A new record was achieved during the ongoing SANJY-2026 as more than 300,000 Yatris participated in the Yatra within just 12 days since its commencement on July 3. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, also the chairman of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), lauded the milestone, surpassing the 3 lakh milestone in a mere 12 days. Sinha praised the officials, service providers, and volunteers for their dedication, ensuring a smooth and memorable pilgrimage for all devotees of Baba Barfani.
Yatris travel to the cave shrine located at 3,880 meters above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Pilgrims using the Pahalgam route typically take three days to reach the cave shrine, while those opting for the Baltal route return to the base camp on the same day after Darshan inside the cave shrine. The cave shrine is home to an ice stalagmite structure that changes in size with the moon’s phases, symbolizing Lord Shiva’s mythical powers.
The SANJY-2026, spanning 57 days, will conclude on August 28, coinciding with the Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals. Apart from the Nunwan (Pahalgam) and Baltal base camps, transit camps have been established at Mir Bazaar in Kulgam district, Saidipora, and Manigam in Ganderbal district for Yatris’ convenience. Due to security reasons, areas beyond the base camps have been designated as a ‘No-fly zone,’ resulting in the unavailability of helicopter services for Yatris this year.
Two escorted convoys depart daily from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for Nunwan and Baltal, carrying Yatris. Community Kitchens (‘Langars’) have been arranged along the Yatra route to provide safe and healthy meals to the pilgrims.
