SRINAGAR: Fresh batches of pilgrims on Tuesday left base camps for the holy cave shrine of Amarnath in south Kashmir Himalayas , where about 25000 yatris had darshan of the self made Ice-Shivlingam so far.
A yatra official said that yatra is progressing smoothly from both traditional Pahalgam and shortest Baltal tracks and weather was pleasant.
Meanwhile, 2642 pilgrims, including 412 females, nine children and 44 sadhus in 111 vehicles left Jammu base camp for Nunwan Pahalgam base camp early Wednesday morning under unprecedented security arrangements. Similarly, 2052 yatris, including 379 women, 20 sadhus and 3 sadhvies left Jammu base camp for Baltal Wednesday morning.
He said a fresh batch of about 4500 pilgrims, including women and sadhus left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on traditional track. Meanwhile, the pilgrims who had night halt at different stations, including Chandanwari, on traditional route left for next stations early this morning.
He said about 7000 pilgrims also left Baltal base camp for the holy cave early Wednesday morning. The pilgrims, including women, children and sadhus will reach the holy cave after covering the distance on foot, he said. Helicopter service is also operating normally from both sides.
About 20000 pilgrims had darshan of the Ice-Lingam during the first two days. About 5000 pilgrims, who had night halt at different halting stations had darshan since early Wednesday morning.
Meanwhile, majority of the pilgrims who had darshan at the cave shrine have left for their homes. However, some pilgrims are taking time to visit Dal Lake and other tourist places, including Gulmarg, Sonamarg and Pahalgam before leaving for home.
He said 5576 pilgrims who had left base camps for Jammu have crossed Banihal.
(AGENCIES)
Follow our WhatsApp channel
