Amarnath Yatra To Remain Suspended From August 3 Due To Heavy Rains & Track Maintenance: Authorities
Srinagar: The annual Amarnath yatra will remain suspended along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes from August 3 due to heavy rains and track maintenance, authorities said on Saturday.
"Due to the recent heavy rains, critical repair and maintenance works are required on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. It has been observed that due to continued deployment of men and machinery on the tracks from tomorrow, we would not be able to resume yatra. The Yatra will therefore remain suspended from 3rd August onwards from both the routes," Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri said in a statement.
Notably, more than 4.10 lakh yatris visted the Holy Cave this year. Over 5.12 lakh pilgrims had visited the shrine in 2024.
The pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave, where Lord Shiva is represented by an ice lingam, started on July 3 and was scheduled to end on August 9, however, authorities decided to shorten it by a week in view of heavy rains and track maintenance.
400 Mumbai Pilgrims Begin Amarnath Yatra By Train
Around 400 pilgrims from Mumbai set off by train on Thursday to join the annual pilgrimage to the Lord Shiva shrine in Amarnath, Jammu and Kashmir.
Devotees can choose between two main routes:
Pahalgam Route: This traditional path covers a distance of around 48 kilometers, starting from Pahalgam. It offers a scenic yet longer trek, passing through places like Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchatarni before reaching the cave.
Baltal Route: This is a shorter yet steeper route of about 14 kilometers, starting from Baltal. It is ideal for those who prefer a quicker journey but are physically fit. Both routes require proper medical fitness due to high altitude and low oxygen levels.
Registration and safety
Pilgrims need to undergo mandatory registration and medical check-ups before the Yatra.
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