Srinagar, July 8 – The annual Amarnath Yatra, one of the holiest pilgrimages in India, is progressing peacefully for the fifth consecutive day, witnessing a surge in pilgrim turnout. On Tuesday, another group of 7,541 devotees departed for Kashmir, marking a significant rise in participation. Since the pilgrimage commenced on July 3, over 90,000 pilgrims have already taken part.

According to officials, Tuesday’s group left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two secure convoys. The first convoy, comprising 148 vehicles and 3,321 pilgrims, began its journey to the Baltal base camp at 2:55 AM. The second convoy, with 161 vehicles carrying 4,220 pilgrims, departed at 4:03 AM toward the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp.

As per agency report, officials from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) stated that, in addition to those departing from the official base in Jammu, many devotees are directly arriving at transit camps and base camps to register on-site and join the pilgrimage immediately.

This year’s pilgrimage is taking place under heightened security arrangements, following the tragic Pahalgam terrorist attack in which 26 civilians were killed by Pakistan-backed militants. In response, 180 additional companies of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to strengthen the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. Security personnel have secured the entire route from the Jammu base camp to the cave shrine, including all transit camps and the approach roads to both Baltal and Nunwan base camps.

Despite the heightened alert, the local population has extended full support to the pilgrimage, as in previous years. In a powerful show of solidarity following the Pahalgam incident, local residents were among the first to welcome the initial batch of pilgrims. As the convoy passed through the Nawgam tunnel and entered the Kashmir Valley via Qazigund, locals greeted them warmly, emphasizing their support for peace and communal harmony.

The 38-day Amarnath Yatra, which began on July 3, will conclude on August 9. The journey holds immense religious significance for devotees, as legend has it that Lord Shiva revealed the secrets of eternal life and immortality to Goddess Parvati in the sacred cave. With tight security, community cooperation, and continued devotion, this year’s Yatra is unfolding with deep spiritual fervor and national unity.

Srinagar, June 17 – In a move to bolster security for the annual Amarnath Yatra, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday declared the pilgrimage routes as ‘No-Flying Zones’. This directive, effective from July 1 to August 10, prohibits the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), drones, balloons, and any flying objects along the yatra routes.

The decision, issued by the Home Department under the directive of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, applies to both the traditional Pahalgam route and the Baltal route used by thousands of pilgrims annually.

According to the official order, exemptions will be made for emergency medical evacuations, disaster management efforts, and surveillance operations by security forces. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for such exceptions will be issued separately.

The order stated that several enhanced security measures are being implemented to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to commence from July 3.

The Ministry of Home Affairs had earlier advised that the entire pilgrimage corridor be designated a 'No-Flying Zone' to prevent any potential threats.

“In view of ensuring robust security during Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025, all routes of the pilgrimage — including Pahalgam and Baltal — are hereby declared as ‘No-Flying Zones’ from July 1 to August 10,” the order read.

Security protocols have been significantly upgraded following the April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.

The Amarnath Yatra attracts thousands of devotees from across India each year, and authorities are working round the clock to ensure their safety during the high-altitude pilgrimage.

Jammu, 31 July (H.S.): Over 4.71 lakh devotees had ‘darshan’ during the ongoing Amarnath Yatra so far breaking last year’s entire Yatra record of 4.45 lakh pilgrims as another batch of 1,654 pilgrims left Jammu for the Valley on Wednesday.

“This number is more than last year’s total pilgrim number of 4.45 lakh who went to Amarnath cave shrine during the entire Yatra period. Yesterday, 5,000 devotees performed the Yatra while a new batch of 1,654 left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Valley in two escorted convoys. Both convoys left for the Valley at 3.20 a.m.,” officials said.

“First escorted convoy of 17 vehicles carrying 456 pilgrims left for the North Kashmir Baltal base camp. The second escorted convoy of 34 vehicles carrying
1,198 Yatris left for the South Kashmir Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp”, officials said.

