BANIHAL, Jul 6 (Agencies): The fifth batch of pilgrims undertaking the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2026 left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu early Monday under tight security arrangements, officials said.
According to the Zonal Police Control Room (ZPCR), Jammu, a total of 5,794 pilgrims departed for the twin base camps in Kashmir in a convoy of 267 vehicles.
Of the total pilgrims, 2,304 are headed towards the Baltal route, while 3,490 are proceeding via the traditional Pahalgam route.
The batch comprises 3,887 male pilgrims, 1,211 females, 20 children, 599 sadhus, 76 sadhvis, and one sadhu child. The convoy consists of 126 buses, 32 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 104 light motor vehicles (LMVs), and five two-wheelers.
Meanwhile, intermittent rainfall across Ramban district on Sunday night and Monday morning brought much-needed respite from the prevailing heat, creating pleasant weather conditions for pilgrims and tourists travelling along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.
Officials said 2,167 pilgrims and tourists stayed at the Yatri Niwas, Chanderkote, on Sunday night. The occupants included 1,626 male pilgrims, 508 females, and 22 children. Authorities said all arrangements at the transit camp remained normal, with boarding, lodging, security and other essential facilities functioning smoothly.
Officials added that the annual pilgrimage is progressing peacefully under elaborate security and logistical arrangements, with administration and security agencies ensuring the safe movement and comfort of pilgrims en route to the holy cave shrine.