Amarnath Yatra begins: Pilgrims trek to sacred ice lingam | A glimpse

The annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on June 29 as pilgrims departed from twin base camps in Baltal and Nunwan for the 3,880-metre-high cave shrine in the south Kashmir Himalayas. (PTI image)

Pilgrims began their journey early morning via two routes: the traditional 48-kilometre Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the shorter 14-kilometre Baltal route. (PTI Image)

The first convoy to Baltal left at 4 am, followed by the second to Pahalgam. The second batch, including 427 women and 294 seers, departed in 200 vehicles in separate convoys under security escort. (PTI Image)

Pilgrims will visit the cave shrine housing a naturally formed ice-lingam, offering their obeisance. (PTI Image)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended his wishes to pilgrims, and talked about the spiritual energy associated with the Amarnath Yatra. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted the yatra's significance as a symbol of faith and unity in Jammu and Kashmir. (PTI Image)

Over 3.5 lakh people have registered for this year's yatra, supported by 125 community kitchens and over 6,000 volunteers along the pilgrimage routes. (PTI Image)

The 52-day Amarnath Yatra will conclude on August 19, marking a significant spiritual journey for devotees. (PTI Image)