Over 1,000 pilgrims head for Amarnath

Srinagar: Fresh batches of more than 1,000 pilgrims proceeded on the twin routes of Pahalgam and Baltal to Amarnath on Wednesday to pay obeisance at the Holy Cave Shrine, officials said.

They said 923 pilgrims paid obeisance at the cave shrine till 11 am taking the total number who paid obeisance at the cave shrine to 2,97,907 so far since the pilgrimage commenced on June 30.

New batches of devotees were allowed to proceed from the traditional Nunwan Pahalgam base camp in south Kashmir and shorter Baltal via Dumail in Ganderbal district on Wednesday amid pleasant weather conditions.

As many as 458 pilgrims including 139 women, two 'sadhus' and six children proceeded from Baltal on foot and on ponies via Domail earlier in the day.

As many as 152 pilgrims were also airlifted by chopper from Baltal.

More than 500 pilgrims were also allowed to proceed from the traditional Nunwan base camp in Pahalgam and at halting points of Chandanwari and Panjtarni in south Kashmir on the day.

Kashmir Weather, an independent observatory, has forecast the possibility of a brief spell of thundershower between afternoon and evening. (UNI)