India /Jammu and Kashmir /Ganderbal /Baltal
Baltal which is around 15 km from Sonamarg at an altitude of 2,743 m, and serves the base camp for Amarnathiji yatra. Through a meandering trek of 14 km from Baltal, one can reach the Holy Cave and during the Amarnath pilgrimage, tents are also set up here. One can hire taxi or take a bus from Sonmarg for Baltal and it will take approximately 1 hour. Tourists can directly reach Baltal from Pahalgam as well which is just 24 km away and takes approximately 45 mins on bis. For those tourists wanting to indulge in trekking to Baltal from Pahalgam will take around 5 hours. Baltal is known for its scenic views. The tents available here are affordable and tourists need to either trek to hire ponies to reach the cave. Tourists can also take helicopter services from Baltal that will drop the yatris till Panjtarni which is 5 km from the cave in just 7 minutes. The journey further to the cave needs to be covered on foot or ponies.
Baltal
Quick Facts-Edit
Category : Pilgrim
Time Zone: UTC + 5:30 Hours
Pincode: 190001
STD Code: 1932
Info Website:
Best Time to Visit: April-October
HistoryEdit
N.A.
Places to VisitAdd
How to ReachEdit
By Air : Baltal does not have an airport. Nearest airport is at Srinagar, which is around 100 km from Baltal and is well linked with major cities in India.
By Train : Jammu (400 km) has the nearest railway station for Baltal. The railway station is well connected with the major cities from all over the country. Onward journey to Baltal can be done on either bus or taxi.
By BUS : Buses are available from many cities within the state of Jammu and Kashmir and the cost of the ticket is around Rs 2-5 per km.
By Taxi : Auto rickshaws and Taxis are easily available for moving about in the city.
By Other : N.A.
Top HotelsAdd
Top RestaurantsAdd
Must Eat FoodAdd
Must Do ActivitiesAdd
Must ShopAdd
Nightlife (Pub / Disc / BAR)Add
SpaAdd
FestivalAdd
Safety / WarningEdit
1. Beware of pickpockets as Baltal is a major tourist city in India.
2. Beware of fake items. Better to buy from reputable shops even though you have to pay more.
HelplineEdit
Ambulance : 102
Fire Brigade : 101
Police : 100
ItineraryEdit
N.A.