Srinagar, July 2 -- The convoy, comprising 5,892 pilgrims - including 1,115 women, 31 children, and 16 transgender individuals - left the heavily guarded Bhagwati Nagar base camp in Jammu at 4.30 am amid multi-tier security cover. The pilgrimage will officially commence from July 3 via the twin tracks: the traditional 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal.

Over 3.31 lakh devotees have registered for this year's yatra so far, while on-the-spot registration is also underway in Jammu.

Soon after reaching the base camp, LG Sinha performed a ceremonial pooja before flagging off the convoy. "Wishing all spiritual seekers a safe and comfortable journey to the holy abode of Lord Shiva. Prayed to...