Pilgrims to undertake journey on foot or avail pony, palki services
Srinagar: Authorities have declared both the traditional Pahalgam route and the Baltal route of the annual Amarnath Yatra as no-fly zones from July 1 until the conclusion of the pilgrimage, effectively ruling out helicopter services for devotees for the second consecutive year.
The decision was notified through a government order issued by the Home Department on June 1, citing security considerations ahead of the 57-day pilgrimage scheduled to begin on July 3 and conclude on August 28.
Officials said the restrictions cover the entire Yatra corridor and are aimed at preventing unauthorised aerial activities, including the operation of drones and other flying objects, during the pilgrimage.
As a result, helicopter services that were earlier available for pilgrims travelling to the holy cave shrine in south Kashmir’s Himalayas will remain suspended this year as well. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) has advised pilgrims to plan their journey accordingly.
“Pilgrims can undertake the Yatra on foot or avail themselves of pony and palki services along both routes,” an official associated with the pilgrimage arrangements said.
Security officials said the no-fly zone is part of an enhanced security framework being put in place for the annual pilgrimage. Comprehensive aerial surveillance and monitoring systems are expected to be deployed to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of the Yatra.
The restrictions come in the backdrop of heightened security concerns following the April 2025 terror attack in Pahalgam, in which 26 people, including 25 tourists and a local pony operator, were killed. Following the attack, authorities had similarly suspended helicopter operations and imposed airspace restrictions during last year’s pilgrimage.
Officials said a small but significant percentage of pilgrims previously relied on helicopter services, particularly elderly devotees and those with health issues. According to estimates, nearly eight per cent of pilgrims used helicopter facilities in earlier years.
The Amarnath Yatra, one of the country’s largest annual religious pilgrimages, attracts lakhs of devotees from across India. More than 4.14 lakh pilgrims visited the cave shrine last year despite heightened security arrangements.
Authorities have assured that elaborate security and logistical arrangements are being made along both routes to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and ensure the successful conduct of the Yatra.
