The 10th batch of 9,182 pilgrims, including 2,435 women, departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Saturday to visit the holy Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, officials said.
The group included 256 sadhus, 46 sadhvis, and 31 children. They left in separate convoys for the twin base camps of Nunwan-Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal under tight security arrangements early in the day, according to officials.
Route details and convoy size
Of the total pilgrims, 5,877 are heading to the Pahalgam base camp via a convoy of 206 vehicles, while 3,305 pilgrims in 127 vehicles opted for the Baltal route, officials said. The Baltal route is shorter but steeper, while the Pahalgam route is longer and traditionally used by most pilgrims.
Annual pilgrimage schedule
The 57-day annual Amarnath Yatra to the 3,880-metre high cave shrine began on July 3 from both routes and is scheduled to conclude on August 28, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Over two lakh pilgrims have already visited the shrine this year, officials added.
The pilgrimage is one of the most significant Hindu religious events in India, drawing devotees from across the country. The cave shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is believed to have natural ice formations that resemble a lingam.
Security measures
Authorities have implemented extensive security protocols along both routes, including the deployment of paramilitary forces, police, and drone surveillance to ensure the safety of pilgrims. The Jammu and Kashmir administration has also set up medical camps, rest stations, and langars (free food counters) along the way.
