The Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 shook the confidence of the tourists, resulting in huge cancellations of bookings, but the upcoming Amarnath Yatra 2025 is seeing a strong response from devotees. According to reports, so far, over 3.31 lakh pilgrims have registered for the yatra, showing that their faith remains unshaken.
Pahalgam, which serves as a base camp for the 45-kilometre trek to the Amarnath cave, continues to play a vital role in the pilgrimage. At the cave shrine, pilgrims seek darshan (holy viewing) of the naturally formed ice stalagmite, believed by devotees to represent the symbol of Lord Shiva.
Glimpses from the 'Pratham Puja' performed at the Holy Cave Shrine of Shri Amarnath Ji. pic.twitter.com/7Di9DgXywU
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) June 11, 2025
The Amarnath Yatra will begin on July 3 and end on August 9, the day of Raksha Bandhan. This year’s pilgrimage will last 38 days, shorter than last year’s 52 days.
The shorter duration has been decided based on auspicious religious dates, and not because of security concerns.
The journey will take place along the traditional Pahalgam and Baltal routes. According to the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), registrations began on April 14, and it is expected that up to 5 lakh pilgrims could take part this year.
Pilgrims can register either online or at over 540 designated bank branches across India.
Although the Pahalgam attack mainly targeted tourists and not pilgrims, authorities have increased security measures for the yatra.
Top police and paramilitary officials have held planning meetings, and about 581 companies of security forces will be deployed along the pilgrimage routes.
Special teams will be on duty to scan for threats, and all Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) will be strictly followed.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who also heads the SASB, recently visited the Amarnath cave on Wednesday via the Baltal route to personally review the safety arrangements.
He said that significant improvements have been made to ensure a safe and smooth yatra. Key safety measures include safety railings installed at risky points on the Pahalgam route, stone protection walls, fencing, and wire mesh added in areas prone to landslides.
There is improved surfacing on slippery stretches using granular sub-base material, with ILCB tiles laid on difficult paths on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. A new alternate footpath from Chandanwari to Pissutop is now equipped with safety features for walking pilgrims.
