Amarnath Yatra Reopens: 6,000+ Pilgrims Surge Toward Valley After 6-Day Freeze

JAMMU, July 25, 2026 — The annual Amarnath Yatra resumed from Jammu early Saturday after remaining suspended for six consecutive days due to heavy rainfall and severe weather. A fresh batch of 6,269 pilgrims departed from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas base camp for the Kashmir Valley under tight security cover.

The pilgrimage was temporarily halted on July 19 as persistent rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir caused localized flooding, landslides, and shooting stones along critical access corridors. The decision to resume operations followed improved weather conditions and the reopening of the 270-kilometer Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), which had been blocked along the vulnerable Udhampur-Ramban stretch.

Departure Details and Transport Operations

The 18th batch of pilgrims, comprising 4,720 men, 1,470 women, 25 children, and 54 sadhus, left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp at approximately 2:40 a.m. in a heavily escorted convoy of 223 vehicles.

Authorities routed the entire batch toward the shorter 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district. Officials confirmed that no convoy was dispatched along the traditional 48-kilometer Pahalgam route in Anantnag district as maintenance and precautionary assessments continue along that axis.

Highway Clearance and Security Measures

The resumption of the pilgrimage was tied directly to the clearance of NH-44, the primary arterial link connecting Jammu with the Kashmir Valley. Landslides and falling boulders had disrupted traffic at multiple points between Ramban and Banihal, stranding hundreds of goods vehicles and stranded pilgrim transports.

Restoration crews deployed heavy machinery to clear debris once rains subsided. Security personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Jammu and Kashmir Police, and Indian Army have re-established multi-tiered security corridors along the transit route.

Official Sources Section

According to official announcements from the Jammu and Kashmir UT Administration and the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), overall pilgrimage movement is subject to real-time weather evaluations at base camps.

"The pilgrimage resumed from Jammu after weather conditions registered a significant improvement and the main national highway was made trafficable for escorted convoys," officials stated during the early morning dispatch from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha had flagged off the first batch of pilgrims on July 2 from Jammu, a day before the 57-day pilgrimage officially commenced in the Valley on July 3.

Impact on Pilgrims, Regional Logistics, and Local Businesses

The six-day weather disruption stranded thousands of pilgrims at various transit accommodations, including Yatri Niwas complexes, community halls, and private lodgings across Jammu, Kathua, and Samba districts.

• Travelers and Pilgrims: The movement of the fresh batch relieves significant congestion at transit camps in Jammu. However, pilgrims opting for the Pahalgam trek face further wait times until trail clearance is certified.

• Logistics & Commerce: Reopening NH-44 restores critical supply lines for essential commodities into the Kashmir Valley, benefiting local traders, transporters, and tourism service operators affected by highway closures.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Total Footfall To Date: Nearly 4 lakh pilgrims have offered prayers at the 3,880-meter-high holy cave shrine since the yatra began on July 3.

• Jammu Transit Count: Around 1.20 lakh pilgrims have departed from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu since the start of this year's pilgrimage.

• Route Status: The Baltal route is open; the Pahalgam route remains temporarily paused for security and maintenance checks.

• Season Duration: The 57-day pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28, 2026, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Why was the Amarnath Yatra suspended for six days?

The yatra was paused on July 19 as a safety measure due to heavy rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir, which caused landslides and highway closures on NH-44.

Which routes are currently operational for the Amarnath Yatra?

As of Saturday morning, the pilgrimage has resumed strictly via the Baltal route in Ganderbal district. The Pahalgam route remains closed pending clearance.

How long will the 2026 Amarnath Yatra continue?

The 57-day annual pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 28, 2026.

Source: Press Trust of India (PTI), Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, and Jammu & Kashmir Official Portal.