Over 7,700 Amarnath pilgrims left Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on Sunday under stringent security arrangements.
As per officials, a total of 7,754 pilgrims departed in a convoy of 303 vehicles. Approximately 2,896 pilgrims were heading towards the shorter but steeper Baltal route in 133 vehicles, while 4,858 devotees left for the traditional longer route in Pahalgam in 170 vehicles.
Of these, 5,383 were males, 2,071 females, 16 were children, 222 sadhus, 58 sadhvis, and five transgender pilgrims were part of this fresh batch moving towards the Valley.
Officials said the total number of pilgrims who have departed from Jammu for the annual pilgrimage has now reached the 87,701 mark.
After entering Ramban district via the Nashri Tunnel, the Baltal-bound pilgrims are scheduled to halt at Lambar Ground, Banihal, where breakfast and other basic facilities have been arranged.
Meanwhile, pilgrims travelling towards the Pahalgam route will stop at the Chanderkoot Langar sites in Ramban for breakfast before continuing their onwards journey to south Kashmir.
The administration has made all necessary arrangements, including health, medical, and convenience facilities, to ensure the smooth conduct of the Yatra.
The pilgrimage began on Thursday. Authorities expect a massive rush this year, with improved facilities and security arrangements.
Earlier, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Friday that over 2 lakh devotees have visited and performed darshan at the Amarnath cave shrine in just 8 days.
Also read: Eleventh batch of over 9,100 Amarnath pilgrims depart for Valley
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