Srinagar, June 30 (KNS): A third batch of 6,619 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu on Sunday, amidst tight security, to join the annual Amarnath pilgrimage.

According to officials, the batch, which includes 1,141 women, departed in 319 vehicles between 3:50 am and 4:45 am, despite rain in Jammu.

So far, a total of 13,103 pilgrims have left the Jammu base camp for the Valley since June 28, when Lt Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The 52-day annual yatra, which began on Saturday, saw 14,000 pilgrims pay their obeisance at the holy cave shrine on the first day. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 19.

The pilgrims are headed for the cave shrine, located at a height of 3,880 meters, via the twin tracks of Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district.(KNS)