Arrangements of security, community kitchens (Langars), transit and base camps and the ubiquitous presence of security forces all along the highway from Jammu to Kashmir have ensured a safe, smooth and hassle-free Yatra this year.

The most important helping hand to the Yatris is provided by the locals. These locals employ ponies and work as porters for the pilgrims often carrying the weak and infirm devotees on their back up and down the treacherous mountain route on both sides of approach.

The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon. Devotees believe that this ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva. 

The cave is situated at an altitude of 3,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas. Devotees approach the cave shrine either from the traditional South Kashmir Pahalgam route or the North Kashmir Baltal route. 

The Pahalgam-Cave shrine axis is 48 Km long and takes Yatris 4-5 days to reach the shrine. The Baltal-Cave shrine axis is 14 Km long and takes one day for the pilgrims to have ‘darshan’ and return to the base camp.

Helicopter services are also available for the pilgrims both at Baltal on the North Kashmir route and at Chandanwari on the South Kashmir route.

This year’s Yatra will conclude after 52 days on August 19 coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan festivals.

Jammu, 16 June (HS): The wait is finally over for the pilgrims waiting for online helicopter ticket booking services as the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has started the facility for both Baltal and Pahalgam yatra routes for this year?s 52-day Shri Amarnath Yatra starting on June 29.

The annual pilgrimage of Baba Amarnath is starting on June 29 and will conclude on August 19, on the day of Raksha Bandhan.

As per official details, for the Baltal route, helicopter service is being provided on Neelgrath-Panjtarni-Neelgrath, and for Pahalgam route, it will be available on Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam route.

However, official sources said online booking of helicopter service can be availed of by visiting the official website JKSASB.nic.in adding, ?offline tickets or priority will not be available, hence the booking will be on first come first serve basis and will be provided directly to the devotees.

As far as fare is concerned, they said one way fare from Pahalgam to Panjtarni has been fixed at ?4900, two way fare at ?9800, one way fare from Neelgrath to Panjtarni has been fixed at ?3250 and both way fare at Rs. 6500.

The pilgrims undergoing the yatra must have a health certificate while booking the helicopter tickets,? they said, and added that the journey from the Panjtarni helipad to the holy cave and back takes time, so the available slots for the pilgrims will be visible with a gap of at least 5 to 6 hours between the trips.

The traveller must carry original photo identity card and a health certificate during the journey while the pilgrims must reach the respective helipads at least 30 minutes before the booked slot time,? said an official.

He stated that the charter booking is only allowed for travel between Srinagar and Neelgrath with priority seats in the connecting service running between Neelgrath and Panjtarni. The preparations for the pilgrimage are in full swing. The advance registration for pilgrims has already started from April 15.

Meanwhile, this year, 125 langars have been permitted to be installed up to the holy cave.

Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, on May 16, during his visit to Katra urged devotees to become messengers and spread Bhagavat?s message, and invited pilgrims from across the country and abroad for this year?s Shri Amarnath Yatra.

Jammu - The Jammu and Kashmir administration has released the first picture of this year's Baba Barfani's Dham at the holy cave of Shri Amarnath, where Baba Barfani is seated in the form of Himshivilinga amidst snow-covered surroundings. The annual Amarnath Yatra is scheduled to commence on 29th June this year.

Preparations for the yatra are in full swing, with the administration focusing on ensuring the convenience and safety of the devotees. Efforts are being made to ensure a smooth travel route, and 2.38 lakh Shiv devotees have already completed offline and online advance passenger registration within 20 days.

Snow removal work is underway on the traditional Pahalgam route, and tenders have been issued for important travel-related works, which will commence in the middle or last week of May. Security and traffic management are being strengthened to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims.

District Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaish visited the Yatri Niwas Bhagwati Nagar in Jammu along with officials to oversee preparations. He instructed the Chief Medical Officer Jammu to establish all necessary health facilities and a robust communication system, including public address systems, for timely guidance and information dissemination to passengers at Yatri Bhawan.

