Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026: 17th Batch of Over 3,600 Pilgrims Departs Jammu Base Camp for Baltal and Pahalgam Under Tight Security

JAMMU — JULY 18, 2026: Amid robust security arrangements, the 17th batch of the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra officially flagged off from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu early this morning. A grand total of 3,632 pilgrims left the base camp in a heavily guarded security convoy comprising 148 vehicles of various categories to undertake the sacred pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine. The comprehensive breakdown of the daily convoy shows a combined gender-wise registration of 2,650 males, 858 females, 1 child, 104 sadhus, and 19 sadvis. To ensure a safe passage along the national highway, the entire batch was bifurcated into two separate routes heading toward the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps in Kashmir.

The first convoy targeting the Baltal axis departed the Jammu base camp under a tight security blanket. This route comprised a total of 1,008 pilgrims, including 675 males and 333 females, registered for this specific leg. They traveled in a fleet of 51 vehicles, which included 22 buses, 2 Medium Motor Vehicles (MMVs), and 27 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs).

Shortly after, the second convoy designated for the traditional Pahalgam axis left the base camp , strictly guarded by security forces. This larger group consisted of 2,624 yatris, encompassing 1,975 males, 525 females, 1 child, 104 sadhus, and 19 sadvis. Their journey was facilitated by a massive motorcade of 97 vehicles, including 60 buses, 15 MMVs, 20 LMVs, and 2 two-wheelers. The multi-tiered security deployment remains actively placed along the transit corridors to guarantee the seamless and secure movement of all internal convoys.