The annual Amarnath Yatra will be held from July 3 to August 28, 2026, spanning 57 days, with registration for pilgrims set to begin on April 15. Authorities have outlined a detailed registration process and eligibility criteria for devotees planning to undertake the pilgrimage to the Himalayan shrine.
The pilgrimage, organised by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board, attracts lakhs of devotees each year to the sacred cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva. Kedarnath Opening Date 2026: Temple Doors To Open for Devotees on April 22; Announcement Made at Omkareshwar Mandir in Ukhimath.
Amarnath Yatra Dates and Schedule
The 2026 yatra will commence on July 3 and conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
The pilgrimage will be preceded by the Pratham Puja on June 29 (Jyeshtha Purnima), marking the ceremonial start of the pilgrimage and invoking blessings for a safe journey. Uttarakhand’s Special Task Force Launches Large-scale Operation Against Cybercriminals Ahead of Char Dham Yatra.
How to Register for Amarnath Yatra 2026
Registration for the Amarnath Yatra can be completed through both online and offline modes:
Online Registration
- Visit the official Shri Amarnath Shrine Board website or use the mobile app “Shri Amarnathji Yatra”
- Complete OTP verification via mobile number and email
- Upload required documents:
- Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued on or after April 8, 2026
- Passport-size photograph
Offline Registration
- Visit authorised bank branches from April 15
- Submit:
Valid ID proof (such as Aadhaar)
Compulsory Health Certificate issued by an authorised doctor
Registration will follow a first-come, first-served process
Biometric verification will be conducted through eKYC
The registration fee is INR 150 per person.
RFID Card Mandatory for Entry
Authorities have made RFID cards compulsory for all registered pilgrims in 2026. After completing registration, pilgrims must collect their RFID cards from designated centres in Jammu and Kashmir following biometric verification. Entry beyond key checkpoints such as Domail or Chandanwari will not be permitted without this card.
Eligibility Criteria for Pilgrims
The eligibility rules for the Amarnath Yatra remain unchanged:
- Age limit: 13 to 70 years
- Pregnant women beyond six weeks are not allowed
- A valid Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) is mandatory
The CHC must be issued by an authorised medical provider listed by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board.
The Amarnath Yatra is one of India’s largest religious pilgrimages, leading devotees to a high-altitude cave shrine in the Himalayas where a naturally formed ice lingam is worshipped as Lord Shiva. The pilgrimage is conducted under strict safety and medical guidelines due to challenging terrain and weather conditions.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 12, 2026 01:30 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).