Jammu, July 3 -- LG Sinha flags off first batch of 4822 pilgrims from Jammu
Jammu Tawi, Jul 2: The Amarnath Yatra 2026 formally commenced on Thursday with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagging off the first batch of 4,822 pilgrims from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu amid elaborate security arrangements.
Officials said the convoy of 259 vehicles entered Kashmir through the Navyug Tunnel in Qazigund before proceeding to the twin base camps at Baltal in Ganderbal and Nunwan in Pahalgam.
Of the total pilgrims, 2,510 are travelling via the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route, while 2,312 have chosen the shorter Baltal route. The first batch comprises 3,707 men, 816 women, 16 children, 246 sadhus and 37 sadhvis. The convoy included 106 bu...