Amarnath

History at a glance

1. Long-standing
   The ice lingam in the cave at 3,888 m draws pilgrims — one source says it has done so 'for centuries'.
2. 5 March 2025
   Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha announces the 2025 dates at the 48th board meeting of the SASB at Raj Bhawan.
3. 3 July - 9 August 2025
   The 2025 yatra runs 52 days, ending on Raksha Bandhan. Registration fee 220 rupees; daily cap about 15,000; RFID mandatory; over 540 bank branches registering.
4. 8 April 2026
   The earliest date a Compulsory Health Certificate can be issued for the 2026 yatra.
5. 3 July 2026
   The 2026 yatra begins from the twin base camps. Over 20,000 registered yatris set out on the opening day.
6. 1 July 2026 — DISPUTED
   One source says the SASB declared all routes a no-flying zone from this date, ending helicopter services for the season. Another, written after the yatra began, describes helicopters running to Panchtarni.
7. 28 August 2026
   The 2026 yatra ends on Raksha Bandhan — 57 days — when the Chhari Mubarak reaches the cave.

Best time to visit