Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026: 16th Batch of Over 4,600 Pilgrims Departs Jammu Base Camp for Baltal and Pahalgam Under Tight Security

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JAMMU — July 17, 2026: The spiritual journey to the holy cave shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji continued to gain momentum as the 16th batch of pilgrims departed from the Jammu base camp early Friday morning. Amidst a multi-tiered and highly vigilant security cover, a grand total of 4,640 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in a heavily guarded convoy of 171 vehicles to embark on their pilgrimage via the dual routes of Baltal and Pahalgam.

To break down the departures, the convoy bound for the Baltal axis was the first to flag off at 03:10 AM , carrying a total of 1,626 pilgrims. This group traveled in 66 vehicles, which included 34 buses, 11 Medium Motor Vehicles (MMVs), 20 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), and one 2-wheeler. Demographically, the Baltal batch comprised 1,045 males, 503 females, 5 children, 58 Sadhus, and 15 Sadvis.

Shortly after, at 03:36 AM , the convoy heading towards the traditional Pahalgam axis commenced its journey. A larger contingent of 3,014 pilgrims set off in 105 vehicles—consisting of 70 buses, 14 MMVs, 19 LMVs, and two 2-wheelers. The Pahalgam group was composed of 2,403 males, 572 females, 31 Sadhus, and 8 Sadvis.

Summing up the entire 16th batch, the grand total of 4,640 devotees heading to the Himalayan shrine includes 3,448 males, 1,075 females, 5 children, 89 Sadhus, and 23 Sadvis. The entire fleet of 171 vehicles—comprising 104 buses, 25 MMVs, 39 LMVs, and 3 two-wheelers—is being closely escorted by security forces to ensure a safe, smooth, and hassle-free transit for the Yatris.