Amarnath Yatra: Route, Dos & Don’ts, Helicopter Service & More

Know the route, helicopter services, dos & don’ts, helpline number and more about the Amarnath Yatra.

The annual Amarnath Yatra has begun, with thousands embarking on the arduous journey. The path to reach the shrine is risky and one has to endure a lot of physical and mental pain to complete the journey.

Here are some important things that you must keep in mind before beginning the yatra in order to have a safe and comfortable journey without any hindrances.

Amarnath Yatra: Timings

Here are the timings of the Access Control Gate:

However, the timings are subject to change depending on weather conditions.

Amarnath Yatra: Registration

The pilgrims must register about a month before the date is fixed for the commencement of the yatra at the designated registration branches of banks.

Amarnath Yatra: Things to Carry

Remember to carry adequate woollen clothes, a small umbrella, windcheater, raincoat, waterproof trekking shoes, a torch, walking stick, a cap, gloves and other essentials that you might need at high altitudes and extremely unpredictable weather.

You must also carry a water bottle and some energy giving foods like dry fruits, roasted grams/channa, toffees/gur (jaggery), or chocolates for the journey.

Also remember to carry body lotion, Vaseline, sunscreen, etc, to protect your skin in harsh weather conditions. Carrying your identity card and Medical Certificate is a must.

Amarnath Yatra: Route

The Amarnath Yatra starts either from Srinagar or Pahalgam on foot. The trek via Baltal, Domial, Barari and Sangam is considered favorable for returning as it is steeper and difficult to climb. This route is 14 kilometres long and allows people to take a round trip in one-two days.

The route via Pahalgam is the oldest and it takes about three to five days to reach the Holy Cave. It is relatively easier and preferred by most of the devotees. The trek varies in length, ranging from 36 to 48 kilometres.

Amarnath Yatra: Dos and Don’ts

Here’s what you must do:

• Improve your physical fitness before the Amarnath Yatra as well as the oxygen efficiency of your body. You can practice some daily exercises and Yoga.
• Female pilgrims should wear clothes appropriate for trekking. Women more than six months into their pregnancy must not embark on the pilgrimage.
• Keep your spare clothes, eatables in a water proof bag to protect them from getting wet.
• Carry a note in your pocket with the name/addresses/contact number of your co-travellers as well as your Yatra Permit and any other identity cards to enable immediate action in case of any emergency.
• Strictly follow the instructions issued by administration.
• Provide all possible help to your fellow travellers.
• In case any member is missing from your group, inform the police immediately.
• Keep the environment and the surroundings clean and throw waste materials in the nearest dustbins only.

Here’s what you must not do-

• Do not stop at places which are marked by warning notices.
• Avoid wearing any slippery footwear. It is advised to wear trekking shoes only.
• Taking short cuts can be life-threatening thus, you must not attempt any short cuts while on the journey.
• Don’t use plastics as it is banned in the state and using it is punishable under law.

Amarnath Yatra: Helicopter Service

The devotees can also go for Amarnath Yatra via helicopter.

The helicopter services for the yatra on Neelgrath-Panjtarni-Neelgrath sector is being offered by:

• Global Vectra Helicorp Limited
• Himalaya Heli Services Pvt Ltd.

Whereas on Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam Sector, it is being offered by:

• UTair India Pvt Ltd.
• UTair India Pvt Ltd.

The pilgrims can find details about the Amarnath Yatra helicopter services on the official website. It is important to note that the pilgrims who book the helicopter services for the Amarnath Yatra must take the printout of the ticket with the QR code.

These tickets, with the QR code, will be verified by the security agencies by scanning. Tickets without a QR Code will not be considered valid.

Amarnath Yatra: Helpline Number

The helpline number for the 24x7 Amarnath Yatra Control Room is 14464. This number will be function round the clock from 29 June onwards on all days till the yatra is concluded.