Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 started on Friday amidst tight security and extensive administrative and logistical arrangements. Thousands of pilgrims set out on the journey to the holy cave of Lord Shiva. Spanning 57 days this year, the pilgrimage will continue until August 28, offering a greater number of devotees the opportunity to participate in this sacred journey.
A day prior to the commencement, on Thursday, the first batch of pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu under the supervision of security forces and reached the two base camps located at Baltal (Ganderbal district) and Nunwan/Pahalgam (Anantnag district). A total of 4,822 pilgrims embarked on the journey in two convoys moving within a security cordon; of these, 2,510 pilgrims reached the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp, while 2,312 reached the Baltal base camp safely.
Upon their arrival at Baltal, the pilgrims were warmly welcomed by Satish Sharma (Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Transport, J&K), Maqsood-ul-Zaman (DIG, Armed Police), Jatin Kishore (Deputy Commissioner, Ganderbal), and Sudhanshu Dhama (Senior Superintendent of Police, Ganderbal). The officials met the pilgrims and extended their best wishes for a safe, peaceful, and spiritually enriching journey.
Officials assured the pilgrims that comprehensive arrangements regarding security, traffic management, and public amenities have been put in place through the coordination of Ganderbal Police, the civil administration, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), the Health Department, and other relevant agencies. To assist pilgrims along the route, the administration has deployed ‘Helping Hand’ teams, assistance booths, and round-the-clock police personnel to ensure guidance, emergency support, and seamless movement.
While interacting with the pilgrims, the officials urged them to adhere to all guidelines issued by the administration and to cooperate with security personnel throughout the pilgrimage. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, Indian Army, Jammu & Kashmir Police, security forces, civil administration, local residents, service providers, and volunteers have collectively made comprehensive arrangements to ensure the safe, secure, and smooth conduct of this year’s Amarnath Yatra. The Jammu & Kashmir Police reiterated its commitment to providing a safe and memorable pilgrimage experience for every devotee and extended best wishes to all pilgrims for a successful and spiritually auspicious Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2026.
