Srinagar: The traditional 45-km Pahalgam route to Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir Himalayas will be opened on July 2.
The decision to open the Pahalgam-Chandanwari route in Anantnag district was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Governor N N Vohra at Raj Bhavan here, an official spokesman said.
While the Amarnath yatra started from the shorter 16-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district of central Kashmir as per schedule on June 28, the yatra was deferred from Pahalgam route as snow was not cleared from the way.
"The Governor, who is also Chairman of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), was briefed about the yatra related arrangements along the Pahalgam route, track condition from Sheshnag to Panjtarni, and status of snow clearance at the site of the Sheshnag Camp.
"In view of the melting levels of the snow in the past four days, it was decided to open the Pahalgam route for the pilgrims from July 2," the spokesman said.
For convenience of the pilgrims, it was decided that all those who have already obtained registration to use Pahalgam route till July 5, shall, if they wish, have the option of travelling via Baltal route on the date for which they possess valid registration.
"Thereafter, from July 6, the pilgrims will be allowed to embark on the yatra only as per the specific date and route for which they possess valid permits," he said.
The Governor asked the Chief Executive Officer of SASB and Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, to personally monitor arrangements for the yatra through Pahalgam route.
The CEO was also asked to start the facility of on-spot registration of pilgrims who wish to take the Pahalgam route.
