Baltal, July 3,2026- The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 commenced on Friday with thousands of devotees beginning their sacred trek from the Baltal base camp towards the Holy Cave Shrine amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bhole.” Pilgrims, filled with devotion and enthusiasm, set out on the 14-kilometre Baltal route in the early hours under tight security arrangements.
The Baltal route, known for being shorter but steeper than the traditional Pahalgam route, witnessed a steady movement of pilgrims on foot, ponies, and palkis. Security personnel, disaster response teams, medical units, and volunteers have been deployed along the route to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage. Authorities have also established healthcare facilities, emergency response centres, and weather monitoring systems to assist devotees throughout the journey.
Pilgrims expressed joy and spiritual excitement as they embarked on the yatra, praying for peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the nation. Many described the pilgrimage as a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual experience despite the challenging terrain and unpredictable weather.
The 57-day Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 is being conducted via the twin routes of Baltal and Pahalgam under extensive security and logistical arrangements made by the Jammu and Kashmir administration and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB).
