All about Amarnath Yatra 2025: Sacred trek, routes, risks, and arrangements

The much-awaited Amarnath Yatra 2025 officially began today, drawing thousands of devotees from across India to the revered Amarnath Cave Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir. Nestled at an altitude of nearly 13,000 feet, the journey to this icy abode of Baba Barfani (Lord Shiva) is both physically demanding and spiritually uplifting.

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Devotees can choose between two main routes, Pahalgam and Baltal, each offering a distinct experience. The Pahalgam route, stretching approximately 48 kilometers, takes about 3 to 4 days to complete. Though longer, it is scenic, less steep, and considered spiritually significant. On the other hand, the Baltal route is shorter (14 km) and more direct, taking about 1 to 2 days, but is steeper and riskier, suitable only for young and physically fit pilgrims.

Given recent security concerns, especially after a militant attack in Pahalgam months ago, the government has made massive security arrangements. CRPF personnel, J&K Police, and other forces are on high alert along the yatra path and base camps.

For those unable to register online, offline token centers have been set up since June 30 in locations such as Saraswati Dham and Vaishnavi Dham in Jammu, and over 533 bank branches across India.

Even the mule system used by many pilgrims for transport has been systematized. Horses are given GI tags, medically examined, and insured for up to Rs 1,00,000 in case of death. Each mule is accompanied by a verified assistant, who cannot be replaced after the yatra begins. Government rates have fixed mule transport between Rs 8,000 and Rs 10,000 for two days, inclusive of food and water.

To ensure safety and comfort, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has also provided medical camps, oxygen booths, food stalls, and emergency helplines along the route.