Amarnath Yatra 2025 To Commence On July 3

New Delhi: The sacred Amarnath Yatra, the annual pilgrimage to the holy cave shrine of Baba Barfani, will begin on July 3, 2025, and conclude on August 9, 2025, coinciding with the festival of Raksha Bandhan . This year, the pilgrimage will last for 38 days, two days shorter than the 40-day duration of the previous Yatra, a decision made during a key meeting held at Raj Bhawan today.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha chaired the 48th Board meeting of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan, where the official announcement was made. The Lieutenant Governor confirmed that the Yatra would commence simultaneously from both the Pahalgam track in Anantnag district and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district.

“This year, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra will commence on 3rd July and culminate on 9th August, 2025, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan,” said Sinha, addressing the gathered members of the Shrine Board.

The meeting was attended by senior officials including Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Shri D. C. Raina, Smt. Kailash Mehra Sadhu, Shri K. N. Rai, Shri Pitambar Lal Gupta, Dr. Shailesh Raina, and Prof Vishwamurti Shastri. The board discussed several measures to enhance facilities and services for the increasing number of devotees expected to participate in the pilgrimage this year.

Given the anticipated surge in pilgrims, the board deliberated on strategies to expand lodging capacities at key locations including Jammu, Srinagar, and other points along the Yatra route. The operationalization of Yatri facilitation centres for e-KYC, the issuance of RFID cards, and on-the-spot registration at various stations, including Nowgam and Katra Railway Stations, were also discussed. These facilities will be further upgraded at locations such as Baltal, Pahalgam, Nunwan, and Pantha Chowk in Srinagar, to ensure the smooth flow of the pilgrimage.

The meeting also focused on improving various logistical aspects, including widening and maintaining Yatra tracks, enhancing medical care facilities, and ensuring adequate weather forecasting infrastructure. Other key measures under consideration include increasing the capacity at Yatri Niwas in Pantha Chowk, Srinagar, expanding heli services, improving disaster preparedness, and strengthening security and surveillance along the route.

In addition, the Board discussed the extension of online services by the Shrine Board, insurance coverage for Yatris, ponies, and service providers, and measures to decongest the Holy Cave and Lower Holy Cave area.

On the occasion, Lieutenant Governor Sinha expressed gratitude to the members of the Board for their continuous guidance and contributions, which play a crucial role in the successful conduct of the Yatra every year. He also emphasized the need for all departments involved to ensure that all arrangements and amenities are in place for the pilgrims.

Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, CEO of the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, presented a detailed overview of the preparations, while senior officials such as Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shri Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary, Jal Shakti Department; and Shri Nalin Prabhat, DGP, also attended the meeting, both in person and virtually.

Source : https://www.republicworld.com/india/breaking-amarnath-yatra-2025-schedule-to-commence-on-july-3