Jammu, Mar 05: The 38-day annual Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3, 2025, from both the Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, and will conclude on August 9, 2025, coinciding with the occasion of Raksha Bandhan, .
The decision regarding the Yatra’s duration and commencement date was finalised during the 48th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), chaired by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan on Wednesday.
The meeting focused on preparations for Yatra-2025, including discussions on expanding lodging capacities in Jammu, Srinagar, and key locations along the route. The Board also deliberated on establishing Yatri Facilitation Centres for e-KYC registration, RFID card issuance, and on-the-spot pilgrim registration at major points, including Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations.
Further infrastructure upgrades will be implemented at Yatra hubs in Baltal, Pahalgam, Nunwan, and Pantha Chowk in Srinagar to ensure smooth operations and accommodate the anticipated increase in pilgrims.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha reviewed the progress of ongoing projects, highlighting the importance of providing adequate amenities for pilgrims. He specifically called for expanding the capacity at Yatri Niwas, Pantha Chowk, to meet the growing demand.
Discussions also covered improving services such as insurance coverage for yatris, service providers, and ponies, expanding the Shrine Board’s online services, and enhancing track maintenance. Other key topics included disaster preparedness, heli services, medical facilities, weather forecasting, security, and surveillance to ensure a safe Yatra experience.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed appreciation to the Board Members for their invaluable contributions in ensuring the success of the Yatra over the years.
In 2024, the Amarnath Yatra lasted for 52 days, with a record number of 5.12 lakh pilgrims visiting the cave shrine, the highest in the past 12 years.
Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, presented a comprehensive report on the Yatra arrangements, highlighting all proposed initiatives for 2025.
The meeting was attended by senior officials, including Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home; Divisional Commissioners from Jammu and Kashmir; Deputy Commissioners of Ganderbal and Anantnag; Additional CEO of SASB, and other senior officials from the UT Administration and Shrine Board, both in person and virtually.
