Jammu, Apr 15 (KNO): Registrations for the upcoming annual Amarnath Yatra commenced on Tuesday as hundreds of devotees thronged to designated bank branches to get registration forms.
Registrations for the yatra, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) can be done at over 540 authorized bank branches across the country including Punjab National Bank (316 branches), Jammu and Kashmir Bank (90 branches), Yes Bank (37 branches), and State Bank of India (97 branches) and designated centers such as Panchayat Bhawan, Vaishnavi Dham, and Mahajan Hall in Jammu.
The pilgrims can also register online via the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board website, jksasb.nic.in.
As per Shri Amarnath Shrine Board officials registration is mandatory for all pilgrims, and a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), issued by an authorised medical body, is required to confirm fitness for the high-altitude trek. “Only about 15000 yatris will be allowed per day. The registration fee for each pilgrim is Rs 220. A Radio Frequency Identification, or RFID card, is mandatory for all pilgrims,” official said, as per KNO.
The Yatra is scheduled to begin on July 3, 2025 from the Pahalgam track in the Anantnag district and the Baltal route in the Ganderbal district, and will conclude on August 9, 2025, spanning 38 days, aligning with the auspicious occasion of Shravan Purnima (Raksha Bandhan).
The dates for the yatra were announced by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on March 5 during the 48th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan.
The board proposed various measures and interventions to further improve the facilities and services for the devotees.
Considering the likely increased inflow of pilgrims for Amarnath Yatra-2025, the meeting discussed measures for enhancing lodgment capacity at centres in Jammu, Srinagar, and other locations, operationalising Yatri facilitation centres for e-KYC, issuing RFID cards, and on-spot registration of pilgrims at a number of locations, including Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations.
These facilities must also be suitably enhanced at Baltal, Pahalgam, Nunwan, and Pantha Chowk Srinagar, as per the requirements.
Reviewing the progress achieved on various ongoing works undertaken by the line departments, the LG stressed the need to ensure adequate arrangements and requisite amenities at various locations en route to the Yatra.
Key Details
Registration Start Date: April 15, 2025
Yatra Duration: July 3, 2025, to August 9, 2025
Routes: Pilgrims can undertake the journey via two routes:
Pahalgam Route (48 km, Anantnag district, traditional and longer route)
Baltal Route (14 km, Ganderbal district, shorter but steeper)
Daily Pilgrim Limit: Approximately 15,000 pilgrims per day (7,500 per route, including those traveling by helicopter and trekking).
Eligibility:
Pilgrims aged between 13 and 70 years are eligible.
Pregnant women beyond six weeks are not permitted.
Mandatory Requirements:
Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued on or after April 15, 2025, by authorized doctors/institutions. Valid government-issued ID proof (e.g., Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID).
Enhanced Facilities for 2025
The Jammu and Kashmir administration, in collaboration with SASB, is committed to ensuring a seamless and secure pilgrimage:
Improved Infrastructure: Upgraded accommodation, langar services, medical facilities, and telecom connectivity along both routes.
Digital Payment System: Introduction of a prepaid digital system for hiring ponies, porters, and palkis.
Security Measures: Enhanced security with drone surveillance, mine-proof vehicles, and rigorous checks at base camps.
Free Battery Car Service: Available on the Baltal-Domel stretch for accessibility.
Live Aarti Telecast: Morning and evening aarti from the Holy Cave will be broadcast live for devotees worldwide via the SASB website and app—(KNO)