Jammu, July 21, 2025 – A fresh batch of 3,791 pilgrims embarked on their journey to the Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Monday morning, officials reported. The 38-day pilgrimage, which began on July 3, 2025, has seen over 3 lakh devotees pay obeisance at the 3,880-metre-high shrine, home to the naturally formed ice lingam of Lord Shiva.
The 21st batch of pilgrims, comprising 3,067 men, 522 women, nine children, 192 sadhus and sadhvis, and one transgender person, left the base camp between 3:33 AM and 4:06 AM IST in 148 vehicles. Escorted by CRPF and police personnel, the convoy split into two groups: 1,208 pilgrims in 52 vehicles headed for the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district, while 2,583 pilgrims in 96 vehicles took the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route in Anantnag district.
The Amarnath Yatra, which will conclude on August 9, 2025, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, has seen a gradual decline in pilgrim numbers over recent days, with 7,908 on July 18, 6,365 on July 19, and 4,388 on July 20. The lower footfall is partly attributed to the fast-melting ice Shivlingam, leading to some cancellations. Despite this, over 4 lakh people have registered online for the pilgrimage, compared to 5.1 lakh who visited last year.
The yatra resumed on July 18 after a one-day suspension due to heavy rains and landslides in Kashmir. Pilgrims chanted “Bum Bum Bhole” and “Har Har Mahadev” as they departed, undeterred by challenges, including a prior Pahalgam terrorist attack on April 22 that claimed 26 lives. Security has been bolstered with 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces, RFID tags, and 34 accommodation centres across Jammu to ensure safety and smooth logistics.
