JAMMU, July 18: A new batch of 4,383 pilgrims departed early Thursday morning from a base camp in Jammu for the Amarnath shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas, officials reported.
This 21st group of pilgrims included 1,086 women and eight children, leaving the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in a convoy of 157 vehicles at 3:15 am. Among the pilgrims, 2,682 will be reaching Pahalgam to undertake the yatra via the traditional 48-km route in Anantnag district. The remaining 1,701 pilgrims have chosen the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
The Amarnath Yatra, which commenced on June 29, will conclude on August 19.
