The sacred Amarnath Yatra 2025 commenced on Thursday morning with the first batches of pilgrims embarking on their spiritual journey towards the revered cave shrine nestled at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the south Kashmir Himalayas. The 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to culminate on August 9.
The annual yatra, which attracts devotees from across India and beyond, began from the twin base camps at Nunwan in Pahalgam (Anantnag district) and Baltal in Sonamarg (Ganderbal district). The traditional 48-kilometre Pahalgam route and the 14-kilometre Baltal route offer trekkers a strenuous but spiritually enriching journey through the majestic Himalayan terrain.
Source- Doordartion National
This year’s yatra was formally flagged off on Wednesday by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp, with 5,892 pilgrims forming the first batch. They were warmly welcomed by local residents and officials as they reached the Valley, setting the tone for a vibrant and inclusive pilgrimage season.
As the pilgrims began their ascent in the early hours of Thursday, the atmosphere at both base camps was filled with chants of “Bum Bum Bhole”, echoing the devotion of the yatris. Men, women, and sadhus, some barefoot and others carrying symbolic tridents, were seen setting off on foot and on ponies, determined to reach the shrine that houses the naturally formed ice-lingam of Lord Shiva.
To ensure the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage, unprecedented security measures have been put in place. Personnel from the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), and other paramilitary units have been deployed in large numbers. Aerial surveillance, drone monitoring, and road security checks are also being carried out to mitigate any potential threats.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha emphasized the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all pilgrims. “The Amarnath Yatra is not only a symbol of faith but also of our cultural unity. We are taking every step to make this journey peaceful and safe for everyone,” he said.
According to officials from the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB), the registration process and arrangements at base camps, langars (community kitchens), and medical aid centres have been streamlined to accommodate the large influx of devotees. Mobile connectivity has also been improved along the yatra route to help pilgrims stay in touch with their families.
The cave shrine is accessible only during the summer months when weather conditions permit safe passage. Every year, the yatra witnesses lakhs of pilgrims undertaking the arduous trek as an act of devotion, making it one of the most significant religious events in the country.
The administration continues to urge pilgrims to follow guidelines and weather advisories during the yatra. With faith in their hearts and prayers on their lips, thousands are expected to visit the sacred cave before the pilgrimage concludes on August 9.