With expectations of increased passenger numbers, arrangements are being made to accommodate them in case of emergencies. Passenger accommodation is being expanded in Jammu, Ramban, and Srinagar, and accommodation facilities in social and religious buildings are being checked. Hospitals authorized to issue mandatory health certificates for advance passenger registration are witnessing large crowds of devotees.

The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board will soon start an online booking service for helicopter services. Additionally, repair works including painting, electricity, and water supply in passenger residence halls and langar sites will commence soon. Group registration for five or more passengers is also being facilitated, with permits issued according to date and route slot on a first-come, first-serve basis. Group registration is available until 31st May.

Buldhana (Maharashtra), July 29 (IANS) At least six pilgrims returning from the Amarnath Yatra were killed and another 21 injured when two private luxury buses collided near Malkapur in Maharashtra's Buldhana on Saturday, officials said.

The accident occured when the pilgrims were returning home to Hingoli and other places when their buses rammed into an Akola-bound bus.

The six victims died on the spot and of the 21 injured, two were said to be in serious condition.

The other 32 passengers have been shifted to a gurdwara in Malkapur for temporary lodging and boarding till arrangements are made to enable them go home.

Chief Minister Eknath Shinde expressed grief over the tragedy and announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakhs to the kin of each deceased persons and treatment at government expenses to all the injured victims at the Buldhana Civil Hospital.

A police official said that the two buses collided at around 2.30 a.m. on the NH 6 on a railway over-bridge near Malkapur, which is on the Akola-Jalgaon highway.

One of the buses had around 50 pilgrims returning to Hingoli after an 18-day pilgrimage to Amarnath, and the other bus of Royal Travels bound from Nagpur to Nashik with inter-district passengers.

As per initial investigations, the Nashik-bound bus attempted to overtake a truck ahead when the Hingoli-bound bus came in front and led to the accident.

Srinagar, July 15 (IANS) Five Amarnath Yatris died in the past 36 hours, taking the toll of devotees dying during this year’s annual pilgrimage to 24.

Officials said most of these deaths occurred due to high altitude sickness resulting in lack of oxygen followed by cardiac arrest.

“Of the five deaths, four occurred on the Pahalgam route while one was reported on the Baltal route. The victims included an ITBP officer who died during Yatra duty. The victims hailed from Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana and Gujarat,” the officials added.

Experts have said that places situated at high altitudes have rarified air with lesser concentration of oxygen. This coupled with exhaustion and unhealthy lungs often results in fatalities.

The Amarnath cave shrine is situated 3,888 metres above the sea-level.

For these reasons, authorities have banned all junk food at the free kitchens (Langars) set up for the Yatris.

All halwai items, including parathas, puris, sweets and cold drinks, have been banned.

Sale of cigarettes has also been banned inside and around the base and transit camps of the Yatra.

This year’s 62-day long Yatra which commenced on July 1, will end on August 31 coinciding with the Shravan Purnima festival.

Srinagar, July 13 (IANS) Badminton star Saina Nehwal on Thursday thanked the J&K government and the local people for helping her and her family to successfully perform the Amarnath Yatra.

Saina told the media, "This is a great day for my family and me. We are blessed to have been on the Yatra. I would like to thank the government and people here for helping us so much."

She also felt blessed because she and her mother had 'darshan' inside the holy cave.

Before Saina, two US nationals from California also performed this year's Amarnath Yatra. The duo said they were following the footsteps of Swami Vivekananda who had performed the Yatra.

Since it started on July 1, so far more than 1.40 lakh pilgrims have performed the Yatra. The rush of Yatris reaching here from different parts of the country continues unabated.

Srinagar, July 8 (IANS) Army said on Saturday that it is providing all-out assistance to Amarnath Yatris stranded due to bad weather enroute to the cave shrine. 

Army’s Udhampur headquartered northern command said on its official Twitter page, “#Yatris stranded enroute have been evacuated. 253 Yatris at Barari Marg Camp & 126 yatris at #Chandanwari camp are comfortable. #Army columns are reassuring support.”

