Over 85,779 pilgrims have performed the Amarnath Yatra in the first four days since the annual pilgrimage commenced on 3 July, with a single-day record of 28,818 devotees having darshan on Monday, 7 July, officials confirmed on Tuesday. The footfall is rising with each passing day, signalling one of the busiest early phases the yatra has seen in recent years.

Key Developments

Despite heavy rainfall on Monday, pilgrims pressed on along both the Baltal and Pahalgam tracks to reach the holy cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3,880 metres. Pilgrims who completed darshan returned safely to Baltal base camp by evening. Notably, many yatris from the south Kashmir Pahalgam side are opting to return via Baltal rather than retracing their steps — a practical choice since the Baltal route allows same-day return, whereas reaching Nunwan base camp via Pahalgam takes three to four days.

Crowd Management and Logistics

Authorities report a heavy influx at both base camps and halting stations, with thousands of pilgrims arriving from across India daily. Extensive tented accommodation has been set up along the entire route — from Baltal and Nunwan Pahalgam all the way to the holy cave. Langars run by various socio-religious organisations are providing free meals and facilities to yatris throughout the route.

Weather forecasts are being broadcast in advance via public address systems at base camps to ensure pilgrim safety. Authorities have also issued a strict advisory: all yatris must depart for the twin base camps strictly on their registered date. No unregistered pilgrim is permitted to proceed for darshan, and no departure is allowed ahead of the assigned registration slot given the heavy rush.

Security Arrangements

A four-tier security framework is in place across the entire yatra zone. Army and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) personnel are manning the upper reaches and twin tracks, while the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) manages the base camps in close coordination with Jammu and Kashmir Police. Extensive security cover stretches from Pahalgam and Baltal base camps up to the cave shrine.

Scene at Jammu

In Jammu, a heavy influx of pilgrims from different parts of the country is being reported daily, with yatris arriving by road, rail, and air. Long queues were visible from early Tuesday morning at registration and token counters at Tawi riverfront, Ram Mandir, Purani Mandi, and Geeta Bhawan. Strict enforcement is in place to prevent any unregistered pilgrim from departing for darshan.

With the yatra still in its early days, footfall is expected to continue climbing as more pilgrims from across India make their way to the shrine in the coming weeks.