2 min readJammuApr 12, 2026 03:34 PM IST
The Amarnath Yatra in the South Kashmir Himalayas will start on July 3 this year and conclude on August 28.
The annual pilgrimage, spanning over 57 days to Shri Amarnath Shrine at an altitude of 3,880 metres, this year will last for 19 more days than in 2025, when the yatra took place for just 38 days.
To undertake the annual pilgrimage, registration facilities will be available at 554 branches of J&K Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India and Yes Bank across the country, said J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha here on Sunday.
Advance registration for the yatra will begin on April 15 in both online and offline modes, he said, adding that Pratham Puja, to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva, will be held on Jyeshtha Purnima, 29 June 2026.
Pointing out that Radio Frequency Identification Device (RFID) will be issued to every registered pilgrim and service provider, he said that registered pilgrims will be provided group accident insurance cover, which has been enhanced to Rs 10 lakh per person.
The insurance cover in case of accidental and natural deaths of ponies will be Rs 50,000 per animal and this will be provided through the National Livestock Mission, he added.
The yatra tracks will be adequately illuminated as the grid power supply will be available along the Baltal axis up to the Amarnath Cave and from the Holy Cave to Panjtarni, the L-G said, adding that various e-services and a pre-paid system for hiring ponies, pithoos, palkis etc will be available to pilgrims.
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Yatri Niwas facilities will be available at Baltal, Pantha Chowk (Srinagar), Nunwan, and Chanderkote, he added.
