The spiritual journey to the sacred ice cave of Lord Shiva is set to begin as the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor announced the schedule for the Amarnath Yatra 2026.
This year, the pilgrimage will span an extended 57 days, commencing on July 3 and concluding on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, August 28. The spiritual preamble, known as the Pratham Puja, is scheduled for June 29 on Jyeshtha Purnima.
Devotees eager to undertake the trek can begin their registration process on April 15, 2026. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has introduced a streamlined system, offering both online registration via their official website and mobile app, as well as offline registration through designated bank branches. A registration fee of ₹150 has been set, and for the 2026 season, the RFID card has been made mandatory for all pilgrims. These cards, essential for entry beyond base camp gates, must be collected after biometric verification in Jammu and Kashmir.
Safety and health remain top priorities for the board. Eligibility is strictly limited to individuals between the ages of 13 and 70 years, and pregnant women beyond six weeks are barred from the journey. Every applicant must provide a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued on or after April 8, 2026, by an authorized medical professional. Pilgrims can choose between the traditional, easier 46 km Pahalgam route or the steeper, more challenging 14 km Baltal route, with helicopter services available for both.