A year after the Pahalgam attack saw a dip in pilgrim footfalls, Jammu & Kashmir Lieutenant-Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday (July 2, 2026) flagged off the first batch of devotees for the pilgrimage to the Amarnath holy cave from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar Base Camp.
Pilgrims started reaching the twin base camps of Nunwan in south Kashmir’s Pahalgam and Sonmarg’s Baltal, a day ahead of the formal trek to the ice (stalagmite) lingam at an altitude of 3,880 metres.
“The yatra is a sacred path where devotion meets spiritual awakening. I wish all devotees a safe, comfortable, blissful and spiritually fulfilling journey. May this holy pilgrimage bring immense joy and divine peace to all,” Mr. Sinha said, wishing the pilgrims.
Every year, the J&K administration, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, J&K Police, the Indian Army, security forces, the local community, and all stakeholders join hands to make the yatra a success. However, the Pahalgam terror attack, which left 26 civilians dead in April 2025, also impacted the yatra later in the year.
The first batch of more than 4,800 pilgrims has set off on the holy yatra in a convoy of 259 light and heavy vehicles, officials said.
J&K Transport, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Minister Satish Sharma received the pilgrims at the Baltal Base Camp. “The J&K government is fully committed to ensuring that every pilgrim is provided with safe, efficient and hassle-free services throughout the yatra. All departments and field functionaries to maintain the highest level of alertness, coordination and responsiveness so that any issue arising during the pilgrimage is addressed promptly,” he said.
Langar (community kitchen) provides free food to the pilgrims at Baltal base camp, Jammu and Kashmir, on July 2, 2026. | Photo Credit: Imran Nissar
The Baltal route is a steep, 14 km, one-way trek. The Pahalgam route is a 34-km trek, with the Mahagunas Top at 4,276 m.
Security on the yatra routes has been stepped up this year. Artificial Intelligence and drones have been deployed to maintain a vigil.
J&K Apni Party president Altaf Bukhari conveyed his wishes to the devotees. “This annual pilgrimage has always been a shining symbol of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich composite and inclusive culture. It reflects our cherished values of faith, harmony, mutual respect, and hospitality,” Mr. Bukhari said.
The people of Jammu and Kashmir, especially the Muslim community, have always played a vital role in ensuring the safe, smooth, and hassle-free conduct of the yatra, the J&K Apni Party leader said.
Published - July 02, 2026 10:42 pm IST
Jammu and Kashmir / religion and belief
Source: The Hindu - India News
