Exact dates are notified each year by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), typically in May. The window is about 45 days from late June (Skandshasthi) to Raksha Bandhan (mid-August). Registration opens roughly 30 days before the start, online at registration.jksasb.com and at designated offline counters in Jammu, Srinagar, Katra, Delhi and Chandigarh.
Every yatri must submit a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) from an SASB-empanelled doctor. This isn't bureaucracy- it's safety. The cave is at 3,888 m, the trek is physically demanding, and people with uncontrolled cardiac or respiratory conditions are genuinely at risk. Get the CHC done properly.
Helicopter vs trek
This is the first real decision and it depends on fitness, age, and time.
Helicopter is recommended for: seniors, anyone with knee or cardiac concerns, first-timers, and time-bound pilgrims. The heli cuts the one-way trek from 14-36 km to a ~3 km walk (Panchtarni to the cave). Two sectors operate: Baltal to Panchtarni to Baltal (~7 min each way, shortest) and Neelgrath (Pahalgam) to Panchtarni to Neelgrath (~8 min each way).
Trek is preferred for: able-bodied pilgrims who want the spiritual and physical experience, and those comfortable with multi-night tented halts. Many families combine the two - trek up one side, helicopter down the other.
Helicopter tickets are sold ONLY via the IRCTC/SASB portal and are non-transferable. Sairgah never resells heli tickets - we handle your road transfer to the helipad and back.
The two approach routes
Baltal route (Sonmarg side): ~14 km one way, often done same-day. Steeper but shorter. Preferred if combining with helicopter (Baltal is the shorter heli sector).
Pahalgam route (traditional): ~36-46 km one way via Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Sheshnag, Mahagunas Pass, Panchtarni. The spiritual and scenic route, usually split over 3-4 nights with langar and tented halts.
Weather and what to pack
Even at the peak of summer, cave temperatures are 2-10°C in the day, sub-zero at night and early morning. Base camps are 10-20°C daytime. The monsoon overlaps the yatra, so expect rain. Pack:
Heavy woollens and a windcheater (this is non-negotiable - pilgrims underestimate the cold every year)
Thermal innerwear
Waterproof trekking shoes (the trail gets slushy)
Walking stick, gloves, monkey cap
Rain poncho
Personal medicines and a basic first-aid kit
Do's and don'ts
Do: acclimatise for a day at base camp before climbing. Stay hydrated. Walk at a steady pace, rest at the langar stalls. Keep physical photocopies of ID and registration slip (networks are patchy at altitude).
Don't: attempt the trek with uncontrolled cardiac or respiratory conditions without a doctor's clearance. Discard plastic on the trail - the yatra is a zero-plastic zone. Book helicopter tickets from anyone other than SASB/IRCTC (they're non-transferable; anyone else selling is a scam).
Getting there with Sairgah
We run outstation cabs from Delhi, Chandigarh, Jammu and Srinagar to both Baltal and Pahalgam base camps. KYC-verified drivers, GPS tracking, base-camp support, backup vehicle coordination during the season, and a 24/7 Yatra-season phone line. Packages start from ₹13,999 (Jammu to Baltal) to ₹38,999 (Delhi to Baltal, 5-day). See the full Amarnath packages page for fare breakdowns and booking.
The CHC and empanelled doctors
The CHC must be from an SASB-empanelled doctor. The list is published each year on the SASB portal along with the registration form. Sairgah shares the current year's CHC form and empanelled-doctor list with every confirmed booking - but the registration and CHC themselves remain the pilgrim's responsibility. Start this process early; empanelled doctors get booked out as the yatra approaches.
Frequently asked questions
When exactly does the yatra run?
Roughly 45 days from late June until Raksha Bandhan (mid-August). SASB confirms the exact dates each May.
Can Sairgah book my helicopter ticket?
No. Heli tickets are non-transferable and sold only by SASB/IRCTC. We handle your road transfer to the helipad and your base-camp logistics.
Is the trek safe for someone with mild hypertension?
Only your doctor can answer that - get the CHC done properly. Many people with well-managed conditions do the yatra, but altitude affects everyone differently. Honest medical clearance is essential.
