Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026: 9th Batch of 8796 Pilgrims Departs for Baltal and Pahalgam

FILE PHOTO

JAMMU, India — July 10, 2026 — The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY-2026) continues to gain momentum as the 9th batch of pilgrims officially departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu early this morning. A grand total of 8,796 yatris commenced their journey toward the holy cave shrine, securely escorted in coordinated vehicular convoys bound for the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam in Kashmir.

The departure was split into two separate security-cleared convoys to manage the influx of pilgrims effectively. The Baltal axis convoy was the first to leave the base camp at 0242 hours, carrying a total of 3,450 yatris. This group comprised 2,388 males, 936 females, 9 children, 77 sadhus, 7 sadvis, and 33 male foreign nationals. They were accommodated across 173 vehicles, which included 67 buses, 35 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 70 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and one two-wheeler.

Shortly after, the Pahalgam axis convoy departed, transporting a larger contingent of 5,346 pilgrims. The breakdown for the Pahalgam route included 4,038 males, 1,106 females, 1 child, 151 sadhus, 49 sadvis, and 1 transgender individual.

A fleet of 181 vehicles—consisting of 108 buses, 35 MMVs, 36 LMVs, and two 2-wheelers—was deployed to facilitate their journey. In total, 354 vehicles were utilized to ensure the safe and seamless transit of the entire 9th batch as they proceeded to fulfill their spiritual pilgrimage.