Jammu, April 13: The annual Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 3, 2026, and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan, marking a 57-day pilgrimage window, Jammu and Kashmir Lt. Governor Manoj Sinha announced.
Advance registration for the Yatra will open on April 15 through both online and offline channels, with facilities available across 554 branches of major banks, including State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Jammu and Kashmir Bank, and Yes Bank.
The pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave, located at an altitude of 3,888 metres in Jammu and Kashmir, attracts thousands of devotees annually from across India and abroad. The shrine is known for its naturally formed ice stalagmite, considered sacred and symbolic of Lord Shiva.
Pilgrims can access the shrine via two primary routes — the traditional Pahalgam route, a 34-km multi-day trek, and the shorter 14-km Baltal route, which allows same-day return. Helicopter services will also be available from both routes, enhancing accessibility.
The announcement provides early visibility for logistics planning across tourism, transport, and hospitality sectors, as the Yatra continues to be a key seasonal driver for regional economic activity.
