Amarnath Yatra: Fresh batch of yatris leave base camps for holy cave, 68,500 have darshan so far

A yatra official told UNI that weather is pleasant and yatra is progressing smoothly from both traditional Pahalgam and shortest Baltal tracks.

Meanwhile, 5,124 pilgrims in 226 Heavy and Light Motor Vehicles left Baghwati Nagar, Jammu, base camp for Baltal and Pahalgam base camps under unprecedented security arrangements. 

He said a fresh batch of pilgrims, including women, children and sadhus left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on traditional track.

The pilgrims who had night halt at different stations, including Chandanwari, on traditional route left for next stations early this morning.

He said fresh batch of pilgrims also left Baltal base camp for the holy cave early Saturday morning. The pilgrims, including women, children and sadhus will reach the holy cave after covering the distance on foot, he said. Helicopter service is also operating normally from both sides.

About 68000 pilgrims had darshan of the Ice-Lingam since the commencement of the annual pilgrimage from July 1st. The yatra will conclude on August 15.

Meanwhile, majority of the pilgrims who had darshan at the cave shrine are returning via Baltal track. The pilgrims after darshan also left for their homes. However, some pilgrims are taking time to visit Dal Lake and other tourist places, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam before leaving for home.

Image: Creative Commons