Amarnath Yatra 2026 Guide: Amarnath Yatra will start from July 3, know here every important information from registration to darshan.

Every year, lakhs of devotees visit Jammu and Kashmir to visit the holy abode of Lord Shiva, the Amarnath cave. Situated at an altitude of about 3,888 meters, this cave attracts a large number of devotees from across the country and abroad, who come to see the naturally formed ice *Shivalinga*. Amarnath Yatra 2026 is scheduled to begin on 3rd July 2026. If you are planning to go on this pilgrimage, it is important to know about the registration, health certificate, travel permit, RFID card, two routes of travel, age limit and other important guidelines. Let’s know everything about Amarnath Yatra 2026 – from registration and routes to travel permits.

When will Amarnath Yatra 2026 start?

According to Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), Amarnath Yatra 2026 will start on 3rd July 2026 and end on 28th August 2026. This year the journey will be for a total of 57 days, which is more time than last year. *Pratham Puja* (opening prayer ceremony) will be held on 29 June 2026 before the commencement of the Yatra. The Yatra will conclude with the arrival of the sacred *Chhadi Mubarak* at the Amarnath cave on the day of *Raksha Bandhan*.

When did the registration for Amarnath Yatra start?

Registration for Amarnath Yatra 2026 started on 15 April 2026. Registration is necessary for every devotee. No devotee will be allowed to proceed on the Yatra route without a valid Yatra Permit and RFID card. The registration fee has been fixed at ₹150 per devotee.

How to register for Amarnath Yatra?

Devotees can register in two ways. For online registration, visit the official website of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board or SASB mobile app. Create an account and fill out the application form. Upload your Aadhar Card or any other valid identity proof, passport size photograph and required Health Certificate (CHC). Select your travel date and preferred route. Download travel permit by paying a fee of ₹150. Offline registration can also be done through authorized bank branches across the country. The banks designated for this are – Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank (PNB), State Bank of India (SBI) and YES Bank. Registration will be on ‘first come, first served’ basis and daily quota will be followed. Booking for a particular date of travel will close seven days before that date.

Who can do Amarnath Yatra?

Some important rules have been made for travel. The age of the pilgrims should be between 13 to 70 years. Women more than six weeks pregnant are not allowed to travel. Health certificate is necessary for every pilgrim; This certificate should be issued by an authorized doctor or recognized medical institution on or after April 8, 2026. The certificate should have the photograph of the pilgrim. Approval for travel will be given only after verification of health certificate.

What is travel authorization and RFID card?

After completion of registration, the pilgrim will be given approval to travel. This document will contain information such as date of journey, route chosen, entry gate and time of reporting. In addition, every pilgrim will receive an RFID card. It is important to wear this card around your neck at all times while travelling. With this, the administration will be able to track the location of the pilgrims and provide immediate help in case of emergency. The RFID card will be issued after biometric verification at designated centers in Jammu or Srinagar.

Which route should be chosen for Amarnath Yatra?

There are two ways to reach Amarnath cave. The first path is considered the traditional path. It covers a distance of approximately 46 to 48 kilometers. It takes 3 to 5 days to complete the journey and the climb is gradual. It is a preferred option for first-time travelers and those traveling with family. The first 16 kilometers of the route can be covered by minibus. Apart from this, there is also a route to Baltal. If you are short on time and are physically fit, the Baltal route is a good option; This route is approximately 14 kilometers long and can be completed in one to two days. This route has steep climbs, so it is best for physically fit pilgrims.

How to reach Amarnath Yatra?

Pilgrims can travel to Amarnath by air, rail or road. For those traveling by air, Srinagar International Airport is the nearest airport; From there Baltal is about 62 kilometers and Pahalgam is about 90 kilometers away. Pilgrims traveling by train can reach Jammu Tawi, Udhampur or Banihal railway station, after which the onward journey will have to be by road. If we start the journey by road from Jammu, the distance to Pahalgam is approximately 315 kilometers, while the distance to Baltal is approximately 400 kilometers. From there, pilgrims can proceed to the Amarnath cave via their chosen route.