By: Fazul Haq Bhat
Srinagar, Jun 29: The sacred Amarnath Yatra 2025 is set to begin on July 1, and the first batch of pilgrims will leave from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Monday morning under elaborate security arrangements.
Over 3.5 lakh pilgrims from across the country have registered for the 52-day pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave Shrine, located at an altitude of 3,880 meters in the South Kashmir Himalayas. The journey concludes on Raksha Bandhan, August 22.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed final preparations today and said, “All arrangements, including security, medical, accommodation, and transport, are in place to ensure a safe and smooth Yatra.”
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has enforced mandatory RFID tracking, Compulsory Health Certificates (CHCs), and group movement only under convoy. Solo pilgrimages and private vehicles are strictly prohibited this year due to recent security concerns.
More than 580 companies of security forces have been deployed in Jammu & Kashmir for Yatra duty. Drone surveillance, CCTV monitoring, and multi-layer checkpoints have been set up from Lakhanpur to Baltal and Pahalgam routes.
Langar services, health camps, oxygen booths, and helicopter evacuation facilities are active across all base camps, including Nunwan, Baltal, Panchtarni, and Chandanwari.
Despite tight regulations, enthusiasm among devotees remains high. “We have waited the whole year for Baba Barfani’s darshan. The administration is cooperating well,” said Ramesh Kumar, a pilgrim from Madhya Pradesh.
The pilgrimage is seen as a symbol of unity, faith, and cultural harmony, drawing lakhs of pilgrims every year.
First batch of yatris to depart today
