The registration process for the highly revered Amarnath Yatra 2025 commenced today (April 15), with arrangements made for both online and offline modes of enrollment. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has set the registration fee at Rs 220, while offline registration can be carried out at over 600 designated bank branches across the country.
This year’s Yatra is scheduled to start on July 3 and will conclude on August 9, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan. Spanning 39 days, the pilgrimage will be conducted through two primary routes — Pahalgam in Anantnag district and Baltal in Ganderbal district. Authorities are preparing for an expected turnout of over 6 lakh devotees, which could surpass last year’s figures.
The schedule was finalised during the 48th meeting of the SASB held on March 5, under the chairmanship of Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. During the meeting, several key decisions were made to enhance the experience and safety of pilgrims. These included improvements to digital and on-ground systems such as e-KYC verification, issuance of RFID tracking cards, and on-the-spot registration mechanisms.
Officials stated that preparations are being strengthened across critical nodes including Jammu, Srinagar, Baltal, Pahalgam, Nunwan, and Pantha Chowk, with expanded lodging, registration centers, and medical support teams in place. The move aims to make the Yatra smoother, safer, and more accessible to pilgrims of all age groups.
With the registration window now open, devotees have started enrolling with enthusiasm. Rohit, a pilgrim preparing for his second Yatra, shared his experience during registration: “Health check-ups are mandatory this time, which is a great initiative. I am extremely excited — this will be my second Amarnath Yatra.”
Another devotee, Sonia Mehra, expressed her spiritual connection with the journey: “This is also my second time. I wish I could undertake this holy pilgrimage every year. There is a certain peace I feel when I visit the Amarnath Baba.”
The Pahalgam Route, known for its scenic beauty and gentler ascent, takes approximately three days to complete. The journey begins from Chandanwari, 16 km from the base camp, followed by a steep 3-km climb to Pissu Top. By evening, pilgrims reach Sheshnag, covering a distance of around 9 km. On the second day, they trek 14 km to reach Panchatarni, from where the final 6 km trail leads to the holy Amarnath Cave.
In contrast, the Baltal Route is much shorter, covering only 14 km, and is preferred by those with limited time. However, this route involves a steep and continuous climb, making it physically challenging — especially for elderly pilgrims. Narrow and risky pathways make safety a top priority for those choosing this route.
The past two years have seen a steady increase in the number of pilgrims undertaking the Amarnath Yatra. In 2023, around 4.5 lakh devotees visited Amarnath, followed by an even higher turnout of 5 lakh pilgrims in 2024. The record for the highest number of visitors still stands with 6.35 lakh pilgrims in 2012. Due to pandemic-related restrictions, the number had dropped to 3 lakh in 2022.
Officials at the SASB are optimistic that this year may witness the highest number of pilgrims in over a decade, given the increasing enthusiasm and improved arrangements.
All devotees are advised to undergo compulsory medical check-ups before registering. The Amarnath Yatra Board also encourages pilgrims to register only through official channels to avoid fraud and to carry valid identification and health certificates during the journey. Information regarding route conditions, weather updates, and health advisories will be regularly shared on the official website and helplines.
