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Pilgrimage · Anantnag / Ganderbal · Kashmir

Amarnath Yatra

The summer yatra to the cave shrine: routes, registration, health certificate and how we plan the Kashmir days around it.

Quick answer

The Amarnath Yatra runs for a few weeks in July–August each year, on dates set by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. Registration and a compulsory health certificate are needed before you travel. Two routes reach the cave: the shorter, steeper Baltal route and the longer Pahalgam route via Chandanwari.

Rules and dates change every year · last checked 2 October 2026 · always confirm with the Shrine Board

Amarnath at a glance

Last checked 2 October 2026
Season
Jul–Aug, dates set yearly
Cave altitude
~3,880 m
Baltal route
~14 km one way
Pahalgam route
~32–36 km via Chandanwari
Registration
Compulsory, with health certificate
Good for
Fit adults; helicopter option for others

Two ways up

Baltal route

Shorter and steeper. Most pilgrims do it up and back in one long day from Baltal base camp near Sonmarg.~14 km one way 1–2 daysPony, palki, helicopter options

Pahalgam route

Longer and gentler, via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni, usually with overnight halts.~32–36 km 3–5 daysTraditional route

Before you go

  1. 1Check the yatra dates announced by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
  2. 2Get the compulsory health certificate from an authorised doctor.
  3. 3Register for your route and date through the official channels.
  4. 4Collect your RFID yatra card before you start; carry the same ID.
  5. 5Plan a rest day in Kashmir first to acclimatise.

Good to know

How we helpWe plan stays, cabs and rest days around your yatra date, and send the current rules before you travel. Registration and tickets are always in the pilgrim's own name and ID.
Plan it

Pair it with the valley

Season: Jul–Aug (dates set yearly by SASB).

Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgam: Lidder river at Pahalgam
Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgam: Dal Lake shikaras
Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgam: Gulmarg meadow and Gondola
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Srinagar – Gulmarg – Pahalgam

  1. 2NSrinagar
  2. 1NGulmarg
  3. 2NPahalgam
HotelsPrivate cabBreakfast & dinnerSightseeing
From₹21,499per personlowest season price, twin sharing, deluxe hotelsINDICATIVEOctober: ₹25,899
Off-season₹21,499Shoulder₹25,899Peak₹31,499
Getting here

Arriving by train

The Kashmir rail link now runs to Srinagar. Vande Bharat trains are the quickest way in from Jammu and Katra.

TrainFrom → toTimes
26401Jammu Tawi → Srinagarvia Katra, Reasi, Banihal · 6 days a week06:20 → 11:10
26402Srinagar → Jammu Tawivia Banihal, Reasi, Katra14:00 → 18:50
26403Katra → SrinagarCheck current timetableCheck IRCTC
26404Srinagar → KatraCheck current timetableCheck IRCTC
Timings change — check IRCTC or NTES (139) before booking. Tatkal for AC classes opens one day before at 10 am.
Station pickupNearest station for this pageShri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (SVDK) and Jammu Tawi (JAT)

We pick you up at Katra or Jammu Tawi. For trains into the valley from Katra, a security check is compulsory, so reach the station at least an hour early.

Pickup and drop:from ₹1,100 per vehicle (indicative)Arrange my station pickupChecked 30 Sep 2026 · Allow extra time on the way back: there are security checks before boarding.
FAQ

Amarnath questions

For a few weeks in July–August. The Shrine Board announces the exact dates each year.

Yes. You need one from an authorised doctor to register.

Baltal is shorter but steep; Pahalgam is longer and gentler with halts. Helicopter services run on both sides subject to weather.

We plan the Kashmir days, stays and transfers around your yatra date. Registration is done in the pilgrim’s own name and ID.

O
Written by Omar, trip planner in SrinagarChecked on the ground: 2 October 2026 · How we check

Tell us your dates. Get a day-wise plan with a written quotation.

No payment to ask. A real person in Srinagar replies on WhatsApp, 9 am to 9 pm every day.

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Plans for this yatra

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