Amarnath Yatra Resumes After One-Day Suspension, Thousands Depart For Baltal

The Amarnath Yatra resumed on Tuesday after a one-day suspension, with 1,873 devotees departing from Jammu for the North Kashmir Baltal base camp.

Officials from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which manages the pilgrimage, reported that around 500,000 devotees have visited the holy cave shrine since the Yatra began on June 29.

On Tuesday, no convoys traveled to the South Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp. Instead, an escorted convoy of 69 vehicles carrying 1,873 Yatris left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu at 3:25 a.m. for the Baltal base camp. Pilgrims did not travel to Nunwan (Pahalgam) on this day. The traditional Pahalgam route will now carry only the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Mace), which will depart Pahalgam for the cave shrine on August 14.

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Security forces, including police and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), maintain a round-the-clock presence along the 350-kilometer route from Jammu to the base camps. They also secure transit camps, base camps, and the cave shrine.

Local residents support pilgrims by providing ponies and serving as porters, helping those who are weak or infirm complete the journey.

The SASB, led by Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha, efficiently manages the Yatra, ensuring a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience. Pilgrims can choose between the 48-kilometer trek from Pahalgam, which takes 4-5 days, or the 14-kilometer trek from Baltal, which can be completed in a single day.

Helicopter services are available at both Baltal and Chandanwari (South Kashmir) for those who prefer a quicker visit.

The Amarnath Yatra will conclude on August 19, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.