Amarnath Yatra 2026 Guide: Dates, Registration, Route
Amarnath Yatra 2026 is the annual Hindu pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave in Jammu & Kashmir, where a naturally forming ice lingam is worshipped as Lord Shiva. The 2026 yatra runs from July 3 to August 28, covering both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, with mandatory registration, a health certificate, and an RFID card.
Introduction
If you've ever watched a family member come back from the Amarnath Yatra and struggle to put the experience into words, you already know this trip is different from a regular holiday. It's part trek, part endurance test, part deeply personal act of faith — and it rewards people who prepare properly far more than it rewards people who wing it.
This guide is built for exactly that kind of preparation. Whether you're a first-time pilgrim trying to understand the registration maze, a son or daughter planning this trip for aging parents, or someone abroad trying to time a visit home around the yatra dates — everything you need for Amarnath Yatra 2026 is laid out here in the order you'll actually need it: dates, registration, routes, helicopter options, weather, packing, safety, budget, and a full FAQ section.
One important note before you go further: the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) updates fees, slot numbers, and specific guidelines every year, sometimes with short notice. Treat every number in this guide as accurate at the time of writing, but always cross-check against the official SASB notification (jksasb.nic.in) before you finalize bookings.
History and Religious Significance of the Amarnath Cave
The Amarnath Cave sits at roughly 3,888 metres (12,756 feet) in the Himalayas of Anantnag district, Jammu & Kashmir, about 141 km from Srinagar. Inside, an ice stalagmite forms naturally each year, waxing and waning with the lunar cycle, and is worshipped by devotees as the Swayambhu (self-manifested) form of Lord Shiva. Two smaller ice formations beside it are traditionally regarded as representing Mata Parvati and Lord Ganesha.
According to Hindu legend, this cave is where Lord Shiva narrated the secret of immortality — Amar Katha — to Goddess Parvati, believing it to be a secluded spot far from any living being. As the story goes, a pair of pigeons overheard the tale and, having absorbed the secret, became immortal themselves. Pilgrims often report spotting pairs of pigeons even today near the cave, which many take as a living continuation of the legend.
The cave's more recent discovery is credited to a Muslim shepherd, Buta Malik, who is said to have found the cave while grazing his herd and shared the discovery with local villagers — a story that has, over generations, become part of the composite Kashmiri heritage tied to the yatra, alongside its Hindu religious core.
For devotees, the yatra isn't only about reaching the ice lingam. It's about the walk itself — through pine forests, glacial valleys, and high-altitude passes — that many describe as a form of penance and devotion in motion. The pilgrimage typically runs through the Hindu month of Shravan, and its concluding day usually coincides with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan, when the Chhari Mubarak (the ceremonial mace of Lord Shiva) is carried to the cave in a traditional procession led by the Mahant of the Dashnami Akhara.
Amarnath Yatra 2026 Dates and Registration Process
When Does Amarnath Yatra 2026 Start and End?
The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board has confirmed that Amarnath Yatra 2026 runs from July 3 to August 28, 2026 — a 57-day pilgrimage window. The yatra concludes on Raksha Bandhan, when the Chhari Mubarak reaches the holy cave. This is longer than some earlier informal estimates circulating online, so if you've seen a shorter window quoted elsewhere, go with the SASB-confirmed 57-day schedule.
Registration Timeline
Advance registration for Amarnath Yatra 2026 opened in mid-April 2026 and has continued in phases through the yatra season. As of early July 2026, a further round of advance registration is open from July 3 to August 12, 2026, with registration for dates beyond August 12 to be released closer to those dates. This phased system means you don't need to register months in advance for every slot — but popular dates, especially weekends and the days around Shravan Purnima, fill up fast.
Step-by-Step Online Registration Process
- Visit the official SASB website (jksasb.nic.in) or download the official SASB mobile app.
- Create an account using your mobile number and email address.
- Fill in the online registration form with your name, age, address, and route preference (Baltal or Pahalgam).
- Upload your Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC), a valid photo ID (Aadhaar or passport), and a recent passport-size photograph.
- Choose your preferred travel date, keeping in mind the daily pilgrim cap on each route.
- Pay the registration fee online (₹150 per pilgrim as of the current notification).
