New Delhi: Preparations for the annual Amarnath Yatra have gained momentum, with advance registration set to begin from April 15 at 554 designated bank branches across the country.
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has issued detailed guidelines outlining the registration process, which will follow a first-come, first-served system, subject to a fixed daily quota for each route.
Officials said only individuals between 13 and 70 years of age will be eligible to register. Additionally, women who are more than six weeks pregnant will not be permitted to undertake the pilgrimage, even if they possess the required medical certificate.
For the 2026 edition, the process will be digitised with Aadhaar-based biometric eKYC authentication. Permits will be generated online through the Shrine Board’s official portal. In case of technical issues, a backup system involving manual data entry and webcam-based photo capture has also been arranged.
Pilgrims must submit a valid Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), issued on or after April 8, 2026, by an authorised doctor or medical institution, along with a registration fee of Rs 150. Authorities have also released a list of approved medical professionals and institutions across states and union territories for issuing the certificate.
Bank branches will verify the authenticity of the CHC before issuing the yatra permit, which will clearly mention the selected route—either Baltal or Pahalgam—and the specific date of travel. The permit will also indicate the designated entry points at Domel or Chandanwari.
Registration for a particular travel date will close seven days in advance. Banks have been instructed to set up help desks, train staff, and run awareness campaigns to ensure a smooth process for pilgrims.
The Shrine Board has urged applicants to provide accurate Aadhaar and contact details and adhere strictly to the guidelines to avoid any inconvenience during the pilgrimage.
