Lifestyle Trend: Amarnath Yatra 2025: Complete Guide To Registration, Routes, And Travel Options | Travel News You Should Know

Last Updated:April 15, 2025, 10:13 IST

The Amarnath Yatra attracts thousands each year to the snow-covered Amarnath Cave in the South Kashmir Himalayas.

Registration for the Amarnath Yatra started on April 14, 2025.

The Amarnath Yatra is one of the most revered spiritual journeys in Hinduism. It attracts thousands of devotees each year. This 52-day pilgrimage ends at the sacred Amarnath Cave, situated in the serene and snow-covered South Kashmir Himalayas. Located around 29 kilometers from Pahalgam, the cave remains inaccessible for most of the year due to snow. It opens during a short summer window. Pilgrims get the rare opportunity to witness the naturally formed ice Shivling, considered a divine symbol of Lord Shiva.

Important Dates for 2025

This year, registration for the Amarnath Yatra began on April 14, 2025. The yatra will officially start on July 3, and conclude on August 9, 2025.

Registration Process

Registration is mandatory for all pilgrims. Devotees can choose between two methods:

Online: Through the official Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) website.

Offline: Via designated centers such as Panchayat Bhawan, Vaishnavi Dham, and Mahajan Hall.

A Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), issued by an authorised medical body, is required to confirm fitness for the high-altitude trek. To manage the number of participants, only about 15,000 yatris will be allowed per day. The registration fee for each pilgrim is Rs 220.

How to Reach Amarnath

Pilgrims can reach the Amarnath Yatra base camps by air, train, or road:

By Train: Jammu Tawi Railway Station is the closest stopover. Buses and taxis are available from Jammu to Srinagar, Pahalgam, or Baltal.

By Road: All key towns, including Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Baltal, are well-connected by roadways.

By Air: The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport. From there, you can travel by road to Pahalgam (90 km) or Baltal/Sonamarg (100 km).

Routes for the Yatra

There are two main trekking routes:

Pahalgam Route (32 km) – This longer but more scenic route begins at the town of Pahalgam. It offers a trek through lush meadows, riverbanks, and forested trails.

Baltal Route (15 km) – The shorter but steeper Baltal route is more physically demanding. It is ideal for those who prefer a quicker journey.

Helicopter Services – For those seeking a faster or less strenuous journey, helicopter services are expected to be available again in 2025. These services operated successfully in 2024 and are likely to continue along these routes:

Pahalgam Route: Pahalgam to Panjtarni and back.

Baltal Route: Neelgrath to Panjtarni and back.

Official schedules and booking details for helicopter services are yet to be announced. Pilgrims must monitor the SASB website for the latest updates.

The Amarnath Yatra is not just a physical trek. It is a deeply spiritual experience for those who undertake it. Whether they walk the traditional trails or opt for air travel, the moment of standing inside the sacred cave before the ice Shivling is one that devotees cherish for a lifetime.