Amarnath Yatra Registration Now Open: Yatra Commences June 29th, Learn Registration Process and Guidelines
The revered Amarnath Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in Hinduism, is scheduled to begin from June 29th this year, extending until August 19th. Unlike last year, when the pilgrimage commenced on July 1st, this time it spans for 52 days. Registration for the pilgrimage has commenced from today, April 15th.
According to government directives, Indian citizens aged between 13 and 70 years are eligible to undertake the Amarnath Yatra. However, obtaining a necessary medical certificate remains a prerequisite for travel.
How to Register for the Amarnath Yatra?
From April 15th onwards, registration for the Amarnath Yatra is available both online and offline. For online registration, you can log in to the official website of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
If you prefer to register via mobile application, you’ll need to download the Shri Amarnathji Yatra app. Offline registration can be done through designated banks such as Punjab National Bank, SBI, YES Bank, and Jammu and Kashmir Bank.
Two Routes for Pilgrimage: How to Reach?
Pahalgam Route: This route is relatively straightforward, taking about 3 days to reach the cave from the base camp. The journey begins from Pahalgam, with the first stop at Chandanwari, approximately 16 km away. The ascent begins from here. After a three-kilometer climb, travelers reach the Pissu Top. From here, the pilgrimage concludes at Sheshnag, approximately 9 km away. On the second day, pilgrims proceed from Sheshnag to Panchtarni, about 14 km ahead. The cave from Panchtarni is only 6 km away.
Baltal Route: If time is limited, pilgrims can opt for the Baltal route for Baba Amarnath’s darshan. This route is shorter, approximately 14 km long, but it involves a steep ascent, making it challenging, especially for elderly pilgrims. The Baltal route presents several steep climbs and risky terrains.
Preparations Underway for 6 Lakh Pilgrims
With approximately 4.50 lakh devotees having visited last time, preparations are now underway for an expected influx of 6 lakh pilgrims. Anticipating a surge in travelers, arrangements are being scaled up.
Catering, sanitation, and health check-ups will be organized along the entire route. Two camps are being equipped as hospitals with oxygen booths, ICU beds, X-ray machines, sonography machines, and a liquid oxygen plant.
Roads Widened by BRO, Teams Escorting Vehicles to Caves
The roads leading to the caves are now broader, with BRO teams accompanying vehicles up to the caves. Previously, the 46-km-long route from Pahalgam to the cave was 3 to 4 feet wide, while the Baltal route was 2 feet wide.
Now, they have been widened to 14 feet. As per Border Road Organization (BRO) specifications, the 14-kilometer route from Baltal to the cave, instead of being 7 to 12 feet wide, is now a considerable motorable road. Helicopter services are also available.
BRO had dispatched a convoy of vehicles for the Amarnath Cave on November 6, 2023. A video of this convoy was shared on BRO’s Twitter handle. From Sangam Base Camp, BRO has widened the road up to Sangam Top, thus reducing travel time for pilgrims.
Important Considerations for Travel
During your journey, ensure you have your medical certificate, four passport-size photographs, Aadhar card, RFID card, and travel application form handy. Prioritize physical well-being by practicing walking 4 to 5 kilometers daily.
Incorporate breathing exercises like Pranayama and physical activities such as yoga into your routine. Pack woolen clothes, a raincoat, a trekking stick, a water bottle, and a bag containing necessary medications for your journey.
