Jammu: In the latest development of the annual Amarnath Yatra, the 37th batch consisting of 999 pilgrims set out from Jammu towards the revered Amarnath cave shrine situated in the South Kashmir Himalayas. The group departed in the early hours of Thursday, embarking on two separate routes—Pahalgam and Baltal—to reach their destination.
The departure took place under stringent security measures, with the convoy comprising 33 vehicles leaving from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp. Of the 999 yatris (pilgrims), 422 chose the Baltal route, while 577 opted for the Pahalgam route, as confirmed by officials.
Commencing on July 1, the yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 31, allowing pilgrims to pay their respects during this sacred pilgrimage.
The journey faced a brief pause on Wednesday due to a substantial landslide that obstructed the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, preventing any batches from departing the Jammu base camp. Fortunately, the highway was successfully cleared for two-way vehicular movement on Thursday morning, facilitating the safe continuation of the yatra.