Amarnath Yatra 2026 to begin from July 3: Check important dates, registration details, eligibility

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also serves as Chairman of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, on Sunday announced that the annual Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan. The pilgrimage will span a total of 57 days this year.

Addressing reporters, Sinha said the Pratham Puja will be held on June 29 (Jyeshtha Purnima), while registration for the Yatra will begin on April 15.

He added that advance registration will be available both online and offline. “Pilgrims can register at 554 designated bank branches, including Jammu and Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, and Yes Bank. Online registration can also be completed via the official website of the Shrine Board,” he said.


The Lieutenant Governor noted that devotees aged between 13 and 70 years will be eligible to undertake the Yatra. He added that participation has steadily increased in recent years, reflecting growing faith and improved infrastructure.

Highlighting arrangements, Sinha said several measures have been introduced to enhance safety and convenience. RFID cards will be mandatory for all pilgrims, while group accidental insurance cover has been raised from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

He also pointed to major infrastructure upgrades, including widening of tracks along both the Baltal and Nunwan routes, improved bridges, and strengthened disaster management systems with the deployment of mountain rescue teams and security forces.

“With better facilities, real-time monitoring, improved sanitation, and enhanced connectivity, the Yatra experience has significantly improved. Devotees are more satisfied with the arrangements compared to previous years,” he added.

The annual Amarnath Yatra is held at the holy cave shrine located at an altitude of 3,888 metres in South Kashmir’s Anantnag. Every year, thousands of pilgrims from across India and abroad undertake the journey.

The cave houses a naturally formed ice stalagmite, believed by devotees to symbolise Lord Shiva. The formation waxes and wanes with the phases of the moon.

Pilgrims can reach the shrine via two routes — the traditional Pahalgam route in Anantnag and the shorter Baltal route in Ganderbal.

The Pahalgam route is longer and more scenic, involving a 3–5 day trek covering around 34 km via Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. It includes steep climbs such as Pissu Top and Mahagunas Pass and requires good physical fitness. Facilities like langars (community kitchens) and tents are available along the route.

The Baltal route is shorter, involving a 14 km trek, allowing pilgrims to return to the base camp on the same day after darshan.

Helicopter services will also be available from both Pahalgam and Baltal routes for those seeking a quicker journey.