Police Announce 5 PM Travel Deadline For Gulmarg Tourists Amid Amarnath Yatra Arrangements

In view of the upcoming Amarnath Yatra beginning on July 3, the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Wednesday announced a strict daily time restriction for tourists travelling to Gulmarg in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district. Authorities have fixed a 5 pm deadline for movement between Srinagar and Gulmarg, citing the need to ensure smooth convoy operations and maintain public safety during the 52-day pilgrimage period.

According to an official advisory issued by the Baramulla Police, no tourist vehicle will be permitted to travel between Srinagar and Gulmarg, or in the reverse direction, after 5 pm each day. Officials said the restrictions will remain in force throughout the duration of the Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to conclude on August 28. Visitors have been advised to carefully plan their travel schedules and ensure that all intercity movement is completed within the permitted hours to avoid inconvenience.

Police officials stated that the decision has been taken to facilitate the safe and uninterrupted movement of Amarnath Yatra convoys, which are expected to operate on designated routes with enhanced security arrangements. The pilgrimage typically involves high volumes of coordinated traffic, including devotee convoys, security vehicles and logistical support units, all of which require carefully managed road access to prevent congestion and ensure safety.

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Authorities emphasised that traffic regulation is a critical component of the annual pilgrimage management plan, given the sensitive terrain and security considerations in the Kashmir Valley. The movement of Yatra convoys often requires temporary road closures and strict timing coordination, particularly on routes connecting key transit points such as Srinagar, Pahalgam, Baltal and other parts of south and central Kashmir.

Every year, the Amarnath Yatra draws hundreds of thousands of Hindu devotees from across India to the high-altitude cave shrine of Lord Shiva, located at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the Himalayas. The pilgrimage is considered one of the most significant religious journeys in the country and involves trekking through difficult mountain terrain, glaciers and narrow passes, making logistical planning and security arrangements essential.

Pahalgam in south Kashmir serves as the traditional base camp for the longer trekking route to the shrine, while Baltal in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district provides a shorter but steeper alternative route. Both routes are heavily monitored during the pilgrimage season, with authorities deploying extensive security personnel, medical facilities, emergency response teams and traffic management systems to ensure the safety of pilgrims.

Officials also noted that the increased movement of pilgrims during the Yatra season has a direct impact on local tourism hubs such as Gulmarg, which attract a large number of domestic and international visitors. The 5 pm travel restriction is intended to balance the requirements of tourism with the operational demands of the pilgrimage, ensuring that both activities can proceed without disruption. Local authorities have urged tourists and travel operators to cooperate with the advisory and adhere strictly to the timing guidelines.

They added that violations could lead to delays or restrictions in movement, as security forces prioritise convoy safety during peak pilgrimage hours. The annual Amarnath Yatra remains one of the most closely monitored religious events in the region, requiring coordination between multiple security agencies, civil administration and disaster management teams. With the pilgrimage set to begin shortly, officials said preparations are in their final stages to ensure a safe, orderly and well-managed journey for all participants while minimising inconvenience for tourists visiting popular destinations like Gulmarg.

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