July 16, 2024 8:21 AM.
Another batch of 4132 pilgrims left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu for the Kashmir valley to perform pilgrimage to Amarnath Cave Shrine. The pilgrims left the base camp in a cavalcade of 151 vehicles early this morning. The batch included 2872 Men, 1168 Women, 18 Children, 68 Sadhus & 06 Sadhvies ( female sadhus).
Of these 1808 pilgrims left for Baltal base camp at 3:04 AM and 2324 for Pahalgam base camp at 3:54 AM from where they will proceed for their further journey to the holy cave.
The MET department has predicted a spell of light to moderate Rain/thundershower on 15th July around the Himalayas of Amarnath Cave shrine and brief spell of Rain/thundershower at isolated places.
The Amarnath cave is situated 3,888 meters above sea level and it can only be reached on foot or by pony. Located deep inside the Himalayas, the cave shrine can be accessed through the Anantnag-Pahalgam axis and the Ganderbal-Sonamarg-Baltal axis.
The other is the Pahalgam route, which is approximately 36-48 km from the cave and takes 3-5 days to cover. While this is a longer journey, it is a littler easier and less steep.
The 52-day Amarnath Yatra started on 29 June and will continue till August 19.