With their expectations high this year, the poor and needy of Pahalgam village and nearby hamlets eagerly wait for the Amarnath Yatra to begin, thanks to the revival of tourism. The hoteliers and restaurants of the area also see the stars in their favour as there was a good deal of activity with the onset of Spring this year. Though unusual, for the past decade or so, the world's most picturesque valley of shepherds witnessed the influx of a good number of tourists. So the forecasters predicted an even large and peaceful Yatra this year.

The base camp for the Yatris going to the holy cave via Pahalgam is situated at Nonwani Pahalgam. The locals of Pahalgam and its nearby villages are dependent economically and financially on tourism. Most of them own ponies that are hired out for transportation to the holy cave. With the successful culmination of this year’s Yatra, there is satisfaction in the joy lit faces of these pony owners who have earned the amount they think is enough to sustain them for some months.

Abdul Majid of Ganeshbal, Pahalgam, says, “I earned Rs 26,000 on the trips I made with my pony to the holy shrine. It is quite relieving. Thanks to God and the revival of tourism in the valley. There was a time when my family used to starve due to the poor economic conditions.â€Â