SRINAGAR : The annual Amarnath yatra is progressing smoothly as a batch of over 12,000 pilgrims today left Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam base camps for the cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas, where so far about 90,000 yatris have paid obeisance since the commencement of the 48-day-long pilgrimage on July 2.
The yatra was continuing smoothly in a pleasant weather, a yatra official said.
Yesterday, while as many as 15,600 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine, situated at 13,000 feet above sea level, this morning over 1,200 yatris did so.
A fresh batch of over 6,150 pilgrims, including 1,600 women and six children, left Baltal base camp till 0900 hrs today.
The pilgrims are likely to reach the cave shrine this afternoon after covering the 14-km-long hilly terrain on foot. However, there were no ‘sadhus’ among the yatris as they prefer traditional track to reach the cave shrine.
However, the total number of pilgrims undertaking the pilgrimage today through shortest Baltal route will be known only after 1100 hrs, when the gates will be closed.
Pilgrims, who had ‘darshan’ yesterday and early this morning have also started their return journey through Baltal.
A fresh batch of about 6,000 pilgrims, including 910 women, 19 children and 114 sadhus left Nunwan Pahalgam base camp early this morning for Chandanwari, the last motorable halting station on the traditional route.
Meanwhile, pilgrims who had night halt at Chandanwari and other halting stations on the traditional track have also started their onward journey towards the cave shrine early this morning.
Majority of the pilgrims who have paid obeisance till now have returned to base camps after yatra. While some of them have returned to their homes, others stayed backed in Kashmir to visit tourist places. (agencies)
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