A record upward trend of pilgrims paying obeisance was registered on Sunday (July 5, 2026) at the Amarnath cave shrine in Kashmir. However, the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) is worried about the inflow of unregistered pilgrims posing a security as well as infrastructure challenge.

A total of 32,313 devotees performed pilgrimage at the cave shrine located at an altitude of 12,756 feet. A record number of 20,145 pilgrims performed on the second day of the yatra, which is the highest for the past several years. Over 8000 left Jammu on Sunday for Kashmir to join pilgrims already stationed at twin base camps of Baltal and Nunwan, official data suggested.

The shrine board, however, is left worried by unregistered pilgrims. Most pilgrims are turning up without mandatory health checks, which determines if a pilgrim is fit to trek the high altitude.

“We are seeing a large influx of unregistered pilgrims. I strongly urge those without prior registration to remain patient and wait for their turn. This cooperation is essential for a smooth and seamless Yatra experience,” said Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who is also the chairman of the board.

Massive surge in pilgrims

He said compared to the past four years there has been a massive surge in pilgrim numbers this year. “In response, the Board, and all key stakeholders have stepped up, implementing significantly better arrangements than in previous years,” Mr. Sinha added.

The Board has put a cap on the number of pilgrims who could visit the shrine in a day, which is 10,000 each for the Pahalgam route and the Baltal route.

“Daily pilgrim caps at both Chandanwari (in Anantnag district) and Baltal (in Ganderbal district) are strictly fixed and cannot be increased. Adhering to these established protocols is vital for everyone’s safety and hassle-free pilgrimage,” said Mr. Sinha, who visited the yatra routes on Sunday (July 5, 2026).

Straining yatra infrastructure

Official sources said the unregistered pilgrims were straining the yatra infrastructure and also compromising with security. At least 2,500 patients are visiting the specially set-up Outpatient Department (OPD) per day.

Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, Anshul Garg asked pilgrims to embark on pilgrimage “only as per registered date of pilgrimage”.

“Unregistered yatris should not proceed towards the base camps till their registration is completed and radio frequency identification (RFID) card is generated,” said Mr. Garg.

Meanwhile, the Food Safety Department, Anantnag, distributed protective gear, including face masks, head covers, and gloves, among langar workers and advised them to use the protective equipment while preparing and serving food to prevent contamination.

The department appealed to all langar organizers and food handlers to cooperate in maintaining the highest standards of hygiene and sanitation, contributing to the safe and successful conduct, officials said.

Only 3.5 lakh pilgrims visited the Amarnath shrine in 2025 against 5.12 lakh in 2024. The significant dip was because of the Pahalgam attack last year that left 26 civilians dead.

Published - July 05, 2026 11:21 pm IST