Amarnath Yatra Crosses 3.5 Lakh Mark, Nine Foreign Nationals Join

SRINAGAR: The annual Amarnath Yatra continued smoothly on Thursday as 9,482 pilgrims performed darshan at the sacred Himalayan cave shrine, pushing the cumulative number of devotees undertaking the pilgrimage since July 3 to over 3.52 lakh, officials said.

Among Thursday’s pilgrims were 6,805 men, 2,130 women, 137 children, 73 sadhus, 3 sadhvis, 4 transgender persons, and 330 security personnel, the officials said.

Although the footfall at the shrine remains consistent, the number of pilgrims departing from Jammu—the main starting point for most yatris—has seen a steady decline over the past week. From 7,908 pilgrims on July 18, the figure dipped to 2,837 on July 23, with 3,500 departing on Thursday.

Officials, however, emphasised that the yatra continues without disruptions, with all required arrangements, including shelter, food, healthcare, and route security, fully functional.

As per deployment, an escorted convoy of 45 vehicles carrying 832 pilgrims left for the Baltal base camp, while a second convoy of 95 vehicles carrying 2,668 pilgrims headed for Pahalgam base camp, officials confirmed.

Meanwhile, nine foreign nationals from six countries including the United States, Canada, and Germany, have also participated in this year’s Amarnath Yatra. Their experience, they said, has been deeply spiritual, emotional, and transformative.

Ross Norman Leach, a Canadian pilgrim, described the yatra as “very special”, praising both the natural beauty and the spiritual energy of the holy cave. “I had tears in my eyes at the cave and experienced a deep silence within. This place connects the entire world,” he said.

Leach, who said his group had been planning the pilgrimage for four to five years, called the trek challenging but rewarding, and lauded the arrangements and hospitality extended by the local administration.

Another foreign devotee said, “We felt safe, supported, and taken care of. It was a wonderful and fulfilling experience. We look forward to coming back.”

The Amarnath Yatra, which holds immense significance for devotees of Lord Shiva, is scheduled to conclude on August 9, 2025.