Amarnath Yatra 2024: Pilgrimage to start from June 29, registration now open

Nestled within the picturesque Ladar Valley, the holy cave of Amarnath is perched at an impressive altitude of 12,756 feet above sea level, a considerable distance of approximately 141 km from the bustling capital of Srinagar. Soon, it will be the time for the annual Amarnath Yatra.

The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has recently disclosed the schedule for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, an annual pilgrimage revered by devotees. According to the announcement, this sacred Amarnath Yatra will span from June 29 to August 19, 2024. For those intending to participate, the early registration begins today. This early registration allows pilgrims to secure their spots for the 52-day-long yatra, ensuring a smooth and organised pilgrimage experience.

Every year, the Amarnath Yatra unfolds amidst stringent security measures and careful monitoring. Pilgrims embark on this sacred journey through two distinct paths: the traditional 48-km-long Nunwan-Pahalgam route in Anantnag district and the shorter but more challenging 14-km-long Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

If reports are to go by, preparations for the safety and convenience of devotees undertaking the pilgrimage are underway. Specifically, personnel from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) are currently undergoing specialised training. This training is designed to equip them with the necessary skills and expertise to become part of the Mountain Rescue Teams (MRTs) operated by the Jammu and Kashmir Police. The objective behind this initiative is to bolster safety measures along the pilgrimage routes, ensuring the well-being of pilgrims amid the challenging mountainous terrain.

Annually, the Amarnath Yatra welcomes a vast multitude of devotees, numbering in the hundreds of thousands, who gather at the site during the ‘Shravani Mela’ held in July and August, corresponding to the auspicious Shravan month in the Hindu calendar. This significant pilgrimage season marks the exclusive period when the Amarnath Cave is accessible. Pilgrims undertake this arduous journey, motivated by their deep faith and reverence, to seek blessings at the sacred site amidst the serene Himalayan surroundings.

Also, the Amarnath Yatra app is now accessible on playstore. The app provides users with up-to-date information regarding the pilgrimage, as well as real-time weather updates and access to various online services.