Amarnath Yatra 2023: First batch of pilgrims begins journey towards cave shrine from Baltal base camp

Ganderbal (J&K): The annual Amarnath Yatra began on July 01 with the first batch of pilgrims from Baltal base camp in Jammu and Kashmir’s Ganderbal to Amarnath Cave. It was flagged off by the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Shyambir, along with senior officials of Amarnath Shrine Board and the police at the Baltal base camp. The government also completed all arrangements for the yatra which results pilgrims being very much satisfied with the facilities including water electricity, food stalls, and medical and tent facilities. The 62-day pilgrimage will culminate on August 31. The pilgrims will undertake a 12-km journey from the base camp to the holy Amarnath cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas located at an altitude of about 13,000 feet. Baltal, in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, is one of the twin routes for the annual pilgrimage and the other one is the Pahalgam route in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district. In preparation for the Yatra, various ‘langar’ committees started their practice on Wednesday, three days in advance, to cater to the pilgrims.