Registration for the Amarnath Yatra 2026 opened on Wednesday, with the 57-day pilgrimage scheduled to run from July 3 to Aug. 28, 2026. The annual high-altitude pilgrimage to the cave shrine of Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir draws lakhs of devotees each year and comes with tighter health, safety and registration rules this season.
Meanwhile, the offline branches in Jammu, including those of J-K Bank and PNB, witnessed long queues since 8 a.m. as devotees lined up an hour before the start of the registration process.
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Key Dates
The Pratham Puja - the ceremonial commencement of preparations - is scheduled for June 29 on the occasion of Jyeshtha Purnima. The main Yatra begins on July 3 and concludes on Raksha Bandhan, Aug. 28. Slots for a specific date are expected to close seven days in advance once the daily quota is exhausted, so early registration is strongly advised.
Who Can Register
Only pilgrims aged between 13 and 70 years are eligible. Women with pregnancies beyond six weeks are not permitted to undertake the Yatra. A Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) - issued on or after April 8, 2026, by an authorised doctor or approved medical institution - is mandatory for all applicants.
Step-By-Step Registration Process
1. Obtain your Compulsory Health Certificate from an authorised hospital or doctor before beginning registration.
2. Visit the official Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) website or download the Shri Amarnathji Yatra mobile application for online registration.
3. Upload a scanned copy of your CHC and a passport-size photograph.
4. Select your preferred date and route - either Pahalgam or Baltal.
5. For offline registration, visit any of the 550+ authorised branches of SBI, Punjab National Bank, ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, or Axis Bank.
6. Upon successful registration, a system-generated Yatra Permit will be issued, specifying your travel date, selected route, and entry gate timing.
7. Collect your RFID card, which is mandatory for real-time movement tracking throughout the pilgrimage.
Two Routes To Choose From
The traditional Pahalgam route (48 km) via Nunwan in Anantnag is the longer, more gradual option suitable for first-timers. The Baltal route (14 km) in Ganderbal is shorter but significantly steeper, preferred by experienced trekkers.
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What's New This Year
- RFID cards are now standard for all registered pilgrims, allowing authorities to monitor movement, regulate crowding at critical points and trace missing individuals.
- The Shrine Board has also announced improved lighting and trekking tracks on the Baltal route.
- A pre-paid booking system for ponies, palkis and porters, and expanded accommodation at Baltal, Nunwan, Srinagar and Chanderkote.
- All registered pilgrims will receive accident insurance cover of Rs 5 lakh.
As registrations for 2026 gather pace, the travel frenzy around the Yatra illustrates how faith-driven journeys are being fundamentally reshaped by security priorities, public health imperatives and a rapidly changing Himalayan environment.
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