Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026: Pilgrimage Begins with Grand Ceremony

The Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 has officially commenced, with the first group of pilgrims flagged off by the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir. This sacred journey, lasting 57 days, will run from July 3 to August 28, 2026. With two main routes available, Pahalgam and Baltal, the government has implemented strict security measures to ensure the safety of all devotees. Facilities such as accommodation, medical aid, and food services will be provided along the way. Registration can be done online or offline, with specific health requirements. A traffic advisory has also been issued to facilitate smooth travel during the pilgrimage. Read on for more detailed information about this revered journey.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jul 2, 2026, 09:21 IST

Inauguration of the Amarnath Yatra

The wait for devotees of Baba Barfani has come to an end. Manoj Sinha, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, flagged off the first group of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Yatra 2026 from the Yatri Niwas base camp in Jammu. The atmosphere was filled with devotion as chants of 'Bam Bam Bhole' and 'Har Har Mahadev' echoed throughout the valley. This sacred pilgrimage will commence on July 3 and continue until August 28, 2026. The journey, lasting a total of 57 days, has been meticulously planned with stringent security measures to ensure that pilgrims face no difficulties. On this occasion, the Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes to the pilgrims, hoping for a safe and prosperous journey, while also appreciating the efforts of all departments involved in managing the pilgrimage, including security forces, administration, health services, NGOs, and service personnel.

Routes to the Amarnath Cave

The pilgrimage will start on the morning of July 3 from the base camps at Pahalgam and Baltal, running until August 28. The government has implemented strict security protocols for the Amarnath Yatra, with security personnel remaining vigilant at every step to ensure the safety of the devotees. Pilgrims have expressed satisfaction with the travel and security arrangements.

The first traditional route is through Pahalgam, leading pilgrims from Jammu to Pahalgam, Chandanwadi, Pissu Top, Sheshnag, and Panchatarni to the sacred Amarnath cave. Although this route is longer, it offers several stops and facilities along the way, covering a distance of 32 kilometers. The base camp for this route is located in Nunwan, near Pahalgam, approximately 90 kilometers from Srinagar. The access control gate for this route is at Chandanwadi, about 12 kilometers from Nunwan.

The second route is through Baltal, which takes pilgrims from Jammu to Baltal, Domel, and Brari to the Amarnath cave. This route is shorter at 14 kilometers but is considered more challenging due to its steep ascent. The base camp for this route is located in Baltal, Gandarbal district, approximately 95 kilometers from Srinagar. The travel access control gate for this route is at Domel, about 2.5 kilometers from Baltal.

Facilities for Pilgrims

Accommodation: Rental tents are available at key stops along the route, including Nunwan, Baltal, Sheshnag, and Panchatarni, where pilgrims can stay.

Langar Services: Various social organizations and NGOs provide free meals, drinking water, and light snacks for pilgrims along both routes.

Medical Facilities: The Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Department, along with the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), and several NGOs, will offer base hospitals, medical assistance centers, emergency aid, oxygen booths, and ambulances along the route.

Clock Rooms: Clock rooms are available at various camps and near the sacred cave for pilgrims to securely store their belongings.

Parking: Rental parking facilities are available in Baltal for two-wheelers, light vehicles, and heavy vehicles.

Mobile Network: BSNL, Jio, and Airtel network services are available in the pilgrimage area, with prepaid and postpaid SIM cards available for purchase at several locations, including the base camp.

Pony and Palanquin Services: Pilgrims who have difficulty walking can rent ponies or palanquins at designated spots along the route.

Helicopter Service: There will be no helicopter service during the 2026 Amarnath Yatra, as both routes will be declared 'No-Flying Zones' from July 1, 2026, until the end of the pilgrimage.

Registration for the Amarnath Yatra

Online Registration: Devotees can register for the Amarnath Yatra online through the official website of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. A single mobile number can be used to register up to four pilgrims. Once the application is submitted, no changes can be made. Advance online registration will be open from July 3, 2026, to August 12, 2026, with further registration options to be announced later. A health certificate from an authorized doctor or hospital is required for registration.

Offline Registration: Pilgrims can also register on-site. Tokens can be purchased at designated registration centers in Jammu for registration and RFID cards. Additionally, registration is available at over 500 authorized branches of SBI, Punjab National Bank, Yes Bank, and Jammu and Kashmir Bank across the country.

Traffic Advisory

The Jammu and Kashmir Police have issued a traffic advisory for the Amarnath Yatra, urging pilgrims, tourists, and general travelers to adhere to the established traffic rules. To ensure the safe movement of pilgrims, public vehicle access will be restricted at the Nayiug Tunnel for certain periods. Vehicles traveling from Kashmir to Jammu will not be allowed to cross the Nayiug Tunnel before 11:30 AM, while those traveling from Jammu to Kashmir cannot enter the tunnel after 3 PM. Specific timings will also apply to vehicles at several key locations in the valley. Vehicles heading from Mir Bazaar to Srinagar and Anantnag must depart before 4 PM, and those approaching the Nayiug Tunnel must pass designated points before 5 PM.