- Download and print your Yatra Permit — this is your official travel pass and must be carried at all times.
Offline Registration Through Bank Branches
If you'd rather register in person, the Shrine Board has designated branches of Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, J&K Bank, and Yes Bank across India for this purpose. Walk in with your CHC, Aadhaar or another photo ID, and passport-size photographs; bank staff verify your documents and issue a system-generated Yatra Permit on the spot. Because forms and daily slots are limited at each branch, it helps to go early in the day.
Documents You'll Need — Registration Checklist
| Document | Details | Mandatory? |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) | Issued by an SASB-authorised doctor/hospital, dated on or after the current year's cut-off (check the latest notification) | Yes |
| Photo ID | Aadhaar Card, Passport, or Voter ID | Yes |
| Passport-size photographs | 3–4 recent copies | Yes |
| Registration fee | ₹150 per pilgrim (subject to revision) | Yes |
| RFID Card | Collected in person after registration, before starting the trek | Yes |
| Aadhaar (for RFID collection) | Carry original for verification at collection centres in Jammu/Srinagar | Yes |
The Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC)
The CHC is non-negotiable — no yatri is permitted onto either route without one. It must be issued by a doctor or hospital on the state-wise list of SASB-authorised medical practitioners, and it must include your photograph, attested and signed by the authorised doctor. Certificates from unlisted doctors, or ones issued before the official cut-off date announced each year, are rejected at registration counters. Given how strict this check has become, it's worth getting your CHC done at least a few weeks before you plan to register, not the night before.
The RFID Card
The RFID card is separate from your Yatra Permit and just as mandatory. After your registration is processed, you must physically collect this card from designated centres in the Jammu or Srinagar division before you begin your trek — carry your Aadhaar details for this step. You're required to wear the RFID tag around your neck at all times during the yatra; it's used for tracking pilgrim movement and plays a critical role in emergency response if something goes wrong on the route.
Eligibility and Age Limits
Pilgrims generally need to be between 13 and 70 years old and hold a valid CHC confirming fitness for high-altitude trekking. Women who are more than six weeks pregnant are not permitted on the yatra, regardless of overall fitness. These limits exist because the terrain, altitude, and weather genuinely do not forgive poor planning — treat them as safety rules, not bureaucracy.
Amarnath Yatra Route: Baltal vs Pahalgam
There are two traditional ways to reach the Amarnath Cave on foot, plus the option of flying partway by helicopter (covered in the next section). Choosing the right route matters more than most first-timers expect.
Baltal Route
The Baltal route is the shorter, steeper option — about 14 km one way from Baltal base camp to the holy cave. It's a single-day, steep ascent-and-descent trek that many fit pilgrims complete in one day without overnight camps, though slower walkers do break the journey with a night at Domail or a rest stop closer to the cave. Baltal is reached via Sonamarg, roughly a 100 km drive from Srinagar.
Because it's steep and compressed into a shorter distance, Baltal demands more physical exertion per kilometre than Pahalgam. It suits fit, younger pilgrims who want to complete darshan quickly, and it's also the route most commonly paired with helicopter travel because of its proximity to the Neelgrath helipad.
Pahalgam Route
The Pahalgam route is the traditional, longer path — around 46 km one way, typically covered over 3 to 5 days via Chandanwari, Pissu Top, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni before reaching the cave. It's gentler in gradient per stretch, has more established camping infrastructure along the way, and gives pilgrims more time to acclimatise gradually to altitude — which matters a great deal for older travelers or anyone with underlying health concerns.
Pahalgam is reached from Srinagar via a scenic drive of about 96 km, and the town itself is a well-developed base with hotels, market access, and easy transport connections.
Route Comparison Table
| Factor | Baltal Route | Pahalgam Route |
|---|---|---|
| Distance to cave | ~14 km one way | ~46 km one way |
| Typical duration | 1–2 days | 3–5 days |
| Difficulty | Steep, physically demanding | Longer but gentler gradient |
| Best suited for | Fit pilgrims, time-constrained travelers | Families, seniors, first-timers wanting gradual acclimatisation |
| Base camp town | Sonamarg | Pahalgam |
| Helicopter access | Yes (Neelgrath helipad) | Yes (Pahalgam helipad) |
| Camping infrastructure | Limited, basic | More developed, multiple stops |
| Acclimatisation time | Minimal | Better, spread across days |
If this is your first yatra, or you're travelling with parents or young family members, Pahalgam's gradual ascent is usually the safer bet even though it takes longer. If you're experienced with high-altitude treks and want to be efficient with time, Baltal gets the job done faster.
