New Batch of Pilgrims Depart for Amarnath Yatra Amid Tight Security

A new batch of 4,640 pilgrims has embarked on the Amarnath Yatra from Jammu, with strict security protocols in place. This year, over 345,000 devotees have already visited the sacred cave temple. The journey is being closely monitored to ensure the safety of all participants, with significant security forces deployed along the routes. Discover more about the pilgrimage and the measures taken to protect the devotees.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 17, 2026, 14:09 IST

Pilgrims Set Off for Amarnath Yatra

In Jammu, a fresh group of 4,640 devotees commenced their journey for the annual Amarnath Yatra early Friday morning from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, with stringent security measures in place, as reported by officials.

According to the authorities, over 345,000 pilgrims have already visited the sacred cave temple of Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of 3,880 meters.

The 16th batch, consisting of 171 vehicles, includes 1,626 pilgrims traveling via the shorter Baltal route in the Ganderbal district of central Kashmir, while 3,014 devotees are taking the traditional Pahalgam route from Anantnag district in southern Kashmir. The convoy heading to the Baltal route departed the base camp at 2:42 AM, followed by the Pahalgam group at 3:11 AM.

With this latest departure, the total number of pilgrims who have left from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp for the holy cave temple this year has reached 109,128.

Enhanced Security Measures for Safe Pilgrimage

The annual Amarnath Yatra is being conducted under a multi-layered security framework. To ensure the safe movement of pilgrims, the administration has deployed extensive security forces along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and both routes of the pilgrimage.