The Amarnath Yatra is a sacred journey to the holy Amarnath Cave. It is located in Jammu & Kashmir. Being located at high altitudes, this journey requires proper registration, though. In this article, we’ll talk about the complete Amarnath Yatra Registration 2026 process, fees, eligibility criteria, and documents required. We’ll also touch upon helicopter booking for this special pilgrimage. Read on to know more!
Official Amarnath Yatra Registration Process (Step-by-Step)
You can register for the Yatra either online or offline. Here we discuss both methods:
Online Registration Process
- First of all, visit the official SASB website (Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board). Click on the “Amarnath Yatra Registration 2026” link once it gets activated.
- Select the registration option between Individual Registration and Group Registration.
- You’ll be presented with guidelines and eligibility criteria. Read it carefully.
- A form will appear. Fill up your full name, date of birth, gender, mobile number, email id, and permanent address. Make sure you enter details exactly as they are mentioned in your ID.
- Now, upload documents like a valid photo ID proof, Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), and recent passport-size photograph.
- After this, pick your Yatra Route (Pahalgam Route or Baltal Route) and date of travel.
- Now, it’s time to pay the registration fees. You can use UPI, Debit Card, or Net Banking.
- After the successful payment, a Yatra Registration Confirmation Slip will be generated. Download it and print multiple physical copies.
Offline Registration Process (Bank Branch)
- Visit the authorised bank branch. Normally, registration is done through Punjab National Bank (PNB), State Bank of India (SBI), and J&K Bank.
- Now, collect the registration form. Fill it up with your personal details (matching with your ID), like name, phone number, email address, and physical address.
- Attach to your form a photocopy of valid ID proof (like Aadhaar), original & copy of CHC, and passport-size photographs.
- Also, choose your route (Pahalgam or Baltal route) and travel date.
- Submit the form and pay the registration fees in cash, or some other mode that is acceptable by the bank.
- After the successful completion of your registration, you will receive the Yatra Permit for 2026. Also, collect your registration receipt.
The devotees are provided with different colour permit cards, which are classified on a day basis and on a route basis.
| Day | Pahalgam Route | Baltal Route |
| Monday | Lavender | Lemon Chiffon |
| Tuesday | Pink Lace | Blue |
| Wednesday | Beige | Honeydew |
| Thursday | Peach | Lavender |
| Friday | Lemon Chiffon | Pink Lace |
| Saturday | Blue | Beige |
| Sunday | Honeydew | Peach |
Documents Required for Amarnath Yatra Registration
Here are the essential documents that are required for the registration:
Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC)
This confirms whether the pilgrim is fit enough to undertake this journey. It must be issued by SASB-authorized hospitals/doctors only.
Valid Identity Proof
You can produce any of the following government-approved ID proof:
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport
- Voter ID
- Driving License
- PAN Card
Recent Passport-Size Photographs
Usually, 2-4 coloured photographs of passport size are required. The photos must be taken against a light background.
Eligibility Criteria for Amarnath Yatra Registration
There is a strict eligibility criterion set by the SASB (Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board). This is done keeping in mind the high altitude and low oxygen levels of the journey. All pilgrims must meet the criteria to be allowed to register.
Age Limit
Devotees must be between 13 and 70 years of age to apply for this pilgrimage.
Medical Fitness
Pilgrims must be physically fit and should be free of any serious illness. Submitting a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) from an authorized hospital is a must.
Pregnancy Restriction
Women who are more than 6 weeks pregnant are not allowed to register.
Who Is NOT Eligible?
- People below 13 years or above 70 years.
- Pilgrims with serious medical conditions, such as chronic heart disease, severe asthma or lung disorders, uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, history of major surgery, severe arthritis, etc.
- Pregnant women for over 6 weeks.
- Devotees whose details do not match in the registration application and ID documents.
- Those without a valid CHC.
Amarnath Yatra Registration 2026 – Key Dates and Timeline
Here are the important dates and timelines for this Yatra:
| Event | Expected Timeline |
| Registration Start Date | April 2026 (Expected) |
| Registration Deadline | May 2026 |
| Amarnath Yatra Opening Date | Somewhere between Late May and Early June 2026 |
| Main Yatra Period | June – August 2026 |
| Yatra Closing Date (Shravan End) | August 2026 |
| Last Reporting Date for Pilgrims | 2–3 days before closing |
| Daily Slot Allotments Begin | As soon as registration opens |
| Medical Certificate Validity Window | 15–30 days before the Yatra start (Exact window will be announced with official notification) |
| Helicopter Booking Opens | April–May 2026 |
Amarnath Yatra Registration Fees
The SASB charges only a nominal fee for registration. This amount is utilised in supporting the administrative and management departments.
Here’s the fee breakdown:
| Category | Registration Fee (per person) |
| Indian Pilgrims (Online) | ₹220 |
| Indian Pilgrims (Offline) | ₹150 |
| NRI / Ex-India Pilgrims | Around ₹1550 |
Payment Modes
Registration can be done online or offline. Here are the payment modes acceptable for different ways:
Online Payment
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI Payments
Offline Payment
- Cash Payment
- Bank Slip / Challan
- Debit Card (check if it’s allowed)
After the payment, collect your registration receipt and save it.
Registration for NRI
The registration process for NRIS and resident Indians is the same. However, there are a few things that NRIs have to take special care of, such as:
- NRIs must be Indian citizens and should have a valid Indian passport.
- They must obtain their CHC in India only. Medical certificates issued abroad will not be accepted.
- They can register online only after getting their CHC.
- They must be physically present in India for offline registration. Postal registration or sending their representative for the process is not allowed.
- NRIs should also be present in India for medical tests and RFID card collection.
- Registration fee is more for NRIs as compared to the residents.
