The annual Amarnath Yatra has commenced with the first batch of pilgrims embarking on their journey to the holy cave shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. On July 2, 2025, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the initial group of devotees from Jammu, marking the beginning of the 38-day pilgrimage.
This year, the Yatra is scheduled from July 3 to August 9. Over 3.3 lakh devotees have registered for the Yatra. The pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave, situated at an altitude of 12,700 feet, attracts devotees from across the country. The cave houses a naturally formed ice Shivling, revered as a representation of Lord Shiva.
A total of 5,892 pilgrims, including 1,115 women, 31 children, and 16 transgenders, departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp at 4:30 a.m.. The pilgrims will travel via the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district and the shorter 14-km Baltal route in the Ganderbal district.
Security measures have been heightened for this year's Yatra. A multi-tier security cover has been put in place to ensure the safety of the pilgrims. The entire pilgrimage route will be monitored by CCTV surveillance and drones. A no-fly zone has also been declared over the Yatra route. 581 companies from various Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed for security.
For safety and crowd management, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has set a daily limit of 15,000 pilgrims. Registration is open to individuals between 13 and 70 years old. However, people with serious health conditions related to the heart, lungs, or other ailments are advised against participating. Pregnant women are also not permitted to undertake the Yatra.
Authorities have improved facilities for the pilgrims. A 100-bed hospital has been constructed by ONGC at both the Chandanwari and Baltal Yatra base camps. A new board office and Yatri Niwas have been inaugurated in Srinagar, and a similar facility will be inaugurated in Baltal on July 4. The routes leading to the cave shrine have been widened from six to twelve feet.
The Amarnath Yatra holds immense significance for Hindu devotees, and the annual pilgrimage is a testament to their faith and devotion. The journey to the cave shrine is considered arduous, but the devotees undertake it with unwavering enthusiasm.
