Shri Amarnath Yatra 2024 Booking Online, Schedule, Timings & More

Shri Amarnath Yatra 2024 will start from 01 July 2024. The 43-day yatra will end on 19 August 2024. There will be a limit of 10,000 yatris per day on the Amarnath yatra route. This does not include yatris who undertake the yatra by helicopter. The registeration for Amarnath yatra begins on April 17, 2024 and the registeration fee is INR 100. Amarnath Yatra 2024 will start from 01 July 2024. The 43-day yatra will end on 19 August 2024. There will be a limit of 10,000 yatris per day on the Amarnath yatra route. This does not include yatris who undertake the yatra by helicopter.

Shri Amarnath Yatra About 2024

The annual Amarnath Yatra, held during the Shravani Mela in July-August, attracts numerous pilgrims who visit the Amarnath Cave, situated at an altitude of 3,888m and about 141 km from Srinagar. The cave, accessible only during this time, holds great significance in Hinduism and is considered one of the holiest shrines. The yatra is marked by ‘Pratham Pujan,’ invoking the blessings of Baba Amarnath. The lingam inside the cave reaches its maximum size around July-August, coinciding with the melting of the ice caps surrounding the cave, in accordance with religious beliefs linking its growth and shrinkage to the phases of the moon.

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Things You Must Know for Amarnath Yatra 2024

• There must be a medical certificate issued by an authorised hospital/doctor in your state.
• Photo must be .JPEG or .JPG only and the size should not exceed 1MB.
• Medical certificate must be uploaded in .PDF format while registering, size shouldn’t exceed 1MB
• The age bar is between 13 to 17 years, anyone younger or older will not be allowed.
• Pregnant woman more than 6 weeks of pregnancy aren’t allowed.
• Carry the original Photo ID and Medical Certificate while travelling.

Amarnath Yatra Official Opening Dates 2024

Amarnath Yatra 2024 will begin from 01 July 2024. The Amarnath Yatra starts with ‘Pratham Pujan’ to invoke the blessings of Lord Shiva. The best and the most pleasant part of the yatra is between Guru Purnima and Shravan Purnima. The devotees reach the base camp from where the actual yatra starts.

Amarnath Yatra Registration Process 2024

• The registration will be on a first come first serve basis.
• Every yatri has to submit an application form and a compulsory health certificate (CHC) along with the required documents to obtain the yatra permit.
• These forms will also be available free of cost at the registration branch of the bank.
• For online registrations visit https://jksasb.nic.in/register.aspx and fill out the form, attach necessary documents such as medical certificates and photo ID.
• Since 2014, the SASB has also initiated a ‘group registration scheme’ for yatris intending to travel with friends, family or neighbours. Details of registration for NRIs/ex-yatri have been made available here – http://www.shriamarnathjishrine.com/

Amarnath Yatra 2024 Registration Date

The Amarnath Yatra 2024 registration will start on 17th April 2024

Amarnath Yatra Registration Fees 2024

The registration fees is INR 100 per yatri/per permit.

One yatra permit will be valid for registering one yatri only

Travelling to Amarnath: How To Reach Amarnath Yatra Base

Bus services from Jammu to Pahalgam and Baltlal are provided by both the State Transport and private operators. These two places serve as the starting points for the Amarnath Yatra.

Amarnath Yatra Route

The Northern route, which starts at Baltal, is 14 km in length and more challenging due to its steep incline. The alternative route, which is longer and more traditional, passes through Srinagar. Devotees embarking on the Amarnath Yatra from Srinagar or Pahalgam have the option of taking one of these two routes. The shorter route, via Baltal, Domial, Barari, and Sangam, is 14 km long and allows for a round trip in 1-2 days. However, ponies are not permitted on this route for safety reasons, so individuals must either walk or be carried on ‘Dandies’ (a seat carried on the shoulders of others). This route is considered more favorable for the return journey from the shrine, as the steep slope is known to pose significant health risks for un-acclimatized visitors. Those seeking adventure and in good health often choose this trek. The longer route via Pahalgam is the preference for most devotees undertaking the Amarnath Yatra.

Amarnath Trek Distance

The trek can be anywhere from 36 to 48 km long, depending on the pilgrim’s commitment, and typically lasts 3-5 days one way. The Amarnath route is wider than the Baltal trek and has a gentle slope, but it is often crowded with ponies. It is recommended that elderly, ill, or those with a history of illness take this pilgrimage route. Both routes offer excellent facilities, thanks to the efforts of the Indian Army, Central Government, and State Government Police Forces. In addition to government-provided amenities, non-profit organizations and private companies set up resting camps along the way, offering continuous food supply. The Shri Amarnath Yatra Trust oversees the organization of the yatra, providing services such as telecommunication, power supply, and firewood. It is advisable to leave mobile phones behind, as they are not useful in the area. Helicopter bookings can be made online in advance.

However, both routes offer excellent facilities, largely due to the efforts of the Indian Army, Central Government, and State Government Police Forces for security and amenities. In addition to government-provided facilities, non-profit organizations and private companies set up resting camps along the way, offering a continuous supply of food. The overall coordination of the yatra is managed by the Shri Amarnath Yatra Trust, which provides telecommunications, power supply, and firewood, among other services. Mobile phones are not useful in the area and it is advisable to not bring them. Advance bookings for helicopter rides can be made online.

The combined efforts of government and private agencies have significantly eased the journey to Amarnath compared to previous years when there were no facilities available. Despite the presence of medical support, fair price shops, and power utilities, the Amarnath Yatra Route remains one of the most challenging pilgrim routes in India, resulting in numerous casualties annually. To minimize these losses, all pilgrims are required to undergo a health check-up to ensure only healthy individuals proceed. Despite these precautions, harsh weather, natural disasters, and road accidents are frequent occurrences. Nevertheless, the devoted followers of Lord Shiva continue to embark on this perilous journey with unwavering enthusiasm.

