Amarnath Yatra 2026: Kapat Opens July 3, Over 3.5 Lakh Devotees Ready For The Pilgrimage

For millions of Shiva devotees across India, the wait is almost over. The gates of the Amarnath cave shrine, located in the South Kashmir Himalayas at an altitude of 3,888 metres, will open on July 3, 2026. This is to happen on the auspicious occasion of Skanda Sashti. The holy Amarnath Baba Barfani darshan will remain available to pilgrims until August 28, coinciding with the twin celebrations of Raksha Bandhan and Shravan Purnima.

The 57-day yatra will begin simultaneously from both the traditional Nunwan-Pahalgam route and the shorter Baltal route, giving pilgrims the flexibility to choose a path that suits their physical ability and schedule.

3.5 Lakh Pilgrims Have Already Signed Up

The devotion of yatris this year is evident in the numbers. Since registration opened on April 15, over 3.5 lakh pilgrims have already enrolled for the pilgrimage through designated branches of Jammu & Kashmir Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, and Yes Bank across the country. Officials believe the final tally could comfortably cross the 5 lakh mark, reflecting the growing faith and confidence of pilgrims in the yatra's management and safety.

The Government Wants You to Feel Safe Every Step of the Way

Responding to the surge in devotees, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has sanctioned the deployment of 670 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), the largest-ever security cover in the yatra's history. Last year, 580 companies were deployed; this year's figure reflects the government's commitment to ensuring that every pilgrim completes the journey safely and peacefully.

From the moment a yatri crosses Lakhanpur, the entry point into Jammu & Kashmir, to the moment they receive darshan at the holy cave, security personnel will be present at every step. Both the Pahalgam and Baltal trekking routes, the base camps at Nunwan and Baltal, Yatri Niwas in Jammu, and the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway will all be under continuous watch.

Travelling by Train? You're Covered Too

For the growing number of pilgrims choosing to travel via the Jammu-Srinagar railway corridor on Vande Bharat Express trains, the government has also strengthened security along the rail route. Key stations and stretches passing through Udhampur, Katra, Reasi, Banihal, and Qazigund will remain under heightened vigil throughout the yatra period, ensuring a safe and smooth onward journey for rail travellers.

Additional paramilitary personnel are expected to begin arriving in Jammu & Kashmir in the first week of June, with full deployment in place by June 25, well ahead of the kapat opening.

A Pilgrimage of Faith, Backed by The Nation

Authorities have assured that all security arrangements have been carefully planned so as not to disrupt the spiritual atmosphere of the yatra. Road Opening Parties, area domination patrols, and regular surveillance will operate in the background, quietly ensuring that devotees can focus on what they came for: the divine darshan of the naturally formed ice Shivling, and the blessings of Baba Barfani.

For pilgrims yet to register, time is running out; registrations are expected to close seven days before the yatra begins. Visit the official SASB portal or your nearest designated bank branch to secure your slot.