Srinagar, Aug 08: The 57-day-long Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, which commenced on July 3, 2026, from the traditional Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route, will remain suspended from both routes with effect from August 9 in view of ongoing restoration and maintenance works on vulnerable stretches of the pilgrimage tracks and the forecast of adverse weather conditions over the coming days.
The annual pilgrimage has witnessed the participation of more than 4.8 lakh pilgrims so far, who have performed darshan at the holy cave shrine.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg said the decision to temporarily suspend the pilgrimage has been taken keeping in view the safety of pilgrims and the condition of vulnerable stretches of the Yatra tracks following recent rains.
“More than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have performed darshan at the Holy Shrine so far. However, due to the recent rains, a necessity for the repair and maintenance of the Yatra tracks at vulnerable stretches has been felt, which is being undertaken by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO),” Garg said.
He added that adverse weather conditions have also been forecast by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) over the next few days, making the temporary suspension of the pilgrimage necessary.
“Hence, the Yatra shall remain suspended from both routes with effect from 9th August, 2026,” the Divisional Commissioner said.
The suspension will cover both the Chandanwari-Pahalgam route in south Kashmir’s Anantnag district as well as the Baltal route in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. The authorities said the decision has been taken as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims amid challenging weather and track conditions.
The BRO has been undertaking restoration and maintenance works on vulnerable portions of the Yatra tracks following the impact of recent rainfall. The works are aimed at ensuring that the pilgrimage routes remain safe and accessible for pilgrims once conditions permit.
Despite the temporary suspension, the traditional culmination of the annual pilgrimage will take place as scheduled. The Chadi Mubarak, the holy mace associated with the annual pilgrimage, will proceed through the traditional Pahalgam route and mark the culmination of Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026 on August 28.
The administration has repeatedly maintained that the safety and security of pilgrims remains its top priority, particularly in view of the challenging terrain and rapidly changing weather conditions in the higher reaches of south and central Kashmir.
The Divisional Commissioner appealed to pilgrims to strictly follow advisories issued by the competent authorities from time to time and cooperate with the administration.
He urged devotees to avoid attempting to proceed towards the Yatra routes during the period of suspension and to remain updated through official advisories regarding the resumption of the pilgrimage.
The authorities said the temporary suspension is aimed at facilitating necessary track restoration works and ensuring that the pilgrimage can continue in a safe and orderly manner whenever conditions become conducive.
