High temperatures, receding ice Shivling raise fears of Amarnath Yatra washout

"We had to reduce the cost of our tour packages by 6-7 per cent to encourage people to come to the Yatra, but the helicopter services being discontinued was a big blow," Nagar added.

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The highest-ever troop deployment—581 companies of Central Armed Police Forces—along with anti-drone and air defence systems have been mobilised to ensure security throughout the route.

Pilgrims are now reaching the shrine either on foot or via ponies and palanquins, using the traditional 48-km Pahalgam route or the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal track. The majority have preferred the longer Pahalgam route.

On Thursday morning, over 6,400 pilgrims in the tenth batch departed under multi-tier security, escorted by the CRPF and J&K Police.

Despite the challenges, optimism persists.