Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board
Statutory board · Jammu and Srinagar (offices; approx.)
The Board manages the annual summer yatra to the Amarnath cave (about 3,888 m) in the Lidder–Sindh valleys, where an ice lingam forms each year. It was created by the 2000 Act, which ended the older purohits' and Chadawa-holders' rights. It handles pilgrim registration, health-certificate rules, camps, langar coordination and services on the two trekking routes, working with the J&K government and security forces. The 2026 yatra ran from 3 July to 28 August.
How it is run
The Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir is ex officio Chairman (substituted for 'Governor' in 2020) of a board of up to ten members; a Chief Executive Officer runs the yatra administration.
Tips for pilgrims
- Registration opens in spring (15 April in 2026) and needs a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) from a doctor or hospital on the Board's authorised list.
- Under-13s, over-70s and women more than six weeks pregnant are not registered.
- You cannot pass the Domail (Baltal) or Chandanwari (Pahalgam) access gates without a valid RFID card, so collect it at a designated centre before the trek.
- Routes: Baltal (about 14 km, steep, 1–2 days) or Pahalgam via Chandanwari (about 36–48 km, gentler, 3–5 days).
Temples it runs
- Shri Amarnathji Holy Cave – Amarnath mountain, Pahalgam tehsil, Anantnag district