By Mallika Bhagat
The sacred Amarnath Yatra has officially begun for 2025. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha flagged off the first batch of over 5,880 pilgrims from Jammu on July 2, 2025, under a robust multi-tier security arrangement. Here’s everything you need to know before heading out on this revered Himalayan pilgrimage. Amarnath Yatra Dates, Duration & RoutesThe 38-day pilgrimage will commence on July 3 and will take pilgrims to the 3,880-meter-high Amarnath cave shrine via two routes: Nunwan-Pahalgam Route (Anantnag District): The traditional and scenic 48-kilometer track, longer but considered easier for gradual ascent. Baltal Route (Ganderbal District): A shorter, 14-kilometer track that is steeper and more challenging but preferred by those with limited time. Both routes have been significantly widened — from six feet earlier to twelve feet now — to accommodate more pilgrims and improve safety. Amarnath Yatra Registration & Costs So far, over 3.31 lakh devotees have registered for the 2025 Yatra. A limit of 15,000 pilgrims per day has been set for safety and crowd management. Registration is mandatory, and it includes a compulsory health certificate. For the 2025 Amarnath Yatra, the registration fee is INR 220 per person. No Helicopters For Amarnath J&K Government has declared all the routes of Yatra as ‘No Flying Zones’, including Pahalgam axis and Baltal axis, from July 1 to August 10, 2025. This means that helicopter services will NOT be available to travellers this year, who’ll have to either trek or take ponies/palkis for the journey. Advisory For TravellersIn its advisory, the SASB urged Amarnath pilgrims to respect the environment by avoiding littering and not polluting the yatra area. Last year, 200 tonnes of waste were collected in the first 20 days alone. Pilgrims were reminded that plastic use is banned in the state and punishable by law. They were also advised to avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and smoking, and not to start the yatra on an empty stomach or overexert themselves. Free food is available at langars, and pilgrims should eat plenty of carbohydrates and follow the recommended menu. Women are advised against wearing sarees while trekking; salwar kameez, pant-shirts, or tracksuits are recommended. All pilgrims are urged to wear proper trekking shoes, as the route has steep climbs and descents. Security Arrangements Security for the Yatra has been intensified: The pilgrimage is under round-the-clock surveillance through an Integrated Command and Control Centre at Raj Bhawan and the Police Control Room.An RFID-based tracking system has been deployed to monitor each pilgrim’s location, ensuring real-time tracking for safety and emergency response.Authorities have explicitly banned drones and any other flying objects along the Yatra routes unless prior permission is obtained from the concerned deputy commissioner, as emphasised by DIG Shridhar Patil.Medical & Emergency Facilities ONGC has constructed 100-bed hospitals at both Chandanwari (Pahalgam base camp) and Baltal base camp.Mobile medical teams, oxygen booths, and emergency evacuation systems are in place along both tracks.Yatris are encouraged to acclimatise properly and heed health advisories to prevent high-altitude sickness. Improved InfrastructureA new Yatri Niwas and a dedicated Shri Amarnath Shrine Board office have been inaugurated in Srinagar to assist pilgrims with accommodation, registration, and information.Facilities along the route have been upgraded since 2022, including better shelters, widened tracks, drinking water stations, and mobile toilets.How To Reach AmarnathFly: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport. From there, travel by road to Pahalgam (90 km) or Baltal/Sonamarg (100 km). Train: The nearest railway station is Jammu Tawi. You can take buses or taxis from Jammu to Srinagar or directly to Pahalgam/Baltal. By Road: Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Baltal are well-connected by buses and taxis.