Amarnath Helicopter Booking 2026
For pilgrims who can't manage the full trek — due to age, health, or simply time constraints — helicopter service between the base camps and Panchtarni is the most practical option. It's important to understand what it does and doesn't cover before you book.
What the Helicopter Covers (and What It Doesn't)
No helicopter flies directly to the Amarnath Cave. Services land at Panchtarni, and from there, every pilgrim — helicopter or not — must cover the final roughly 6 km to the cave on foot, or by hiring a pony or palki at Panchtarni.
- Baltal (Neelgrath) to Panchtarni: a short flight of around 8 minutes.
- Pahalgam to Panchtarni: a longer, more scenic flight of around 20–30 minutes.
Amarnath Helicopter Fares 2026
| Route | One-Way Fare | Round Trip Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Baltal (Neelgrath) – Panchtarni | ₹3,250 per person | ₹6,500 per person |
| Pahalgam – Panchtarni | ₹4,900 per person | ₹9,800 per person |
These fares are fixed by the Shrine Board, meaning no operator should charge you above the notified rate. Since fares are revised periodically, confirm the current rate on the official SASB portal before booking.
How to Book Amarnath Helicopter Tickets
- Complete your SASB registration and obtain your CHC — this is required before helicopter booking, not instead of it.
- Visit the official SASB website or its authorised booking partner and go to the helicopter booking section.
- Select your route (Baltal or Pahalgam), your preferred date, and the number of passengers.
- Upload your ID proof and registration details.
- Pay online and download your ticket — keep both a digital and printed copy.
Practical Tips for Helicopter Travel
- Helicopter tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable, including for weather-related cancellations, so build a buffer day or two into your itinerary in case of delays.
- Slots fill up quickly once bookings open, particularly for weekend dates and the days closest to Shravan Purnima.
- You still need to be within the eligible age range and hold a valid CHC — the helicopter doesn't waive medical fitness requirements.
- Carry snacks, water, and warm layers even for a same-day helicopter darshan, since weather at Panchtarni can turn quickly.
Amarnath Weather and Best Time to Visit
Kashmir's high-altitude weather during the yatra season is genuinely unpredictable — this isn't a formality warning, it's the single biggest factor in trip planning after registration itself.
Month-Wise Weather Table
| Month | Day Temperature | Night Temperature | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early July | 10–18°C | 2–8°C | Start of yatra, moderate rain likely, trails can be slushy |
| Mid–Late July | 8–16°C | 0–5°C | Monsoon showers common, occasional landslide risk on roads |
| Early August | 8–15°C | -1 to 4°C | Peak pilgrim season around Shravan, weather can shift fast |
| Late August | 5–12°C | -3 to 2°C | Cooler, occasional early snow at higher points near the cave |
Rainfall is heaviest in July due to the monsoon reaching the lower approach routes, while temperatures near the cave itself can drop below 5°C at any point in the season, regardless of the calendar date. Snow is possible at altitude even during the height of summer down in the plains.
Best Time to Visit Based on Weather, Crowds, and Safety
Early July, right after the yatra opens, tends to have fewer crowds but a higher chance of monsoon disruption on approach roads. The period around Shravan Purnima in mid-to-late August sees the heaviest footfall — spiritually significant, but also the most crowded and weather-sensitive stretch. For families and first-timers who want a balance of manageable weather and moderate crowds, the last week of July through the first week of August is often the sweet spot, though this varies year to year and should be weighed against your own risk tolerance for rain and cold.
