Authorities announced on Saturday the suspension of the Shri Amarnathji Yatra starting from July 19 due to unfavorable weather conditions. The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, stated that both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes will be temporarily closed as a precautionary measure to safeguard the pilgrims’ safety. No pilgrims will be allowed to proceed from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps until further notice, with updates on the Yatra’s resumption to follow after assessing the weather and route safety.
Over 3.7 lakh pilgrims have already visited the Holy Cave Shrine during this year’s SANJY-2026 Yatra, which began on July 3 and will end on August 28. Pilgrims can reach the shrine, located at 3,880 meters above sea level, via the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route. Those using the Baltal route typically return to the base camp on the same day after Darshan inside the cave shrine.
The Holy Cave Shrine houses an ice stalagmite that grows and shrinks with the moon’s phases, believed by devotees to represent Lord Shiva’s mystical powers. Due to security concerns, the area beyond the Baltal and Nunwan base camps has been designated a ‘No-fly zone,’ resulting in no helicopter services available for Yatris this year.
