Jammu, July 7,2026-The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 continues to witness an unprecedented surge in pilgrim participation, with a record 8,815 devotees, including 31 foreign nationals, departing from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu on Tuesday for the sacred cave shrine in the Himalayas.
This marks the largest batch of pilgrims to leave the Jammu base camp since the commencement of this year’s pilgrimage, reflecting the growing enthusiasm and devotion among worshippers from across India and abroad.
Escorted by a multi-layered security convoy, the pilgrims travelled in a fleet of buses and light motor vehicles towards the twin base camps of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district. Security personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), and other agencies have been deployed along the route to ensure the safe and smooth movement of yatris.
With Tuesday’s departure, the total number of pilgrims undertaking the yatra has climbed close to the one lakh mark within just five days, making this one of the strongest starts to the annual pilgrimage in recent years. Officials attributed the remarkable turnout to improved infrastructure, enhanced security arrangements, better road connectivity, and streamlined registration and travel facilities.
The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra is being conducted under extensive security and administrative preparations. Authorities have established round-the-clock monitoring, RFID-based tracking, medical camps, emergency response teams, sanitation facilities, and dedicated assistance centres along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes to ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage experience.
Pilgrims expressed gratitude for the well-organised arrangements, highlighting the efficient transport system, medical support, and security measures that have facilitated a hassle-free journey to the revered shrine.
The annual pilgrimage to the holy Amarnath Cave, home to the naturally formed ice Shivling, is expected to continue attracting thousands of devotees daily in the coming weeks as the yatra progresses.