Packing List for Amarnath Yatra
Complete Packing Checklist
| Category | Items |
|---|---|
| Clothing | Woollen thermals, fleece jacket, windproof/waterproof jacket, extra pair of socks, gloves, woollen cap |
| Footwear | Sturdy trekking shoes with good grip and laces (no slippers or sandals) |
| Rain gear | Poncho or raincoat, umbrella, waterproof bag/cover for your backpack |
| Medicines | Personal prescription medicines, altitude sickness medication (as advised by your doctor), pain relief, ORS sachets, basic first-aid |
| Documents | Original + photocopies of Yatra Permit, CHC, photo ID, RFID card details |
| Essentials | Torch/flashlight, power bank, water bottle, energy bars/dry fruits, sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm |
| Trekking aids | Walking stick/trekking pole, knee support if needed |
A few notes worth calling out: waterproof shoes with proper ankle support matter more here than almost any other single item — the terrain has steep rises, loose scree, and sudden wet patches, and slippers are explicitly barred by the Shrine Board for safety reasons. Keep your important documents in a sealed plastic pouch inside your bag; Kashmir's mountain weather can turn from clear skies to rain within the hour.
Safety and Health Preparation
General Safety Tips
Stick strictly to the marked route and travel in a group, keeping porters or fellow pilgrims within sight at all times. Never attempt shortcuts — several stretches have steep drops that are genuinely dangerous off the designated path. Avoid alcohol, caffeinated drinks, and smoking throughout the yatra, since all three worsen the effects of altitude and dehydration.
Physical Preparation Before the Yatra
Start preparing at least a month in advance with daily walks of 4–5 km, along with basic breathing exercises or pranayama to improve your body's oxygen efficiency. This single habit makes a bigger difference to how you feel on day one of the trek than almost anything you can do in the final week before departure.
Altitude Sickness: Symptoms and Prevention
Watch for headache, nausea, breathlessness, dizziness, or unusual fatigue — these are early signs of high-altitude illness and should never be brushed off as "just tiredness." If symptoms appear, stop ascending immediately, rest, and descend to a lower point if they don't improve. Medical facilities are stationed at intervals of roughly every 2 km along both routes specifically for this reason, so don't hesitate to walk into one.
Drink around 4–5 litres of fluids a day to combat dehydration and altitude-related headaches, and eat enough carbohydrates to avoid fatigue and blood sugar crashes. If you're travelling with someone who develops symptoms, don't simply take their word that they're fine — impaired judgment is itself a symptom of altitude sickness.
Emergency Contacts Table
| Service | Contact / Location |
|---|---|
| SASB Control Room | Available at jksasb.nic.in and posted at base camps |
| Medical camps | Stationed approximately every 2 km along both routes |
| J&K Police Helpline | Displayed at registration counters and base camps |
| Nearest hospitals | Sonamarg (Baltal side), Pahalgam town (Pahalgam side) |
Always note down the exact helpline numbers and control room contacts displayed at your specific base camp when you arrive, since these can be updated for the season — treat this table as a starting reference, not the final word.
Accommodation and Food Along the Route
Near Baltal and Pahalgam base camps, you'll find a mix of budget guesthouses, mid-range hotels, and pre-fabricated tent accommodation set up specifically for the yatra season at Baltal, Nunwan, Sheshnag, and Panchtarni. These tents are basic but functional, and booking ahead through registered operators is far more reliable than arriving and hoping for a vacancy, especially during peak weeks.
Langars — free community kitchens run by volunteer organisations and NGOs registered with SASB — are set up at multiple points along both routes and are a genuine lifeline for pilgrims on foot, offering hot meals, water, and rest points at regular intervals. Alongside langars, small dhabas and tea stalls operate at the busier stops, though variety and availability naturally drop the higher you climb.
Amarnath Yatra Cost and Budget Planning
Cost Breakdown Table
| Expense Head | Approximate Cost (Per Person) |
|---|---|
| Registration fee | ₹150 |
| Health certificate (CHC) | ₹100–300 depending on doctor/hospital |
| Travel to Jammu/Srinagar (train/flight) | ₹2,000–8,000 depending on mode and origin city |
| Local transport to base camp | ₹500–1,500 |
| Accommodation (per night) | ₹800–3,500 depending on comfort level |
| Helicopter (Baltal round trip) | ₹6,500 |
| Helicopter (Pahalgam round trip) | ₹9,800 |
| Pony/palki hire (optional) | ₹3,000–8,000 depending on route and distance |
| Food and miscellaneous | ₹1,500–3,000 for the full trip |
A no-frills trek-only pilgrimage from a nearby city can realistically be done for under ₹10,000 per person, while a helicopter-assisted, comfortable-stay trip typically runs anywhere from ₹18,000 to well over ₹40,000 depending on your starting city, travel class, and accommodation choices. These are working estimates for planning purposes — always build in a buffer, since weather delays can add unplanned nights of stay.
