Amarnath Yatra 2018 begins: From registration process to do's and don'ts here's all you should know

Amid tight security, the first batch of nearly 3,000 pilgrims today left the base camp for the annual 60-day pilgrimage to the holy cave of Amarnath. A total of 2,995 pilgrims -- 2,334 men, 520 women, 21 children and 120 'sadhus' -- left for the base camps of Nunwan-Pahalgam in Anantnag and Baltal in 107 vehicles and four motorcycles. To take the Amarnath tour, one needs to get themselves registered for a Yatra Permit. This year, 7,500 pilgrims per day per route would be allowed to register for the Yatra. The pilgrimage is scheduled to conclude on August 26 coinciding with the 'Raksha Bandhan' festival.

From registration process to all the do's and don't, here is all you should know about Amarnath Yatra 2018:

Registration process: Registration and issue of Yatra Permit (YP) is done on first-come-first-serve basis. Travellers can get themselves registered at 440 designated bank branches of the Punjab National Bank, J&K Bank and YES Bank in 32 states and UTs across the country.


* For step-by-step registration process, follow this link

* Every Yatri has to submit Application Form along with Compulsory Health Certificate to obtain the Yatra Permit. The Formats of the Application Form for Registration and Compulsory Health Certificate are available online by the Shrine Board website http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com.

* To get the Yatra Permit, one has to submit Application Form, Health Certificate and four passport sized photos to the Registration Officer, after which a permit will be issued carrying specific date and route for the tour.

Do's and Don'ts for the Yatra:
Do's:
*Travellers are advised to start at atleast a month prior to the Yatra at least a 4-5km Morning/Evening walk, deep breathing exercises and Yoga, particularly Pranayam.

* Among the essential items, you must carry adequate woolen cloths, umbrella, raincoat, waterproof trekking shoes, torch, walking stick, gloves etc.

* For Ladies, it is not advised to wear saree during the Yatra.

* Ladies who are more than 6 week pregnant, children below 13 year in age and elderly persons above the age of 75 years are not allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.

Don'ts
* Travellers are advised not to stop at places which are marked by warning. Yatris should also not attempt any short cuts on the route.

* Don’t use slippers. One should only wear trekking shoes with laces.

Helicopter service: You can also avail helicopter service, for which you have to pay Rs 1,600 for one way for Neelgrath-Panjtarni and Rs 2,751 for Pahalgam-Panjtarni route.

Security arrangements:
*The government is for the first time using radio frequency (RF) tags to track Amarnath-bound vehicles, while the CRPF has introduced motorcycle squads with cameras and various life-saving equipment.

* Around 40,000 security personnel from Jammu and Kashmir Police, paramilitary, National Disaster Response Force and the Army, have been deployed for this year's pilgrimage.

* A total of 2.6 lakh pilgrims offered prayers at the shrine last year. "As many as 2,11,994 pilgrims have already secured advance registration through the designated bank branches, group registration facility and through booking of helicopter tickets for the yatra,” an official spokesperson said.