JAMMU, July 24: On Monday, the 22nd batch of Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, totaling 3,898, set out from the base camp in Jammu towards the twin base camps of the sacred cave shrine located in the south Kashmir Himalayas, as reported by officials. The annual pilgrimage began on July 1 from the two tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in Ganderbal districts.

With a total of more than 3.25 lakh pilgrims having already paid their respects at the cave shrine situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters, the Yatra has seen a significant turnout since its inception.

The departing batch comprised 2,898 males, 898 females, 90 seers, and 12 children. Under the watchful protection of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in the morning, travelling in a convoy of 149 vehicles.

The journey started with 1,292 pilgrims heading to Baltal, departing in 50 vehicles, followed by a second convoy carrying 2,606 pilgrims bound for Pahalgam, comprising 99 vehicles.

Since June 29, when the first batch of pilgrims was flagged off by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, over 1.2 lakh pilgrims have embarked on the Amarnath Yatra from the Bhagwati Nagar camp. The authorities have taken extensive measures to ensure the safety and security of all pilgrims throughout the Yatra.