How to Reach: Transportation Guide
By Air
The nearest airport is Srinagar International Airport, well connected to major Indian cities including Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru. From Srinagar, both Baltal (via Sonamarg) and Pahalgam are reachable by road in roughly 2 to 3 hours.
By Rail
Jammu Tawi is the nearest major railway station with broad national connectivity. From Jammu, it's a longer road journey of several hours to either base camp, so many pilgrims break the journey with an overnight halt in Srinagar.
By Road
Both government (J&K SRTC) and private buses run regularly between Jammu, Srinagar, Pahalgam, and Sonamarg during the yatra season. Shared taxis are widely available at each hub, with fares depending on distance and season; private taxi hire for the Srinagar–Baltal or Srinagar–Pahalgam stretch typically costs a few thousand rupees one way, higher during peak yatra weeks.
Sample Itinerary for Both Routes
Itinerary Table
| Day | Baltal Route Plan | Pahalgam Route Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrive Srinagar, rest and acclimatise | Arrive Srinagar, rest and acclimatise |
| Day 2 | Travel to Sonamarg/Baltal, collect RFID card | Travel to Pahalgam, collect RFID card |
| Day 3 | Trek/helicopter to Panchtarni, darshan, return to Baltal | Trek to Chandanwari, then on to Sheshnag |
| Day 4 | Return to Srinagar | Trek from Sheshnag to Panchtarni |
| Day 5 | — | Darshan at cave, trek/rest at Panchtarni |
| Day 6 | — | Return trek to Pahalgam, then back to Srinagar |
Treat this as a flexible template rather than a fixed schedule — actual pace depends heavily on your fitness, weather on the day, and how early you start each stretch.
Practical On-Ground Tips
Photography: Photography is generally permitted along the route, though respect any restrictions posted near the cave itself and avoid using flash or causing crowding while others are having darshan.
Mobile network and internet: Network coverage is patchy beyond the base camps — BSNL and Jio tend to have the widest reach in this region, but don't count on consistent data connectivity once you're on the trail. Inform family of your rough schedule in advance since real-time updates may not be possible.
Do's: Wear your RFID tag at all times, stay hydrated, follow marked routes, carry warm layers even on clear days, and heed instructions from SASB staff and security personnel without exception.
Don'ts: Don't use footwear without proper grip, don't attempt shortcuts, don't ignore early symptoms of altitude sickness, and don't litter — plastic use is banned across the yatra area and is punishable by law.
Conclusion
The Amarnath Yatra 2026 rewards pilgrims who plan early and take the fitness, weather, and paperwork seriously — not because the rules are complicated, but because the terrain genuinely doesn't leave room for improvisation. Get your Compulsory Health Certificate sorted well ahead of time, register through the official SASB channels only, pick the route that matches your fitness and time, and pack for weather that can change within the hour.
If you're still deciding between Baltal's speed and Pahalgam's gentler pace, or weighing a helicopter option against the full trek, start with your health certificate and registration first — everything else falls into place once that's locked in. Whichever path you take to the cave, the darshan at the end is the same. Har Har Mahadev.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Amarnath Yatra 2026?
Amarnath Yatra 2026 is the annual pilgrimage to the Amarnath Cave in Jammu & Kashmir, where devotees seek darshan of a naturally forming ice lingam believed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. The 2026 yatra runs from July 3 to August 28.
2. When does registration for Amarnath Yatra 2026 open?
Advance registration opened in phases starting mid-April 2026, with further rounds released closer to the yatra dates. Always check jksasb.nic.in for the current active registration window.
3. How do I register for Amarnath Yatra 2026 online?
You can register through the official SASB website or mobile app by creating an account, uploading your CHC, photo ID, and photograph, selecting your route and date, and paying the registration fee online.
