Kashmir’s greatest strength lies in its people—a people who, in the face of adversity, continue to offer love, peace, and unwavering hospitality.
