Amarnath Yatra 2026 Runs July 3 to August 28 Across Pahalgam and Baltal Routes

Registration for the Amarnath Yatra 2026 officially opened on Wednesday, marking the beginning of preparations for one of India’s most revered spiritual journeys. The 57-day pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir is scheduled to take place from July 3 to August 28, drawing lakhs of devotees from across the country. With increasing footfall expected this year, authorities have introduced stricter health, safety, and registration norms to ensure a smoother and more secure experience for pilgrims.

The enthusiasm among devotees was clearly visible on the ground, particularly in Jammu, where long queues were seen outside bank branches early in the morning. Offline registration centres, including Jammu & Kashmir Bank and Punjab National Bank, witnessed heavy crowds as people lined up as early as 8 a.m., even before counters opened. This early rush highlights the strong spiritual significance of the Yatra, as pilgrims aim to secure their preferred travel dates before daily quotas are filled.

As per the official schedule, the ceremonial Pratham Puja will be held on June 29 on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima, symbolising the beginning of the Yatra preparations. The pilgrimage will conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. Authorities have advised pilgrims to register well in advance, as slots for specific dates are expected to close at least seven days prior once the daily limit is reached, ensuring regulated movement and crowd control along the routes.

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Eligibility criteria remain strict, with only individuals aged between 13 and 70 years allowed to participate. Pregnant women beyond six weeks are not permitted due to health risks associated with the high-altitude trek. A Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), issued on or after April 8, 2026, by an authorised medical institution, is mandatory for all applicants. Registration can be completed online via the Shrine Board’s official website or mobile app, or offline through over 550 designated branches of banks such as SBI, ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, and Axis Bank, where applicants receive a Yatra Permit and mandatory RFID tracking card.

Pilgrims can choose between two primary routes depending on their experience and physical capability. The traditional Pahalgam route, stretching 48 km via Nunwan in Anantnag, offers a more gradual ascent and is ideal for first-time visitors. In contrast, the shorter Baltal route, covering just 14 km in Ganderbal, is steeper and preferred by seasoned trekkers. This year, authorities have introduced several enhancements, including RFID-based tracking, improved trekking paths, better lighting, pre-paid services for ponies and porters, expanded accommodation facilities, and accident insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh—reflecting a broader effort to balance faith with safety, technology, and environmental considerations in the Himalayas.

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