In an earlier comment, the army said, “Timely help & necessary assistance is being provided by #IndianArmy. Complete synergy between all stakeholders to ensure safe #yatra."

“#ChinarCorps providing full assistance in terms of shelter, warm clothing, hot meals, heating arrangements and #Medical aid to #yatris stranded enroute due to the temporary suspension of #Yatra2023 caused by heavy rains and inclement weather." 

“#Indian Army working in close coordination with @ShriSasb, @ndmaindia, @NDRFHQ, @JmuKmrPolice & all other agencies to provide timely assistance to #pilgrims to ensure #Safety. It is assured that all #Yatris are safe and in good #Health and spirit," the Army added.

Srinagar, July 1 (IANS) The 62-day Amarnath Yatra commenced on Saturday with the first batch of pilgrims leaving for the cave shrine from the Baltal base camp in Kashmir's Ganderbal district.

Amid tight security arrangements, the pilgrims left the base camp early Saturday morning.

The 13 km-long trek from Baltal to the shrine passes through some of the most treacherous mountain terrain where local guides and ponies come handy for the pilgrims.

The locals immensely contribute to the successful completion of this Himalayan pilgrimage as their knowledge and experience of the mountainous terrain often saves lives and makes the journey comfortable.

Helicopter services are also available from Baltal to Panjtarni and back.

Pilgrims using the Baltal route take just a day to have ‘Darshan’ inside the cave shrine and return to the base camp.

The Himalayan cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that symbolically mythical powers of Lord Shiva, according to the devotees.

It is situated at an elevation of 3,888 metres above sea-level.

Meanwhile, those using the traditional south Kashmir Pahalgam route take 3 to 4 days to reach the shrine.

Historically, the ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Mace) is carried from its seat at the Akhara Building temple in Srinagar to the cave shrine through the Pahalgam route.

The Yatra has two base camps at Baltal and Pahalgam and two transit camps at Haripora in Ganderbal and Mirbazar in Kulgam.

Meanwhile, the second batch of 4,416 yatris comprising 3,487 males, 616 females, 15 children, 271 sadhus and 27 sadhvis left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in an escorted convoy of 89 heavy vehicles, 67 light motor vehicles and 32 medium vehicles for the valley also on Saturday morning.

Jammu, April 30 (IANS) Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday released "Shri Amarnathji Yatra Guidebook", published by the Tourism Federation of Jammu.

"The Lt Governor appreciated the Tourism Federation of Jammu for selfless service to pilgrims.

"The Lt Governor also shared the key initiatives taken by the UT Government and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board to facilitate the hassle-free and smooth pilgrimage of the devotees," an official statement said.

Sinha further highlighted the efforts to promote spiritual tourism in Jammu & Kashmir.

The representatives of Tourism Federation of Jammu expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor-led UT administration and the Shrine Board for augmenting the facilities for pilgrims and service providers.

The 62-day-long Amarnath Yatra will commence on July 1 this year and it will culminate on August 31.

Jammu (IANS) : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, at the 12th High Level Committee (HLC) meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) on Friday, attended by senior officers in civil and security establishment impressed upon all the line departments including the Shrine Board to prepare well ahead of commencement of yatra for its successful conduct this year.

"Dr Mehta urged all the departments to complete the necessary tendering and other contract related processes in the month of April itself.

"He directed the BRO to clear the snow from roads on both the axis of Chandanwadi and Baltal before end of April so that other departments are able to carry out their activities smoothly," an official statement said.

The Chief Secretary stressed on marking the disaster-prone areas on both the routes and ensure that the utilities are not established in such areas. He directed that necessary assistance may be taken from the NDRF in this regard so that they could certify that no utility has been erected in such zones.

"He asked the Deputy Commissioners concerned to facilitate all the service providers so that the facilities created at each location are appropriate and sufficient for both the devotees and facilitators. He advised them to work in coordination with each other and use the work window very efficiently so that every facility is ready by mid June in any case," the statement said.