Fresh batch of pilgrims leave for Amarnath shrine in Kashmir

Jammu: A fresh batch of pilgrims left for the Amarnath shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas from here on Monday, officials said.

Over 28,000 pilgrims have paid their obeisance at the 3,880-metre high cave shrine till Sunday night. 

The fourth batch of 6,461 pilgrims left in 265 vehicles for the twin base camps of Baltal and Palagam at 3:15 am and were escorted by security vehicles, they said.

While 4,140 pilgrims took the 48-km traditional Pahalgam route for their yatra, 2,321 pilgrims took the shorter but steep 14-km Baltal route, they said. 

With this, a total of 19,564 pilgrims have left the Jammu base camp for the valley since June 28 when Lt Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch. 

The 52-day-long yatra began from June 29 and will conclude on August 19.