Amarnath Yatra is a holy Hindu pilgrimage site that deeply holds significance among worshipers. After passing through the formidable terrains and unpredictable weather conditions, devotees get to witness the sacred sight of the ice lingam.
Situated at the height of 3,888 meters and 141 km away from Srinagar, the trek begins from Baltal, which is the shorter route (14 km). The other route is from Pahalgam, which is a longer route (36-48 km) but less steep.
This sacred trek is reserved for a certain timeframe, and that period is announced by the Amarnath Shrine Board each year and requires registration in advance. So, when is the best time to visit Amarnath, and is it accessible during the off-season?
When is the Best Time to Visit Amarnath?
The pilgrimage is open for devotees for the months of July and August each year, which are the auspicious months of Skandshashti; the dates may vary. For the rest of the year, the site becomes inaccessible due to harsh weather conditions and heavy snowfall.
The general public is not allowed to travel through the route, as every infrastructure gets closed after August. When the trek gets closed, the entire path gets covered by a thick blanket of snow.
Here’s the weather chart of Amarnath throughout the year:
However, to visit the Amarnath pilgrimage, it is essential to follow a strict registration process.
Also Read About: How to Reach Amarnath?
Registration Process of Amarnath
First and foremost, you have to register all the visiting members; otherwise, the entry will get restricted. However, the officials of the Sri Amarnath Shrine Board will be present at designated offices at Pahalgham and Baltal to fill out your form, but your commencement of the trek might get delayed. The online registration commences from April so it is preferred to registered yourself in advance on https://jksasb.nic.in/onlineservices/agreeme.html
- Simply enter your details like name, address, age, contact number, etc. Children below the age of 13 years and elderly people above 70 are not eligible for it. Even pregnant women are restricted from the pilgrimage.
- You will be required to pay registration fees of ₹220 per person as of 2025.
- Take a printout of the form and carry it with you along with your ID card (Aadhar card).
- You will be required to collect your RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) from the deputy shrine board office; otherwise, your entry will be restricted.
Essential Tip Before Visiting Amarnath
Amarnath is a religious cave that holds a deep root in Hindu culture, and it is believed that just a sacred sight of the cave washes away lifetime sins and removes the fear of death. It is essential to pay respect to such a highly significant landmark and adhere to the do’s and don’ts.
- The holy caves and the sight of the ice lingam are just limited to a month; the place gets crowded with devotees, making it challenging to get accommodation. So the best thing you can do is book the Amarnath Yatra Package to avoid hassle and easily get your preferred tents or dormitory.
- The weather through the trek is unpredictable, so do carry a raincoat and woolen clothes.
- Wear waterproof trekking shoes as the rain or wet terrains might get into your socks.
- BSNL offers special yatra SIMs for the devotees; the regular SIM card might not work, so do purchase that.
- Do not litter the surroundings, as the pilgrimage site is nestled between the delicate ecology and flora and fauna.
Final Words
So this was the complete information on when to visit Amarnath Yatra and the entire process. Many of the sites have mentioned the possibility of traveling to the site post-official season, but that’s not true.
There’s no way you can travel to the holy cave once the official time period concludes. If you genuinely wish to experience the spiritual energy, it is advisable to always follow the official guidelines and register in advance.
FAQs
Q1. How many days are required to visit Amarnath?
Ans. The entire Amarnath trek takes 4-5 actual days for the trek, depending upon various factors. However, the entire time taken for the Amarnath Yatra is around 10-15 days.
Q2. Is Amarnath Yatra difficult?
Ans. Yes, Amarnath Yatra is considered tougher compared to other treks due to its high altitude and difficult terrain.
Q3. How much budget is sufficient for the Amarnath?
Ans. It extensively depends on the state you are coming from. However, the budget of ₹20,000-₹25,000 would be enough for the entire trip.
Q4. Is Amarnath Yatra safe after considering the terrorist attack?
Ans. After a ghastly terror attack, Amarnath Yatra will be scheduled at the same time without any changes. The security has been stricter, and the Indian Army would be more vigilant.
