The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages for Hindus. Devotees trek through the Himalayas to reach the Amarnath Cave where a natural ice Shivling forms every year.
About Amarnath Cave
Located at 3,888 meters altitude in South Kashmir. The ice Shivling naturally forms due to water dripping from the cave ceiling and freezing. Considered one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
Amarnath Yatra 2026 Dates
Start Date: Late June/Early July 2026
End Date: Raksha Bandhan (August 2026)
Duration: Approximately 45-60 days
How to Register
Online Registration
- Visit official Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board website
- Fill registration form
- Upload compulsory health certificate
- Pay Rs 220 fee
- Get e-permit
Offline Registration
- Available at designated bank branches
- PNB, J&K Bank, SBI, YES Bank
- List available on SASB website
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC)
- 4 passport photos
- Address proof
Two Routes to Amarnath
1. Pahalgam Route (Traditional)
- Distance: 48 km
- Duration: 3-5 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Stops: Chandanwari - Sheshnag - Panchtarni - Cave
2. Baltal Route (Shorter)
- Distance: 14 km one way
- Duration: 1-2 days
- Difficulty: Steep but faster
- Stops: Baltal - Domail - Barari - Cave
Yatra Cost Breakdown
- Registration: Rs 220
- Pony ride (round trip): Rs 6000-10000
- Palki: Rs 12000-18000
- Helicopter (Baltal): Rs 3000-5000 one way
- Food and stay: Rs 2000-5000
- Total (Pony): Rs 15,000-25,000
- Total (Helicopter): Rs 12,000-20,000
Helicopter Service
From Baltal: Neelgrath to Panjtarni
From Pahalgam: Available on request
Booking: Online through SASB portal
What to Pack
- Warm woolen clothes
- Waterproof jacket
- Trekking shoes
- Torch/flashlight
- Personal medicines
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Energy bars
- Rain cover
- Trekking pole
Health Precautions
- Get medical check-up before yatra
- Age limit: 13-70 years
- Not for heart, BP, or breathing patients
- Not for pregnant women
- Start acclimatization early
- Stay hydrated
Free Services (Langar)
Various NGOs and communities run free food services (langar) throughout the route. Available 24x7 during yatra period.
Important Tips
- Register early - limited slots
- Book helicopter in advance
- Carry cash - limited ATMs
- Do not use plastic - eco sensitive zone
- Follow SASB guidelines
- Do not travel alone
May Lord Shiva bless all devotees. Har Har Mahadev!
Social Plugin