The ongoing Amarnath Yatra, which began on 29 June, continues to progress smoothly, with a fresh batch of 2,907 pilgrims departing from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas early Wednesday morning in two well-escorted convoys.
The first convoy, comprising 41 vehicles, carried 1,134 pilgrims to the north Kashmir Baltal base camp.
Meanwhile, the second convoy, consisting of 62 vehicles, transported 1,773 pilgrims to the south Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.
Both convoys departed Jammu at 4:40 AM, according to officials.
The Amarnath cave shrine, perched at an altitude of 3,888 metres in the Kashmir Himalayas, however, features a renowned ice stalagmite structure that devotees believe symbolizes the divine presence of Lord Shiva.
The formation waxes and wanes in alignment with the lunar phases.
Pilgrims can approach the shrine via two primary routes:
- The traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route, which covers a 48 km distance and typically takes four to five days, or
- The north Kashmir Baltal route, a shorter 14 km trek that allows for a day trip including the return to the base camp
Meanwhile, the ongoing Yatra has been marked by peaceful and orderly conduct, reflecting the effective management and coordination by authorities.
The pilgrimage, which holds significant spiritual importance for devotees however continues to attract large numbers of visitors, drawn by the belief in the shrine’s sacred ice formation and its association with Lord Shiva.
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