More than 8000 pilgrims left for the annual Amarnath Yatra on Thursday morning. While some 6,065 pilgrims left from the Baltal base camp, around 2,330 left from the Nunwan base camp near Pahalgam. The two-month long trek will conclude on August 29.
Some 2.5 Lakh people have registered for the Yatra to the holy cave shrine which is situated at a height of about 3,888 meters. The region experiences sub-zero temperatures, especially at night. The entire terrain is mountainous and the shrine can be reached via two routes. The Pahalgam route is a steep climb of about 34 km and takes 4 days. Whereas the Baltal route is 14 km long and takes one day.
Speaking weather-wise, one cannot ask for better weather conditions for the Yatra. Some weather activity is always experienced in hilly areas. Passing showers can force pilgrims to run for shelter and lead to brief stoppages. But all this is very common for the region.
However, as per Skymet Meteorology Division in India, there are chances of intense weather activity in the region from July 5. An approaching Western Disturbance (WD) assisted by the Monsoon trough is likely to cause heavy rainfall from June 5 to June 8 causing problems for pilgrims of Amarnath Yatra.
Heavier spells are likely to affect the Yatra. Persistent rainfall activity may even lead to suspension of the Yatra. But usually, Jammu and Kashmir does not witness prolonged spells of rain.
(Featured Image Credit: YouTube)
