After a brief suspension due to unfavorable weather conditions, the Amarnath Yatra resumed on Friday as a fresh batch of 7,908 pilgrims began their journey from Jammu to the Kashmir Valley.
According to officials, more than 2.52 lakh devotees have undertaken the sacred pilgrimage since it commenced on July 3 this year.
The latest group of pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in two security-escorted convoys. The first convoy, consisting of 92 vehicles, carried 2,879 yatris and departed at 3:30 a.m. for the Baltal base camp. The second convoy, with 169 vehicles, transported 5,029 yatris and left at 4:25 a.m. for the Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam.
Authorities continue to monitor weather and security conditions closely to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ Held at Pahalgam; Final Journey to Amarnath Cave Begins August 4
The Bhumi Pujan ceremony of the revered ‘Chhari Mubarak’, the holy mace of Lord Shiva, was solemnly conducted on July 10 at Pahalgam. The sacred event marks an important spiritual milestone in the Amarnath Yatra.
Led by Mahant Swami Deependra Giri, the sole custodian of the Chhari Mubarak, a group of seers carried the holy mace from its seat at the Dashnami Akhara Building in Srinagar to Pahalgam. Upon arrival, the Chhari Mubarak was taken to the Gauri Shankar Temple, where the traditional Bhumi Pujan was performed with religious fervor.
Following the ceremony, the mace was returned to the Dashnami Akhara in Srinagar. The final ritual journey of the Chhari Mubarak towards the Amarnath Cave Shrine is scheduled to commence on August 4, with its arrival at the holy cave set for August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.
In light of the tragic terrorist attack on April 22, where 26 civilians were brutally killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam, authorities have significantly strengthened multi-layered security arrangements to ensure the safety of all pilgrims during this sacred pilgrimage.
Amarnath Yatra 2025: Enhanced Security and Sacred Routes to the Holy Cave
To ensure the safety of pilgrims during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, an additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed. These reinforcements complement the existing security setup comprising the Indian Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and the local Jammu & Kashmir police, creating a robust, multi-layered security arrangement.
The Amarnath Yatra 2025 began on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days, on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. This annual pilgrimage leads devotees to the sacred Amarnath Cave Shrine, nestled at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Himalayas of Kashmir.
Pilgrims can choose between two main routes:
The Traditional Pahalgam Route – A scenic but longer trek covering 46 km. Devotees travel through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni, usually taking four days on foot to reach the holy cave.
The Shorter Baltal Route – A more direct and physically demanding path requiring a 14 km trek to the cave shrine. Pilgrims using this route often return to the base camp the same day after completing their darshan.
With increased security and well-established routes, the Yatra continues to draw thousands of devotees seeking blessings from Lord Shiva in this spiritually enriching journey.
No Helicopter Services for Amarnath Yatra 2025 Due to Security Concerns
This year, helicopter services for Amarnath Yatris have been suspended due to heightened security concerns. Pilgrims are advised to use the traditional trekking routes via Pahalgam or Baltal to reach the holy cave shrine. The Amarnath cave shrine is renowned for housing a naturally formed ice stalagmite, which grows and recedes in sync with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe this sacred formation represents the divine presence and mystical powers of Lord Shiva.
