Amarnath Yatra 2026: Registration starts today, dates and routes announced

For most of the year, the holy cave shrine of Amarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva in south Kashmir, remains covered in snow. Each year, it opens only for a brief period during peak summer for devotees and visitors. This year, the shrine will open on July 3 for 57 days, closing on August 28—and registrations begin today.

The pilgrimage will follow two routes: the traditional 48-km Nunwan–Pahalgam route in Anantnag district, and the shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

Who can take part?

Anyone aged between 13 and 70 can undertake the yatra! Except pregnant women beyond six weeks of gestation. While deeply significant for Hindu pilgrims, the Amarnath Yatra is also an experience for those drawn by the journey itself. Here’s how to register:

For Indian nationals

To register online, visit the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) website. Offline registrations can be completed at 556 designated bank branches across the country, including Yes Bank, ICICI Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India and Axis Bank.

Whether registering online or offline, a few requirements remain the same: a ₹150 permit fee, valid ID proof (Aadhaar card), and a compulsory health certificate (CHC) certifying fitness for the yatra. The CHC must be issued on or after April 8, 2026.

For foreign nationals

International visitors must apply through a separate link on the SASB portal. Requirements include a valid passport, a compulsory health certificate (CHC), a recent photograph, and a fee of approximately ₹1,550. The permit fee can be transferred via an authorised bank (preferably a government bank) to Punjab National Bank’s designated Jammu office. Details are available on the SASB website.

Applicants must email soft copies of all required documents to the Senior Manager, IT Department, Punjab National Bank, Circle Office, Jammu, at atmjk@pnb.co.in. Once approved, the permit can be collected in person from the specified Punjab National Bank branch in Jammu or Srinagar, or requested via email.

Registrations will close seven days before the start date (June 26, 2026), but early application is advised to secure a preferred slot and route. Pilgrims must also obtain an RFID card (a mandatory tracking device required for entry) to ensure safety and security during the yatra.