Amarnath Yatra 2025: Registration Opens for Pilgrims, What You Need to Know!

Registration for Amarnath Yatra 2025 Begins

Srinagar: The registration process for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra commenced on Tuesday, allowing pilgrims to sign up online via the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) website. Additionally, offline registration is available at more than 540 authorized bank branches nationwide.

The dates for this year's pilgrimage were revealed by Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, during the 48th Board meeting of the SASB held on March 5 at Raj Bhawan in Jammu.

The board has proposed several initiatives aimed at enhancing the facilities and services available to devotees.

This year, the 38-day pilgrimage is scheduled to start on July 3, with two routes available: the 48-kilometer Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter, steeper 14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

From July 3 to August 9, pilgrims will journey to the Himalayan cave shrine of Amarnath, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in Anantnag district.

The cave is home to an ice stalagmite that changes shape with the lunar phases, which devotees believe represents the divine powers of Lord Shiva.

According to legend, the ‘amar katha’ was a secret not meant for all, prompting Shiva and Parvati to travel to this secluded cave. During their journey, Shiva left his mount, the bull Nandi, at Pahalgam.

At Chandanwari, he released the Moon, which resides in his hair, and at the banks of Sheshnag lake, he left behind his snakes. These locations are now significant stops on the traditional Pahalgam-Cave shrine route.

Despite precautions, two pigeons overheard the sacred story and gained immortality. Today, seeing pigeons at the shrine is considered a good omen.

The ice stalagmite in the cave is regarded as ‘Swayambhu,’ meaning it appeared naturally and was not placed there by human hands.

In anticipation of a higher number of pilgrims for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, the SASB has increased accommodation capacity at various centers in Jammu, Srinagar, and other areas. They are also setting up Yatri facilitation centers for e-KYC, issuing RFID cards, and providing on-the-spot registration at several locations, including Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations.

However, some 'Yatris' who opted for online registration have expressed frustration with the process, stating that while they can choose their route—either Pahalgam or Baltal—they are unable to select their Yatra date. SASB officials have acknowledged the issue and are working to resolve the glitch, which may have been caused by high traffic on the website.