Amarnath Yatra 2026: First batch of Pilgrims flagged off

The first batch of pilgrims flagged off from Jammu today amid tight security.The first batch comprised of 4,822 pilgrims, many of whom expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the adminsitration and security agencies

Post Published By: Donika Singh

Updated : 2 July 2026, 3:02 PM IST

First Batch of 4,822 Pilgrims Flagged Off from Jammu Under Tight Security (Image: Internet)

Jammu: Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on thursday flagged off the first batch of Amarnath yathra pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp here amid a multi-tier security cover for their onword journey to the twin base camps of Pahalgam and Baltalin Kashmir.

The maiden batch of 4,822 pilgrims comprises 3,707 males and 816 females, 16 children and 246 sadhus and 37 sadhvis. The convoy included 106 buses, 39 medium motor vehicles(MMVs),111 light motor vehicles and three two wheelers.

The 57 day pilgrimage to the 3,880 metre-high amarnath cave shrine is scheduled to begin on july 3 simultaneously via the traditional 48 km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in the Anantnag district and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in the Ganderbal district.

In the first batch,2,510 pilgrims are taking the Pahalgam route, while 2,312 have opted for Baltal.The Yatra will conclude on August 28.

Lt.Governor Sinha performed a special puja at the high security Bhagwati base camp before flagging of the convoy of pilgrims. He was accompanied by Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat,Leader of the Opposition Sunil Sharma, BJP MP Jugal Kishore sharma and others.