Amarnath Yatra Pilgrim Count Crosses 1.63 Lakh Mark

SRINAGAR: On the ninth day of the ongoing Amarnath Yatra, 18,010 pilgrims performed darshan at the holy cave shrine, taking the cumulative count of devotees to over 1.63 lakh.

According to figures available, today’s pilgrims included 12,838 males, 4,343 females, 223 children, 141 sadhus, 8 sadhvis, and 2 transgender devotees. In addition, 455 security personnel also had darshan at the shrine.

With this, the total number of pilgrims who have paid obeisance since the beginning of the yatra on July 3 has reached 1,63,726.

Officials said the pilgrimage continues under a multi-tier security grid, with round-the-clock monitoring, medical assistance, and rescue teams in place to ensure a safe and smooth yatra.

“Transit camps play a crucial role in the smooth conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, especially during delays or road closures along the Srinagar–Jammu National Highway. Two key facilities at Mir Bazar and Qazigund have been strategically established to provide overnight shelter to pilgrims. With a combined capacity of 5,000 yatris—2,600 beds at Mir Bazar and 2,400 at Walnut Factory Levdora—these camps serve as vital logistical hubs, offering rest, safety, and support during the journey to the holy cave,” an official said.

Meanwhile, a fresh batch of 6,482 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Friday, heading towards the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam for the annual yatra.

According to official data, 2,353 pilgrims proceeded via the Baltal route, while 4,129 took the traditional Pahalgam axis. The convoy of 268 vehicles, which included 135 buses, 49 Medium Motor Vehicles (MMVs), and 84 Light Motor Vehicles (LMVs), moved under tight security cover.

The batch comprised 4,838 male pilgrims, 1,387 females, 16 children, and 241 sadhus and sadhvis. (KNO)