Over 26,000 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy ice cave of Amarnath within two days of the commencement of the 2026 annual Yatra on Friday, officials said.
The Yatra started on both traditional treks — from Nunwan in Pahalgam and Baltal in Sonamarg — with pilgrims chanting religious hymns on their way to the cave shrine.
As per official numbers, nearly 14,900 pilgrims from across the country paid obeisance to the naturally formed ice Lingam in the holy cave on Friday. The weather conditions at the Baltal and Nunwan base camps remained partially cloudy with occasional drizzle in the morning.
The Yatris, after performing darshan, started their return journey towards their respective base camps, reports said.
While a third batch of over 4,800 Yatris started their journey to the holy cave, a fourth batch of over 6,700 pilgrims is expected to reach the base camp in the afternoon today.
With the departure of 6,712 pilgrims today, a total number of around 14,900 Yatris have left Jammu for Kashmir since Friday. The authorities have put in place multi-layered security arrangements along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway and the twin tracks of Baltal and Pahalgam, as well as the holy cave, for the safe and smooth pilgrimage.
A multi-pronged security setup has been put in place in and around Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas and at the Tawi riverfront, where Tatkal registration of pilgrims and token distribution is underway.
“No pilgrim will be permitted to travel before their registered date. Please travel only on your registered date. Pilgrims who have arrived in Jammu and Kashmir without registration are again requested to wait for their turn,” it added.
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