Amarnath yatris take Manali-Leh-Kargil detour

Shimla: With the Kashmir Valley facing violent protests over the killing of Hizbul commander Burhan Wani, Amarnath yatris are taking the Manali-Leh-Kargil route for the pilgrimage to the cave shrine.

More than 100 vehicles carrying Amarnath pilgrims from Leh side had crossed Rohtang Pass yesterday and more people are taking this route, said Jyoti Rana, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Manali.

Rana said the number of those going to Amarnath from Manali is very less, but those returning is very high.

About a dozen vehicles from Manali also opt for the route to reach Baltal via Leh and Kargil and crossed Rohtang Pass.

It takes minimum four days to drive through the rough terrain of the 1150-km Manali-Leh-Kargil route.