Amarnath Yatra 2025 Permanent Suspended: Closed 1 week ago, more than 4 Lakh Devotees Visited
In a major development for devotees of Baba Barfani, the Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir has been halted ahead of schedule this year. The annual pilgrimage, which began on 3rd July 2025, was originally scheduled to conclude on 9th August 2025, coinciding with the holy festival of Rakshabandhan.
However, due to unforeseen circumstances, the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) and local administration have suspended the Yatra before the planned dates on 03rd Aug 2025. This decision has come as a surprise to thousands of pilgrims who had planned their journey for the final days of the holy trek.
While the exact reason for the early closure is yet to be officially detailed, sources suggest that weather conditions, security concerns, or logistical challenges could have influenced the administration’s decision
Why the Yatra Was Suspended Early? Official Statement from Authorities
According to Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir, Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, the decision to halt the Amarnath Yatra ahead of schedule was taken due to recent heavy rainfall in the region. The continuous downpour has severely impacted the condition of both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes, which serve as the main pathways for the pilgrimage to the Holy Amarnath Cave.
He stated that the Yatra has been officially suspended permanently from both routes (Pahalgam and Baltal) to ensure the safety of all pilgrims. The administration is now focused on repair and maintenance work to restore these high-altitude tracks, which have been affected by landslides and slippery conditions due to excessive rain.
This Year the number of pilgrims was less than Last Year 2024
As per official reports, over 4.10 lakh pilgrims undertook the sacred journey to the Amarnath Cave this year. While this is a significant number, it reflects a decline compared to last year, when more than 5.10 lakh devotees participated in the Yatra.
The reduced footfall in 2025 may be attributed to various factors including weather disruptions, security concerns, and now the early suspension of the Yatra. Authorities remain committed to ensuring safer and more accessible pilgrimage experiences in the coming years.
On Thursday, when the number of pilgrims surpassed 4 lakh, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) Chairman and Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, expressed his heartfelt gratitude and devotion.
He remarked, “Baba Amarnath makes the impossible possible. With his divine blessings, this sacred Yatra has crossed the 4 lakh mark this year.”
His words reflect the unwavering faith of millions who undertake this challenging yet spiritually rewarding journey to seek the blessings of Baba Barfani.
5 Lakh Pilgrims Arrived in Year 2024
In year 2024, this journey was of 52 days. In year 2023, the journey lasted for 62 days, in year 2022 for 43 days and in year 2019, the journey lasted for 46 days. In year 2020-21, the journey was postponed due to the corona epidemic. In the 52-day long Amarnath Yatra in 2024, more than 5.1 lakh devotees had darshan of Baba Barfani in the holy cave. 4.5 lakh pilgrims participated in 2023. In the year 2012, a record 6.35 pilgrims had darshan. In 2022, the figure decreased due to Kovid and 3 lakh pilgrims arrived for darshan.
- From the Pahalgam route, devotees reach the cave temple by walking 46 km via Chandanwadi, Sheshnag and Panchtarni
The pilgrims were transported from Jammu to both the base camps in tightly guarded convoys and civilian movement was restricted on the Srinagar-Jammu national highway during the convoy route. People using the Pahalgam route reach the cave temple via Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni and cover a distance of 46 kilometres on foot.
Amarnath Chhari Mubarak Yatra 2025
Mahant Dipendra Giri told that on the day of Shravan Shukla Paksha Panchami i.e. Nag Panchami, the holy Shatikas in the form of Shiva Shakti were worshipped in the Shri Amareshwar temple located in Dashnami Akhara. The Shatikas are seated here and devotees are coming to see them.
In Kashmir, till the year 1989, we used to set out on foot from here for the pilgrimage to Baba Amarnath, carrying Shatikas (Chhadi Mubarak). We used to travel about 148 kms on foot to reach the holy cave. The first stop of the Amarnath Yatra was to stay overnight at Pampore. After that, we used to go via Bijbihara, Anantnag, Ashmuqam, Pahalgam.
This time we will depart from here on 4th August. We will stay in Pahalgam on 4th and 5th August. Dwadashi night is Chandanwadi, Trayodashi night is Sheshnag, Chaturdashi night is Panchtani and finally the night of Shravan Purnima which falls on 9th August this year. We will take the sacred sticks to the sacred cave where, on the request of Goddess Parvati, Maha Shiv narrated the story that provides liberation from the cycle of life and death.
We will stay at Panchtani on the night of 9th August. On the 10th we will walk, go to Chandanbari and stay overnight at Pahalgam. On the second day of the festival, there will be worship and immersion on the banks of the Lidder River. After the feast, this year’s Chhari Mubarak Yatra will be concluded.
