Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 Begins Today as Thousands of Pilgrims Set Out Amid Tight Security

New Delhi, July 2026 : The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 began on Friday with thousands of devotees embarking on the sacred pilgrimage to the revered cave shrine of Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir. The 57-day pilgrimage, one of India’s most significant religious events, will continue until August 28, with authorities making extensive security, logistical and medical arrangements to ensure a safe and smooth journey for pilgrims.

The first batch of pilgrims had reached the twin base camps at Baltal in Ganderbal district and Nunwan in Pahalgam, Anantnag district, on Thursday after departing from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu under heavily escorted security convoys.

According to officials, a total of 4,822 pilgrims travelled in two separate convoys. Of these, 2,510 devotees reached the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp, while 2,312 pilgrims safely arrived at the Baltal base camp, from where they will begin their trek to the holy cave shrine.

Pilgrims arriving at the Baltal base camp were welcomed by Jammu and Kashmir Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs and Transport Satish Sharma, along with senior civil and police officials, including Deputy Inspector General of Armed Police Maqsood Ul Zaman, Deputy Commissioner Jatin Kishore, and Senior Superintendent of Police Sudhanshu Dhama. The officials greeted the devotees and wished them a safe, peaceful and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

Authorities said elaborate security arrangements have been put in place along both yatra routes through close coordination among the Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), Army, civil administration, health services and other government agencies.

Special emphasis has been laid on traffic regulation, emergency response, crowd management and public assistance to facilitate the movement of pilgrims. Dedicated Helping Hand teams, assistance centres and round-the-clock police deployment have been established at key locations to provide guidance, medical aid and emergency support whenever required.

Officials urged devotees to strictly adhere to all safety guidelines and administrative advisories throughout the pilgrimage and cooperate with security personnel to ensure the smooth conduct of the yatra.

The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, in collaboration with the Army, police, security agencies, civil administration, local residents, service providers and volunteers, has worked extensively to provide a secure and comfortable pilgrimage experience this year.

The annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra attracts lakhs of devotees from across India and abroad, who undertake the challenging trek through the Himalayas to seek blessings at the naturally formed ice Shivling inside the sacred cave. With enhanced infrastructure and comprehensive security measures in place, authorities are optimistic that this year’s pilgrimage will be conducted safely, allowing devotees to complete their spiritual journey in a peaceful and well-organised environment.