Baltal, July 15, 2025 – The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra began early this morning from the Domail Baltal base camp in Ganderbal district, Jammu and Kashmir, as thousands of devotees embarked on a sacred trek to the revered Amarnath cave shrine nestled in the Kashmir Himalayas. The 38-day pilgrimage, which commenced on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, 2025, was flagged off amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole,” with stringent security measures ensuring a safe journey for pilgrims.
The first batch of devotees, departing from the Baltal base camp, undertook the 14-km trek to the holy cave shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 meters, where a naturally formed ice Shivling draws millions seeking spiritual liberation. The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, has made extensive arrangements, including RFID cards for tracking, medical facilities, and langar services, to facilitate a seamless pilgrimage. The shorter but steeper Baltal route, via Domail, Barari, and Sangam, allows pilgrims to complete the journey in one to two days, with options for helicopter services to Panchtarni for those unable to trek.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir, flagged off the pilgrims at Domail, joined by SASB officials and security personnel. “We have ensured robust arrangements, including widened tracks, railings, and emergency assistance centers, to make the Yatra smooth and safe,” Shyambir said, urging pilgrims to carry RFID cards and adhere to safety guidelines. Over 1.28 lakh pilgrims have already visited the shrine since July 3, with 7,307 devotees, including 5,534 men, 1,586 women, 25 children, and 162 sadhus, departing from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 10 alone.
Security has been significantly bolstered, with the Border Security Force (BSF) Bomb Disposal Squads conducting daily sanitization along the Baltal and Pahalgam routes to counter potential threats. This heightened vigilance follows recent regional security challenges and aligns with efforts seen in the ongoing Shrawan Mahotsav at Shiv Khori. The Meteorological Department’s forecast of a wet spell until July 17 has prompted additional advisories for pilgrims to carry raincoats and waterproof gear, as light rain and thundershowers are expected, with risks of flash floods and landslides in hilly areas.The Amarnath Yatra, held during the Shravan month, is a cornerstone of Hindu devotion, with pilgrims seeking moksha through darshan of the ice Shivling. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a recent statement, wished devotees well, noting, “The darshan of Baba Barfani infuses immense energy in the devotees of Lord Shiva. Jai Baba Barfani.” Union Home Minister Amit Shah reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a secure and pleasant pilgrimage, emphasizing comprehensive arrangements for pilgrim safety.The Baltal route, accessible via Srinagar (95 km away), offers tented accommodations and langar facilities, with private huts costing ₹250–1,000 per night. Pilgrims are advised to carry compulsory health certificates, issued on or after April 8, 2025, and follow SASB guidelines, including avoiding plastic use to preserve the Himalayan ecosystem. As the Yatra progresses, devotees continue to throng the route, undeterred by challenging terrain and weather, driven by faith and devotion to Lord Shiva.Keywords: Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, Domail Baltal base camp, holy cave shrine, Kashmir Himalayas, ice Shivling, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, RFID cards, security, BSF Bomb Disposal Squads, Shrawan Mahotsav, Pahalgam route, moksha, Har Har Mahadev, Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, wet spell, langar services, helicopter services, Ganderbal district, spiritual pilgrimage.
