JAMMU, July 20: Under strict security measures, a fresh batch of more than 6,500 pilgrims embarked on their pilgrimage to the Amarnath shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas on Thursday.

Of the total, 3,746 pilgrims bound for Pahalgam set off in a convoy of 165 vehicles, while another convoy consisting of 97 vehicles carried 2,777 pilgrims to the Baltal base camp.

In addition, a batch of 4,900 pilgrims, who had a night halt at Chanderkot in Ramban district due to the temporary closure of the Jammu-Srinagar national highway, resumed their journey towards the Amarnath shrine this morning, as informed by officials.

The 62-day annual pilgrimage to the revered 3,888-meter-high cave shrine began from the twin tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district on July 1. The yatra is scheduled to conclude on August 31.