Medical Certificate (CHC) – Format, Validity, and Hospitals List
The Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) is a mandatory document that must be produced for the process of Amarnath Yatra Registration. A valid CHC certifies that a pilgrim is physically fit to undertake this journey of high-altitude. This is issued strictly as per the guidelines provided by the SASB.
Why Is CHC Compulsory?
The Amarnath Yatra is located at a very high altitude (12,700 ft). The weather there is harsh and cold. There is also a lack of oxygen. A CHC ensures a pilgrim is not suffering from a serious health condition which can be life-threatening at high altitudes. In simple words, A CHC labels a pilgrim fit for this challenging journey.
Your registration would be rejected if you don’t have a valid CHC.
What Does the Certificate Contain?
The SASB-prescribed format is as follows:
- Pilgrim’s full name (as per ID proof)
- Age and gender
- Address
- Passport-size photograph of pilgrim (attested)
- Results of medical examination including:
- Blood Pressure (BP)
- Oxygen saturation (SpO₂)
- Pulse rate
- General physical assessment
- Declaration of fitness for Amarnath Yatra
- Doctor’s signature and seal
- Hospital stamp
- Date of examination
CHC Validity Period
The CHC is valid only for a short period of time. It’s valid only for 15-30 days before the Yatra date. A certificate that is issued too late or too early is considered invalid.
Each year, SASB announces the validity window with the registration notification.
Who Issues the CHC?
The CHC can only be issued by SASB-authorised hospitals or medical institutions. One obtained from private clinics or family doctors is considered invalid.
Where to Find the Official Hospitals List?
To find the list of authorised hospitals, you need to check the official SASB website. The board publishes the state-wise hospital list at the same time registration notification goes live.
Check the list every year, as it may change.
Amarnath Yatra Routes Available During Registration
There are two routes for the Amarnath Yatra: Pahalgam Route and Baltal Route. They have different suitability for different people. Here’s a comparison between the two:
| Aspect | Pahalgam Route (Traditional Route) | Baltal Route (Short and Steep Route) |
| Starting Point | Pahalgam (Anantnag district) | Baltal (near Sonamarg, Ganderbal district) |
| Total Distance (One Way) | About 36–46 km | About 14 km |
| Duration | 3–5 days | 1–2 days |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate | Difficult |
| Recommended For | · Senior citizens
· First-time pilgrims · Spiritually inclined Yatris |
· Physically fit pilgrims with trekking experience |
| Key Halts | · Pahalgam
· Chandanwari · Pissu Top · Sheshnag · Panchtarni · Holy Amarnath Cave |
· Baltal
· Domel · Sangam · Holy Amarnath Cave |
| Acclimatization | Better acclimatisation due to gradual ascent | Limited acclimatization |
| Scenic Beauty | Very scenic meadows and lakes | Less scenic |
| Trek Nature | Gradual ascent | Very steep ascent and descent |
| Darshan Speed | Slower but comfortable | Faster Darshan but physically demanding |
Helicopter Yatra Registration – Is It Separate?
Yes, helicopter registration is separate from Amarnath Yatra registration. Simply registering alone doesn’t imply helicopter booking. It need to be done separately.
How to Book helicopters?
To book the helicopter service, you must have completed Amarnath Yatra registration. This makes you eligible for the helicopter booking for the Yatra.
Now, booking is done through authorised private aviation companies. Their website link is published on SASB’s website and booking is done at those portals only.
Please keep in mind that SASB does not manage helicopter bookings.
Helicopter Yatra Routes
Helicopters operate on two routes for the Amarnath Yatra:
- Baltal – Panchtarni
- Pahalgam – Panchtarni
From Panchtarni, the holy cave is located about 6 km. You can either walk or take the service of a pony / Palki to get there.
Documents Required for Helicopter Boarding
Pilgrims must produce:
- Valid Amarnath Yatra permit
- RFID card
- Government-issued ID
- Helicopter booking confirmation
Common Mistakes to Avoid during Registration
Here are some common mistakes that the pilgrims make:
- Do not submit an invalid CHC. Do not get the certificate from non-authorised hospitals.
- Do not register if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria.
- Make sure your personal details like name, address, etc. match across CHC, ID proof, and registration form.
- Do not choose the wrong route for yourself. For example, select the Baltal route only if you’re adequately fit and have experience. If you’re a senior citizen or a first-timer, choose the Pahalgam route.
- Do not register late. Latecomers often miss out on their preferred travel date.
- Do not forget to collect your RFID card.
- Do not register through unauthorized agents.
Summary
Amarnath Yatra Registration 2026 is a mandatory procedure and must be done by every pilgrim going for this Yatra. It can be done either online or offline. Devotees also have to satisfy a strict eligibility criteria. Pilgrims also have to obtain a CHC which deems them fit for this high-altitude journey. If you want to book a helicopter, then it must be done separately.
FAQs
Q1. Is Aadhaar mandatory for Amarnath registration?
Ans. No, any valid government-issued photo ID will do for registration. This could be your Voter ID, PAN Card, etc.
Q2. Can senior citizens register?
Ans. Senior citizens above 70 years of age cannot register as they do not meet the eligibility criteria. Elderly devotees between the ages of 60 and 70 years can register, though.
Q3. Is on-the-spot registration allowed?
Ans. No, on-the-spot registration is not allowed. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has made the advance registration mandatory. This is done mainly to ensure pilgrim safety and to have better crowd management.
Q4. Can I change my route after registration?
Ans. No, the route change is strictly not allowed after registration. Once you register, your selected route and Yatra date are final!
Q5. Is medical fitness compulsory?
Ans. Yes, medical fitness is compulsory, since this is a very high-altitude journey. The pilgrims must obtain a CHC which certifies their fitness for this pilgrimage.
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