Amarnath Yatra Suspended Indefinitely After Severe Weather Damages Pilgrimage Routes

Officials have suspended the Amarnath Yatra indefinitely after severe weather affected the tracks used by devotees to reach the sacred cave.

The North Kashmir route from Baltal and the South Kashmir track from Pahalgam have both sustained damage, making pilgrim movement unsafe.

Authorities said restoration work could take considerable time and therefore decided to stop SANJY-2026 to protect devotees.

Authorities have instructed pilgrims staying at the base camps and Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu to return home.

The administration has also closed registration for this year’s pilgrimage and will not allow additional devotees to travel to the Kashmir Valley.

The traditional Chhari Mubarak, regarded as Lord Shiva’s sacred mace, will continue its customary journey through Pahalgam and reach the cave shrine on August 28, when authorities will formally conclude the pilgrimage.

Authorities said they will permit only those convoys that transport pilgrims from the Valley back towards their destinations.

SANJY-2026 commenced on July 3 and was scheduled to run for 57 days. More than 4.80 lakh devotees have already visited the cave shrine and offered prayers during this year’s pilgrimage.

The holy cave stands at approximately 3,880 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas.

Inside, devotees worship a naturally formed ice stalagmite, which traditionally grows and shrinks according to the lunar cycle and symbolises Lord Shiva’s divine presence.

The Meteorological Department has issued a forecast for heavy to very heavy rainfall in Jammu and Kashmir over the next two days.

Given the mountainous terrain and extreme altitude around the shrine, officials expect further rain to create additional challenges along the two routes and near the cave complex.

Jammu and Kashmir Police, Central Armed Police Forces and the Army maintained continuous security coverage throughout the Yatra.