'Travel only with designated convoys': Kashmir police issues advisory for Amarnath Yatris

July 3, 2025 by News Desk

As the annual Amarnath Yatra officially began this week, Kashmir Police has issued a security advisory urging pilgrims to strictly travel in designated convoys from authorized base camps.

The advisory comes days after a terror attack in Pahalgam that killed 26 people, prompting heightened security across the region.

In a post on social media platform X, the Kashmir Zone Police stated: “All the pilgrims undertaking Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025 are advised to travel only in designated convoys originating from Bhagwati Nagar, Baltal, and Nunwan Base Camps.” Pilgrims arriving well in advance of their scheduled yatra date have been asked to plan their arrival closer to their assigned schedule.

The pilgrimage, spanning 38 days, will conclude on August 9. It follows two routes: the 48-kilometre traditional trail via Pahalgam in Anantnag and the shorter but more challenging 14-kilometre Baltal route in Ganderbal. The first batch of pilgrims left from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar base camp on July 2.

Authorities have ramped up security and medical preparedness along the yatra route, particularly in the Ramban district. Dr. Kamal Zadoo, Chief Medical Officer of Ramban, said 17 medical camps have been set up at langar sites and lodgement centres between the Nashri and Navyug tunnels. Two mini-hospitals with four-bed facilities, labs, ECG units, and cardiac monitors have been established at Yatri Niwas in Chanderkot and Lambhar Ground.

Additionally, ambulances have been stationed at key locations with backup support in place for emergencies.

The security measures come in the wake of increased concerns following recent attacks and threats during the pilgrimage season.

Despite the challenges, thousands of devotees continue to arrive, determined to complete the sacred journey to the Amarnath cave shrine nestled in the Himalayas of south Kashmir.