Amarnath Yatra Begins: First Aarti Performed, Devotees Chant ‘Bam Bam Bhole’ as Pilgrim Batches Set Off

The sacred Amarnath Yatra officially began today. On Thursday morning, the first aarti of Baba Amarnath was performed at the holy cave, marking the spiritual start of the 38-day-long pilgrimage. Simultaneously, the first batches of pilgrims set off from the Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camps towards the holy cave, with loud chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ and ‘Bam Bam Bhole’ echoing through the valleys.

A day earlier, on Wednesday, the first convoy of 5,892 pilgrims was flagged off by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu. The pilgrims reached Kashmir by afternoon, where they were greeted with warmth and enthusiasm by both local residents and the administration.

This year, the yatra will take place along both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, concluding on Raksha Bandhan (August 19). Last year, the yatra lasted 52 days and saw over 5 lakh devotees visiting the sacred shrine.

So far, more than 3.5 lakh pilgrims have already registered for this year’s yatra. To accommodate spontaneous registrations, special counters have been set up in Jammu at Saraswati Dham, Vaishnavi Dham, Panchayat Bhawan, and Mahajan Sabha. These centers are facilitating around 2,000 registrations per day.

Pahalgam Route: Gentle Ascent, Rich in Natural Beauty

The Pahalgam route is longer but relatively easier. It takes around three days to reach the cave, making it ideal for those looking for a steady, manageable climb without steep inclines.

• Starting Point: Pahalgam Base Camp
• First Halt: Chandanwari – Located 16 km from the base camp, this is where the trekking officially begins.
• Next Leg: A 3-km uphill trek brings pilgrims to Pissu Top, a known rest point.
• Day 1 Ends at: Sheshnag – A 9-km stretch from Pissu Top leads to this breathtaking glacial lake area where yatris stay overnight.
• Day 2 Journey: A challenging but rewarding 14-km trek to Panchtarni.
• Final Stretch: From Panchtarni, the holy Amarnath Cave is just 6 km away.

This route is preferred by elderly devotees and families because of its relatively gentle inclines and picturesque terrain.

Baltal Route: Fast But Physically Demanding

The Baltal route is perfect for those short on time but high on stamina. This trail takes you to the cave and back within a day, but it’s not for the faint-hearted.

• Distance: 14 km one way
• The climb is steep and continuous, with narrow paths and sharp turns, posing challenges especially for senior citizens or those with health issues.
• The terrain is rugged and rocky, requiring careful navigation.

While the Baltal route saves time, the physical strain is much greater, and pilgrims are advised to be in excellent health if choosing this option.

Travel Smart: Safety and Health Precautions for Pilgrims

The Amarnath Yatra is a high-altitude trek that demands both spiritual strength and physical preparedness. To ensure a smooth journey, the Shrine Board and medical authorities advise the following:

Essential Documents:

• Medical Fitness Certificate
• 4 Passport-size Photographs
• Aadhar Card
• RFID Yatra Permit
• Completed Travel Application Form

Prepare Your Body:

• Walk 4 to 5 km daily for at least a month before the yatra
• Practice yoga and breathing exercises like Pranayama to build lung capacity

Must-Carry Items:

• Woollen clothing and thermals
• Raincoat or poncho
• Trekking stick
• Water bottle
• Backpack with essential medicines and first-aid kit

A Journey of Faith, Not Just a Trek

Whether you choose the longer scenic route or the short yet intense trail, the Amarnath Yatra is more than just a physical challenge—it’s an emotional and spiritual passage. With proper planning and awareness, every pilgrim can experience the divine energy of the sacred cave and return blessed.

“I’m truly happy. The arrangements here are excellent,” says Manisha Ramola, a devotee on her way to the Amarnath cave. “No one is being allowed to proceed without proper documents and valid ID. And that’s important — it’s for our safety.”

She added, “We are not here for sightseeing in Kashmir. Our only purpose is the Amarnath Yatra, and our complete focus is on this sacred journey. I pray for my country — may everyone stay healthy and happy.”