Amarnath Yatra 2025: 57-Day Pilgrimage Schedule Announced
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has officially announced the dates for the annual Amarnath Yatra, with the pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine in south Kashmir set to begin on July 3, 2025, and conclude on August 28, 2025. This year's journey will span 57 days, ending on the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan.
Registration and Eligibility Details
Registration for the Yatra will open from April 15, 2025, and has been made mandatory for all participants. Pilgrims aged between 13 and 70 years are eligible to undertake the sacred journey. Advance registration will be available through both online and offline channels, with facilities established at over 550 designated bank branches across India, including:
- Jammu and Kashmir Bank
- State Bank of India
- Punjab National Bank
- Yes Bank
Enhanced Safety and Infrastructure Upgrades
To ensure the well-being of devotees, several safety measures have been implemented. RFID cards will be compulsory for all pilgrims, and the group accidental insurance cover has been doubled from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh. Lieutenant Governor Sinha highlighted that participation has increased in recent years due to improved infrastructure and facilities.
Key infrastructure upgrades include:
- Widened tracks along both the Baltal and Nunwan routes
- Improved bridges for safer passage
- Strengthened disaster response systems with mountain rescue teams and security personnel
Pilgrimage Routes and Preparations
The Yatra will proceed along two traditional routes:
- The 48-km Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district
- The shorter but steeper 14-km Baltal route in Ganderbal district
Authorities are preparing for a large turnout of devotees this year, with the Pratham Puja scheduled to be held on Jyeshtha Purnima. The Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by Sinha, finalized the schedule in a recent meeting, emphasizing a focus on safety and accessibility for all pilgrims.
