The second group of pilgrims departed from the Jammu base camp under stringent security measures for the sacred Amarnath cave shrine in the southern Kashmir Himalayas. This batch, comprising more than 1,800 pilgrims, began their journey from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Saturday, June 29.

On June 29, the initial group of pilgrims departed from the twin base camps at Baltal and Nunwan to commence their journey towards the cave shrine situated at an elevation of 3,880 meters.

The pilgrimage commenced on June 29 along two routes: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter 14-km, albeit steeper, Baltal route in Ganderbal.

Within the first two days of the annual Amarnath Yatra, approximately 30,000 pilgrims have successfully completed their journey. Strict security measures have been implemented to ensure the smooth progression of the yatra, with thousands of security personnel from the police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and other paramilitary forces deployed along the route. Aerial surveillance is also being conducted to enhance security measures.

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The 52-day pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 19.

Additionally, the central public sector undertaking ONGC has established two 100-bed hospitals at the twin Amarnath base camps in Kashmir. These facilities are intended to remain operational beyond the annual yatra.

In 2023, over 450,000 pilgrims visited the cave shrine to pay their respects.

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