4. Can I register offline?
Yes, offline registration is available at designated branches of PNB, SBI, J&K Bank, and Yes Bank across India, where you submit the same documents in person.
5. What is the Amarnath Yatra registration fee?
The registration fee is ₹150 per pilgrim as per the current notification, though this is subject to change — verify the latest fee on the official portal.
6. Is the Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) really mandatory?
Yes, without exception. No pilgrim is permitted on either route without a valid CHC issued by an SASB-authorised doctor, and it must meet the current year's issue-date requirement.
7. What is the RFID card and why do I need it?
The RFID card is a mandatory tracking tag collected after registration from centres in Jammu or Srinagar. It must be worn around your neck throughout the yatra for safety and emergency tracking.
8. Which route is better — Baltal or Pahalgam?
Baltal is shorter (about 14 km) and steeper, suited to fit, time-pressed pilgrims. Pahalgam is longer (about 46 km) but gentler in gradient, making it a better choice for families, seniors, and first-timers.
9. How difficult is the Amarnath trek?
Both routes involve high-altitude walking with steep sections, so a baseline level of fitness and prior physical preparation are essential. Pahalgam allows more gradual acclimatisation than Baltal.
10. Is helicopter service available for Amarnath Yatra 2026?
Yes, helicopters operate from Baltal (Neelgrath) and Pahalgam to Panchtarni, which is the closest point to the cave accessible by air. From Panchtarni, the remaining stretch must be covered on foot or by pony/palki.
11. What is the Amarnath helicopter ticket price for 2026?
As per current SASB-fixed rates, the Baltal–Panchtarni fare is around ₹3,250 one-way / ₹6,500 round trip, and the Pahalgam–Panchtarni fare is around ₹4,900 one-way / ₹9,800 round trip.
12. Can senior citizens take the helicopter instead of trekking?
Yes, pilgrims up to the upper age limit can use helicopter services, but they still need a valid CHC and must cover the final stretch from Panchtarni to the cave on foot or via pony/palki.
13. What is the best time to visit for good weather?
Late July to early August often offers a reasonable balance of manageable weather and moderate crowds, though conditions can shift quickly regardless of the calendar date.
14. What should I pack for Amarnath Yatra?
Pack warm woollen layers, waterproof trekking shoes, rain gear, prescribed medicines, original and photocopied documents, and basic trekking aids like a walking stick.
15. What are the symptoms of altitude sickness and what should I do?
Watch for headache, nausea, breathlessness, and dizziness. If these appear, stop ascending, rest, and descend to a lower altitude if symptoms persist, using the medical camps stationed along the route.
16. What is the age limit for Amarnath Yatra?
Pilgrims generally need to be between 13 and 70 years old with a valid CHC confirming fitness; pregnant women beyond six weeks are not permitted.
17. Can children take part in the yatra?
Children below the minimum age limit set by SASB are not permitted, given the physical demands and high-altitude risks involved.
18. Is it safe for solo female travelers?
Many women complete the yatra safely each year, especially by joining registered groups or established camps along the route; travelling with a group rather than entirely alone is generally recommended for anyone, regardless of gender.
19. What is the realistic budget for Amarnath Yatra 2026?
A basic trek-only pilgrimage can be done for under ₹10,000 per person from a nearby city, while a helicopter-assisted trip with comfortable stays can range from ₹18,000 to over ₹40,000 depending on choices made.
20. Are langars available along the route?
Yes, volunteer-run langars offering free food and water are set up at multiple points on both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes throughout the yatra season.
21. Is mobile network available during the trek?
Coverage is limited and patchy beyond the base camps; BSNL and Jio tend to have relatively better reach, but don't rely on continuous connectivity once on the trail.
22. What documents should I carry during the yatra?
Carry your Yatra Permit, CHC, RFID card, and photo ID at all times, along with photocopies stored separately in case originals are misplaced.
23. Is it a first-timer-friendly pilgrimage?
Yes, with proper preparation. First-timers are generally advised to choose the Pahalgam route for gradual acclimatisation and to travel with a registered group rather than entirely independently.
23. Is it a first-timer-friendly pilgrimage?
Yes, with proper preparation. First-timers are generally advised to choose the Pahalgam route for gradual acclimatisation and to travel with a registered group rather than entirely independently.