Amarnath Yatra 2026: Over 1.13 lakh pilgrims in five days, 9,837 more depart
Synopsis
More than 1.13 lakh devotees reached the Amarnath cave shrine in just five days of SANJY 2026 — a pace that signals strong pilgrimage momentum. With the 7th batch of nearly 10,000 yatris already en route and strict checks on unregistered pilgrims in place, the administration is balancing scale with security for a yatra that runs until 28 August.
Key Takeaways
Over 1.13 lakh pilgrims performed darshan at the Amarnath cave shrine in the first five days of SANJY 2026 , which began on 3 July 2026 .
The 7th batch of 9,837 yatris departed Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas, Jammu on 8 July in two convoys — 4,480 via Baltal and 5,357 via Pahalgam.
A total of 361 vehicles , including 200 buses , were deployed for the day's pilgrimage movement.
Authorities have imposed strict checks at multiple points on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to stop unregistered pilgrims.
The yatra will conclude on 28 August 2026 , coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan .
More than 1.13 lakh devotees have performed darshan at the Amarnath cave shrine in the first five days of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2026, as the 7th batch of 9,837 pilgrims departed from Jammu in the early hours of Wednesday, 8 July, heading to the two base camps in Kashmir. The yatra, which commenced on 3 July, is progressing steadily under tight security and logistical arrangements.
Seventh Batch Departs Jammu in Two Convoys
The 7th batch left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys in the pre-dawn hours. The Baltal convoy, carrying 4,480 pilgrims in 173 vehicles, departed at 4:20 am, while the Pahalgam convoy, carrying 5,357 pilgrims in 188 vehicles, left at 4:54 am, according to officials.
A total of 361 vehicles were deployed for the day's movement, comprising 200 buses, 58 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), and 103 light motor vehicles (LMVs). The batch included 6,684 men, 2,730 women, 21 children, 320 sadhus, 80 sadhvis, and 2 transgender devotees.
Pilgrims Return via Baltal After Darshan
Pilgrims who completed darshan on Tuesday had already begun returning to the Baltal base camp the same evening. Notably, yatris travelling via the longer Pahalgam route also predominantly return through Baltal, as it offers a significantly shorter journey back from the cave shrine.
The Amarnath cave shrine is situated at an altitude of 3,880 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas. Devotees venerate an ice stalagmite structure inside the cave, believed to symbolise the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. The structure naturally waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.
Strict Checks for Unregistered Pilgrims
Authorities have enforced strict measures to prevent unregistered pilgrims from gathering at the two base camps. Multiple checkpoints have been established along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to screen pilgrims and ensure only registered yatris proceed. Officials have made clear that unregistered devotees will be stopped before reaching either base camp.
Yatra to Conclude on 28 August
This year's Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to conclude on 28 August 2026, coinciding with the auspicious occasions of Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan. With over a lakh pilgrims having completed the yatra in just five days, authorities are monitoring crowd management and route conditions closely as the season progresses.
Point of View
But the return-via-Baltal pattern means that base camp sees a surge twice over. As the season deepens into August, weather risk and trail conditions will test whether this year's pace can be sustained without incident.
NationPress
8 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many pilgrims have performed Amarnath Yatra 2026 so far?
Over 1.13 lakh devotees have performed darshan at the Amarnath cave shrine in the first five days of SANJY 2026, since the yatra commenced on 3 July 2026.
When did the 7th batch of Amarnath Yatra 2026 depart?
The 7th batch of 9,837 pilgrims departed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in the early hours of 8 July 2026, travelling in two escorted convoys towards the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps.
What are the two routes to the Amarnath cave shrine?
Pilgrims can reach the Amarnath cave shrine via the traditional Pahalgam route, which is longer, or the shorter Baltal route. Both lead to the shrine situated at 3,880 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas.
When will Amarnath Yatra 2026 end?
The Amarnath Yatra 2026 is scheduled to conclude on 28 August 2026, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and the Raksha Bandhan festival.
Can unregistered pilgrims join the Amarnath Yatra?
No. Authorities have put strict checks in place at multiple points along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway to prevent unregistered pilgrims from reaching the base camps. Only registered yatris are permitted to proceed.