Amarnath Travel Packages

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Amarnath Yatra In Helicopter

Starting Point: Baltal helipad

Starting Point: Pahalgam helipad

The timings for all rides are determined by the service providers and must be followed strictly. Prices for 2024 are yet to be disclosed. A maximum of 5 bookings can be made with a single debit/credit card. The same card cannot be used for booking for the next 3 weeks. The debit/credit card used for booking must be presented when obtaining a boarding pass.

Safety

The pilgrimage does not allow children under 13 years old, individuals over 75 years old, or women who are more than 6 weeks pregnant for safety reasons.

Journey to The Cave From the Drop-off

Should the pilgrim choose to take a helicopter ride, they will be transported to Panjtarni, which is a 6km (2-hour) walk to the Amarnath caves. However, due to the significant number of pilgrims, the walk may take up to 4 hours on relatively easy terrain. It’s important to consider that the walk is challenging due to the lower temperatures and risk of altitude sickness, which suggests maintaining a slower pace while heading to the caves. Alternatively, the pilgrim has the option to hire a Palki for a direct journey to the cave. Pony rides are also available, but they will only take you within 2 km of the cave as the terrain becomes slightly sloped.

Requirements for Amarnath Helicopter Ride

All individuals planning to use helicopter services for the Amarnath Yatra must provide a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) for each person. This certificate must be issued by authorized doctors or institutions according to the guidelines of the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB). The list of authorized doctors and institutions can be found on the official website well before advance bookings begin. No individual will be permitted to board the helicopter without presenting a CHC issued on the designated date. Any CHC issued before or after the specified date will not be accepted.

Accommodation

Accommodations for overnight stays at Baltal, Nunwan, Sheshnag, and Panjtarni are provided in camps with prefabricated huts. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board organizes these camps through private contractors, with the cost ranging from INR 250-375 per night. Additionally, private tents and huts are available at various points along the Amarnath Yatra route, offering floor and cot accommodations along with quilts, mattress, blankets, and pillows for approximately INR 250-1000 per night.

Baltal Route: Manigam, Baltal, Holy Cave

Pahalgam Route: Nunwan, Chandanwari, Sheshnag, Panjtarni

Food

• Free food, water and refreshment is available to the yatris along the Amarnath Yatra route.
• Langar are set up at various locations during the yatra period
• Ration for cooking food is available from the specially established Govt. Depots at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panjtarni at fair prices
• Numerous tea-stall and small restaurants are available at various locations
• Carry snacks like biscuit, canned food, dry fruits, chocolate, roasted chana, etc
• Neelgrath Helipad (Baltal) waiting lounge has a cafeteria

Facilities

• Jammu and Kashmir State Road Transport Corporation (JKSRTC) provide transport facility during Amarnath Yatra. Hi/tech/Super Deluxe, Deluxe and Semi-Deluxe buses are available from Jammu and Srinagar to Pahalgam and Baltal. Booking counters are established at multiple points in these cities during the yatra duration.
• Medical facilities are available to the yatris en route to the Amarnath Cave. Several Medical Aid Center(MAC), Emergency Aid Center (EAC) and base hospitals are set at different points along the route.
• Cloakroom facility to store your belongings is provided by the Amarnathji Shrine Board at Nunwan, Baltal and Amarnath Cave. These cost INR 10 for 24 hours.
• Parking facility is available at Baltal base camp for Two Wheelers (INR 30), LMVs (INR 75) and MMVs (INR 150-225)
• BSNL connectivity is available on the yatra route. Pre-loaded yatra sims are provided by BSNL to the yatris for INR 230

Legend of Amarnath

According to legend, Lord Shiva had to acquiesce to Goddess Parvati’s request to learn the secrets of life and death, but he couldn’t risk anyone overhearing. Together, they journeyed to a remote mountain cave accessible only to the gods. The sacred nature of the secret required them to leave behind all companions and significant possessions, including Nandi the bull, the moon atop Shiva’s head, the snake around his neck, the five basic elements of life, and even his son, Lord Ganesha. Each year, Hindu devotees embark on this treacherous mountain trek, known as the Amarnath Yatra. Beyond its spiritual significance, the surrounding areas are also appealing tourist destinations, as Kashmir has been referred to as the ‘Paradise on earth’ by Amir Khusro.

Tips for Amarnath Yatra 2024

• Prepare for the yatra by being fit, it’s advised to walk everyday for about 4-5km to prepare for the yatra.
• Do pranayam for improving oxygen efficiency, also practicing breathing exercises and yoga works best.
• Drinks lots of water to prevent dehydration.
• Descend immediately if you start having altitude sickness.
• Under conditions of serious illness, contact the nearest medical fascility that’s located at a distance of 2km.
• Avoid drinking alcohol, caffeine and avoid smoking.

Travel Tips

• Physical Fitness: Maintain physical fitness and stamina for the trek by engaging in regular exercise and fitness routines.
• Hydration: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the journey to prevent dehydration and altitude sickness.
• Medications: Carry essential medications and a first-aid kit for emergencies, including pain relievers, altitude sickness medication, and any prescription medications prescribed by a healthcare professional.
• Safety: Follow safety guidelines and instructions provided by authorities during the journey, including wearing appropriate trekking gear and adhering to designated trekking routes and timings.
• Respect: Respect the environment and cultural significance of the pilgrimage site by avoiding littering, disturbing wildlife, or engaging in any activities that may disrupt the sanctity of the surroundings.

How to Plan Amarnath Yatra