The holy pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave Temple, located in South Kashmir, will commence on July 3. This information was shared by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Sunday. He stated that the pilgrimage will begin on July 3 and conclude 57 days later, on August 28.
The decision regarding the dates of the pilgrimage was taken during a meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), presided over by Manoj Sinha. He informed that registration for the pilgrimage would be mandatory and is scheduled to begin on April 15. The minimum age limit for devotees has been set at 13 years, while the maximum age limit is 70 years.
Sinha said, “To seek the blessings of Lord Shiva, the first Puja (worship) will be held on Jyeshtha Purnima, on June 29, 2026. Meanwhile, the pilgrimage will conclude on August 28, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.” He added that advance registration for the pilgrimage would commence on April 15, 2026, through both offline and online modes. He further stated that this facility would be available across the country at 554 branches of Jammu and Kashmir Bank, PNB, SBI, and Yes Bank.
He informed that the pilgrimage would be conducted along two routes: the traditional 48-kilometer Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district, and the relatively shorter—though steeper—14-kilometer Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Prior to the pilgrimage schedule, the Jammu and Kashmir administration is making arrangements regarding security and logistics to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the incoming pilgrims.
In February of this year, during the 50th meeting of the SASB, Sinha had announced that a laser and sound show would be organized in Srinagar and Jammu, dedicated to ‘Baba Barfani’—Lord Shiva. Sinha stated that this show would serve as a “cultural lighthouse,” showcasing the rich spiritual history of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
