The Amarnath Yatra, one of India’s largest religious pilgrimages, to the sacred ice cave in Jammu and Kashmir’s Himalayas, is set to run for an extended 57 days from July 3 to Raksha Bandhan on August
28. Devotees planning to undertake the journey to the sacred shrine must complete registration, which begins on April 15, 2026.
The pilgrimage is managed by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, which has laid down strict eligibility and registration guidelines for participants.
The Pratham Puja, invoking Lord Shiva’s blessings for the journey, will precede the yatra on Jyeshtha Purnima, June 29, marking the spiritual launch of the event that draws lakhs of devotees annually to witness the natural ice lingam.
Announcing the decision, J&K LG wrote on X “The Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence this year on 3 July 2026 and conclude on Raksha Bandhan, 28 August 2026, spanning a total of 57 days. The Pratham Puja, to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, will be held on Jyeshtha Purnima, 29 June 2026.”
Registration Process
Pilgrims can register either online or offline. Digital registration will be available through the SASB website or the mobile application “Shri Amarnathji Yatra,” while offline registration can be completed at designated bank branches.
The online process will require OTP verification via mobile number and email. Applicants must also upload a scanned Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), issued on or after April 8, 2026, along with a passport-size photograph.
Those opting for offline registration must visit authorised bank branches starting April 15. The process follows a first-come, first-served system. Applicants need to present their CHC issued by an authorised doctor, along with a valid identity proof such as Aadhaar.
Biometric authentication will be conducted instantly through the eKYC system at the branches. The registration fee is Rs 150 per person. An RFID card has been made mandatory for the 2026 Yatra.
After completing registration, pilgrims must collect the card from designated centres in Jammu and Kashmir following biometric verification. Entry beyond the Domail or Chandanwari gate points will not be permitted without the RFID card.
Eligibility
Eligibility criteria remain unchanged. Only individuals aged between 13 and 70 years are allowed to register. Pregnant women beyond six weeks are not permitted to participate. A valid CHC from an authorised medical provider listed on the SASB website is compulsory for all applicants.
The pilgrimage can be undertaken through two routes. The traditional Pahalgam route stretches about 46 kilometres one way and offers a gradual climb. The Baltal route, covering around 14 kilometres one way, is shorter but steeper and preferred by those seeking quicker access.
Helicopter services are also available from both Pahalgam and Baltal to Panchtarni for pilgrims who are unable to complete the trek on foot.
