New Delhi: The annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine in south Kashmir will start on July 3 this year, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday. The yatra will continue for 57 days and conclude on August 28, making it slightly longer than previous years.
He made the announcement at Lok Bhavan, according to PTI. The decision was taken during a meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, which he chaired. He said, “The Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28. Overall, this year’s pilgrimage will be slightly longer, lasting about 57 days.”
The first puja will take place on June 19 on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima.
Registration process and eligibility rules
Advance registration for the yatra will begin from April 15. It will be mandatory for all pilgrims. Registration will be available both online on the official Shrine Board website and offline through more than 550 designated bank branches across India.
The registration for each yatra date will close seven days in advance. Only people aged between 13 and 70 years will be allowed to take part. Women who are more than six weeks pregnant will not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage.
Authorised banks and quota system
Registrations will be carried out through selected branches of Yes Bank, ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, and Axis Bank. The process will follow a first come first served system and will depend on the daily quota fixed for each route.
Banks have been directed to set up help desks and train staff to ensure a smooth process.
Routes and health requirements
Pilgrims can choose between two routes. The 48 km Nunwan Pahalgam route in Anantnag district is the traditional path. The shorter but steeper 14 km Baltal route in Ganderbal district is the alternative.
All pilgrims must obtain a Compulsory Health Certificate dated on or after April 8, 2026 from authorised doctors or medical institutions. A fee of Rs 150 per permit will also be charged.
Permit and verification process
Bank branches will verify the health certificate before issuing a system generated yatra permit. The permit will include the selected route and the date of travel.
It will also specify when the pilgrim can cross access control points at Domel on the Baltal route or Chandanwari on the Pahalgam route. Authorities have asked pilgrims to provide correct Aadhaar and contact details during registration.