Srinagar, July 4: The journey to the cave shrine of Lord Shiva, called Amarnath Yatra, is not an easy task. The devotees have to sustain extreme climate, dangerous terrain and bone-chilling climate. A glimpse of the difficult journey was shared by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) on Thursday, July 4, where they can be seen shielding pilgrims in Jammu & Kashmir's Baltal. Amarnath Yatra 2019: 15 Pilgrims Given Oxygen After They Started Feeling Breathless.

In a video shared by ITBP, one of the seven Central Armed Police Forces of India, the officials can be seen facing stones  and shoot them at the slop and protecting the pilgrims by forming a wall on the route. “ITBP personnel braving shooting stones at a snow slope by placing Shield wall to ensure safe passage of #Amarnath Yatris on Baltal route. #Himveers,” tweeted ITBP. Amarnath Yatra 2019: Schedule, Yatra Route, Helicopter Bookings and More; All You Need to Know.

Tweet by ITBP:

The annual Amarnath Yatra, who commenced on July 1, will end on August 15, 45 days after beginning. Amarnath cave, situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres, is considered as one of the holiest for Hindus. The Yatra starts from the traditional 36-km Pahalgam track and 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

This year, a total of 1,617 pilgrims including 1,174, men, 379 women, 49 saints and 15 children began their journey from Pahalgam. While 2800 pilgrims including 2,321 men, 463 women, and 16 children started it from Baltal axis.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 04, 2019 08:46 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).