JAMMU, Jul 1: A fresh batch of pilgrims departed for the Amarnath shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas on Monday, officials reported. Over 28,000 pilgrims have paid their respects at the 3,880-meter high cave shrine as of Sunday night. The fourth batch, consisting of 6,461 pilgrims, left at 3:15 am in 265 vehicles, escorted by security personnel, heading towards the twin base camps of Baltal and Pahalgam.

Of these pilgrims, 4,140 chose the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route, while 2,321 opted for the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route. Since June 28, when Lt Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch, a total of 19,564 pilgrims have departed from the Jammu base camp for the valley. The 52-day-long yatra, which began on June 29, will conclude on August 19.