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The 52-day annual Amarnath Yatra is set to begin on June 29, with the Pahalgam-Chandanwari and Baltal tracks being repaired and widened at a rapid pace.

 

According to official sources, snow clearance on the Baltal track is nearly complete, with only two patches at Mahagunas Top and Poshpathri on the Nunwan-Chandanwari track still in progress. These areas are expected to be cleared within days.

 

Base camps at Baltal and Nunwan have been established, and two 100-bed hospitals—one at each location—will be operational within three to four days. 

 

Managed by the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) and operated by the J&K Health Services Department, these facilities aim to support the pilgrims’ medical needs.

 

The tracks have been improved and widened to 12 feet in compliance with Supreme Court directives from 2012. Sanitation, water supply and electricity facilities are managed by the J&K Government. 

 

Helicopter services are also in service, with direct flights available from Srinagar to Pahalgam and Srinagar to Neelgrath on the Baltal track. 

 

Following the 2022 disaster near the holy cave, when a cloudburst led to flooding and deaths of around 17 people, SASB has decided not to set up  camps in disaster-prone areas for the safety of pilgrims. Protection walls have been built along the Nallah to prevent mishaps.

 

Approximately 10 Ghats have been built near the holy cave for ritual baths before darshan. The railing has been installed along a 14-kilometre stretch of the tracks for added safety. Additionally, two dozen bridges have been established on both tracks.

 

Accommodation has been arranged for pilgrims travelling via the Baltal track at the three-storey Yatri Niwas at Pantha Chowk in Srinagar. 

 

Though still under construction, the completed sections will be utilised, along with two langars (feeding facilities) for pilgrims.

 

At the holy cave, medical facilities, security, water, and power supply will be ready in a few days. Langars are being set up along both tracks. Radio Frequency Identity chips remain mandatory for all pilgrims.

 

Sadhus embarking on the pilgrimage have begun arriving at Purani Mandi Temple, where they receive free boarding, lodging, and meals.

 

The Amarnath Yatra, to the holy cave at a height of 3,880 metres in Anantnag district, will culminate on August 19, coinciding with Rakshabandhan. Online registration began on April 15.