The 12th batch of Amarnath pilgrims, consisting of 7,049 individuals, departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Sunday, July 13, 2025, to pay their respects at the holy Amarnath cave shrine located in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The pilgrims, including 1,423 women, 31 children, and 136 sadhus and sadhvis, যাত্রা began their journey in separate convoys destined for the twin base camps of Nunwan-Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal. Authorities have implemented tight security arrangements to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.
Of the total number of pilgrims, 4,158 are heading towards the Pahalgam base camp in a convoy of 148 vehicles, while 2,891 pilgrims, traveling in 138 vehicles, have opted for the Baltal route. The annual 38-day pilgrimage to the 3,880-meter high cave shrine commenced on July 3, 2025, and is scheduled to conclude on August 9, 2025, coinciding with the Raksha Bandhan festival.
As of today, nearly 1.83 lakh pilgrims have already visited the Amarnath shrine, which houses a naturally formed Shivlingam. The pilgrimage holds immense significance for Hindu devotees, and the authorities are committed to providing a safe and secure environment for the yatris.
Earlier, on July 12, 2025, another batch of 6,639 pilgrims had left from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the holy cave shrine. These pilgrims যাত্রা began their journey in a fleet of 275 vehicles, chanting "Bam Bam Bhole". Of these, 4,302 pilgrims were headed for Pahalgam, and 2,337 for Baltal.
On July 10, 2025, a batch of 7,307 pilgrims had also departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu for the Kashmir valley. This group included 5,534 men, 1,586 women, 25 children, 138 Sadhus, and 24 Sadhvis, traveling in 284 vehicles. Among them, 3,081 pilgrims chose the Baltal base camp route, while 4,226 pilgrims headed for the Pahalgam base camp.
The Amarnath Yatra is an annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave in Jammu and Kashmir, India. The cave is home to a naturally formed ice stalagmite that is considered to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage is a challenging one, as the cave is located at an altitude of 3,880 meters and the terrain is often difficult. However, the devotees undertake this journey with unwavering faith and devotion.
