Amarnath Yatra 2026 is officially open for registration, with the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) launching the yatra permit application process from April 15, 2026, for the pilgrimage scheduled to begin on July 3, 2026, and conclude on August 9, 2026 — spanning 38 days across the sacred cave shrine in the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. This year’s yatra introduces enhanced safety measures including mandatory RFID tracking cards for all pilgrims, accident insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh per person, and expanded accommodation facilities at base camps. All pilgrims must complete registration through the official SASB portal at jksasb.nic.in or through designated bank branches before the deadline.
Also Read: Kedarnath Opening Date 2026: Kapat Opening Time, Yatra Details
Amarnath Yatra 2026: Key Dates at a Glance
Every Amarnath Yatra 2026 pilgrim must track these official dates to plan their travel and documentation without gaps.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | April 15, 2026 |
| Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) Valid From | April 8, 2026 Onwards |
| Registration Closes | June 26, 2026 (7 days before start) |
| Yatra Start Date | July 3, 2026 |
| Yatra End Date | August 9, 2026 |
| Total Duration | 38 Days |
| Daily Pilgrim Quota (per route) | 10,000 pilgrims |
Pilgrims should register early to secure their preferred route, date slot, and entry window, as daily quotas fill quickly for weekends and auspicious dates.
Amarnath Yatra 2026: Eligibility Criteria
The Amarnath Yatra 2026 follows strict eligibility rules set by SASB to protect pilgrim safety in high-altitude terrain above 3,888 metres. Any Indian or foreign national between the ages of 13 and 70 years may undertake the yatra, subject to obtaining a valid Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC). Pregnant women beyond six weeks of gestation are not permitted to participate under any circumstances.
Children below 13 years and adults above 70 years are also ineligible, regardless of physical fitness. The health certificate must confirm that the applicant is medically fit to undertake high-altitude trekking and must be issued on or after April 8, 2026 — certificates issued before this date are not accepted.
Amarnath Yatra 2026: Registration Process — Online and Offline
Amarnath Yatra 2026 registration is available through both online and offline channels managed by SASB and its designated banking partners.
Online Registration:
- Visit the official SASB website: jksasb.nic.in
- Click on “Yatra Permit Registration 2026”
- Create a login using your mobile number and email (OTP verification mandatory)
- Fill in personal details — name, date of birth, Aadhaar number
- Upload a scanned passport-size photograph and the Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC)
- Select your preferred route (Baltal or Pahalgam) and travel date
- Pay the ₹150 permit fee online
- Download and print the Amarnath Yatra Permit 2026
Offline Registration:
Offline applications are accepted at 556 designated bank branches across India, including branches of State Bank of India, Punjab National Bank, Yes Bank, ICICI Bank, and Axis Bank. Pilgrims must carry their Aadhaar card, original CHC, and passport-size photographs to the branch. The same ₹150 permit fee applies at all offline counters.
Amarnath Yatra 2026: Routes — Pahalgam vs Baltal
Amarnath Yatra 2026 operates via two officially recognised trekking routes, each suited to a different type of pilgrim.
| Route | Distance | Difficulty | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pahalgam (Nunwan) Route | 48 km | Moderate — gradual ascent | First-time pilgrims, elderly, families |
| Baltal Route | 14 km | Steep — rapid elevation gain | Experienced trekkers, time-limited pilgrims |
The Pahalgam route starts from Nunwan base camp in Anantnag district and passes through Chandanwari, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni before reaching the holy cave. The journey typically takes 3–5 days on foot, offering a more scenic and gradual climb. The Baltal route starts from Ganderbal district and reaches the cave in approximately 2 days — shorter but significantly steeper, demanding good physical fitness.
Amarnath Yatra 2026: Helicopter Booking — Fares and How to Book
The Amarnath Yatra 2026 helicopter service offers pilgrims the fastest way to reach Panchtarni — the last helipad before the cave — cutting the trek to just 6 km from that point. SASB authorises helicopter services from both the Baltal (Neelgrath) helipad and the Pahalgam side, with revised fares confirmed for 2026.
| Route | One-Way Fare | Round-Trip Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Baltal (Neelgrath) → Panchtarni | ₹3,250 | ₹6,500 |
| Pahalgam → Panchtarni | ₹4,600 | ₹9,600 |
The helicopter flight from Baltal to Panchtarni covers the distance in just 10–12 minutes, compared to a full day’s trek on foot. Helicopter booking for Amarnath Yatra 2026 through SASB-authorised operators opens between May and June 2026 — seats are strictly limited and sell out weeks in advance.
Pilgrims can book helicopter tickets through the official SASB portal or authorised tour operators. Private helicopter package tours — including accommodation, transport, and yatra registration assistance — start from approximately ₹14,999 per person from Baltal and ₹18,999 per person from Srinagar.
Amarnath Yatra 2026: RFID Card — Mandatory for All Pilgrims
All Amarnath Yatra 2026 pilgrims must obtain a mandatory RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) card before entering either base camp. The RFID card serves as a real-time tracking device linked to the pilgrim’s registration data, enabling authorities to monitor movement, manage crowd density, and conduct search and rescue operations. Without a valid RFID card, entry to both the Baltal and Pahalgam base camps is denied at the security checkpoint.
SASB issues the RFID card at the base camps upon verification of the yatra permit and identity documents. Pilgrims must carry their original Aadhaar card, printed yatra permit, and CHC for RFID card collection at the camp.
Amarnath Yatra 2026: What to Carry — Essential Checklist
Every Amarnath Yatra 2026 pilgrim must prepare thoroughly for the harsh, high-altitude conditions along both routes. Temperatures at the Amarnath cave (3,888 metres) can drop below 0°C even in July, and weather conditions change rapidly.
Essential items to carry:
- Printed Yatra Permit (SASB issued, with photo)
- Original Aadhaar Card / Passport (mandatory for RFID card collection)
- Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) (original copy)
- Warm layered clothing — thermal inner, fleece jacket, waterproof outer shell
- Trekking shoes or sturdy boots with non-slip soles
- Rain poncho or waterproof cover — rainfall is common in July–August
- Personal medicines — especially for altitude sickness (consult your doctor before travel)
- Dry food and energy snacks — glucose biscuits, dry fruits, energy bars
- Water bottle and purification tablets
- Walking stick or trekking pole (available for hire at base camps)
Pony, palki (palanquin), and porter services operate on both routes under a pre-paid booking system introduced in 2026, eliminating on-site bargaining and ensuring fair pricing for pilgrims.
Amarnath Yatra 2026: Registration for Foreign Nationals
Foreign nationals wishing to undertake Amarnath Yatra 2026 follow a separate registration process managed through Punjab National Bank’s IT Department. Applicants must email scanned copies of all required documents — including passport, CHC, and a passport-size photograph — to atmjk@pnb.co.in. Upon approval, the permit can be collected in person from a specified PNB branch in Jammu or Srinagar, or delivered via email for printing.
Foreign nationals must also hold a valid Indian visa permitting travel to Jammu and Kashmir and carry their original passport at all times during the yatra. Not publicly disclosed is the exact processing turnaround time for foreign national permits in 2026, though previous years suggest a 3–7 working day window after document submission.
Amarnath Yatra 2026: Insurance Coverage
Every registered Amarnath Yatra 2026 pilgrim automatically receives accident insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh under the SASB group insurance scheme — included as part of the registration process at no additional cost. The insurance covers accidental death, permanent disability, and hospitalisation arising from incidents during the yatra period. Pilgrims do not need to apply separately; the coverage activates automatically upon receipt of the official SASB yatra permit.
