A fresh batch of 4,669 pilgrims, including 96 sadhus and two sadhvis, left for the Amarnath shrine on Monday morning under tight security measures.
This group began their journey from the Panthachowk Srinagar base camp and proceeded to the shrine after reaching the base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam.
The 16th batch, which includes 1,130 women and 23 children, left Bhagwati Nagar in 183 vehicles under tight security, officials said.
So far, over 280,000 pilgrims have visited the shrine this year, and the administration expects the number to surpass all previous records.
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board organises the Amarnath Yatra, which has two routes: one through Pahalgam and the other through Baltal.
Baltal serves as the camping ground for pilgrims in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir.
This year's Amarnath Yatra is taking place during a significant rise in terror attacks in Jammu and Kashmir.
Recent incidents include an attack on an army convoy in Kathua and encounters in Doda and Udhampur.
Unprecedented security measures have been implemented, including electronic surveillance along the entire Yatra route and access control.
To ensure the safe and efficient movement of pilgrims and commuters, the Jammu and Kashmir Traffic Police issued an advisory on 6 July regarding the National Highway 44, with cut-off timings and clear instructions for various convoys and non-convoy movements.
This year, the Yatra started on 29 June and will end on 19 August, lasting 52 days.
Devotees of Lord Shiva undertake this arduous pilgrimage every year to the holy cave, located in the Kashmir Himalayas.
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