Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 15: Amid chants of “Har Har Mahadev” and “Bam Bam Bholay”, advance registration for the annual Shri Amarnath Yatra commenced on Wednesday across the country.
The registration process is being conducted through 554 designated bank branches nationwide, with Yatra permits issued on a first-come, first-served basis. Both online and offline registration facilities have been made available to pilgrims for the 2026 pilgrimage.
Devotees can register at authorised branches of State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, ICICI Bank, Yes Bank, and Axis Bank, or through the official website of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
Authorities said daily quotas have been fixed for each route, and bookings will be allowed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis. Slots for a particular date will close seven days in advance, prompting officials to advise pilgrims to complete registration well ahead of time.
With the pilgrimage expected to be held between July 3 to August 28, thousands of devotees have already begun preparations. Officials have urged pilgrims to familiarise themselves with key aspects such as registration timelines, eligibility criteria, and available routes to avoid last-minute inconvenience.
Given the high altitude and challenging terrain, strict health guidelines have been put in place. Only individuals aged between 13 and 70 years are eligible to undertake the yatra, while women beyond six weeks of pregnancy are barred from registering. All pilgrims must obtain a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued by authorised medical institutions after April 8, 2026. The certificate will be verified before issuance of the final Yatra permit.
After successful registration, pilgrims will receive a system-generated Yatra Permit detailing the Yatra date, route and reporting time. Additionally, Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tags will be issued to enable real-time tracking of pilgrims during the Yatra.
This year, the Shrine Board has introduced several upgrades, including improved trekking tracks, enhanced lighting and power facilities along the Baltal route, and a pre-paid booking system for ponies, palkis, and porters. Additional accommodation facilities are also being arranged at key locations such as Baltal, Nunwan, Srinagar and Chanderkote.
As per the registration provisions, all pilgrims will be covered under an accident insurance policy of ₹10 lakh. Mountain rescue teams and disaster response units are also undergoing specialised training to effectively handle emergencies during the pilgrimage. |
