Archive · 10 Aug 2026
Amarnath Yatra Suspended Amid Heavy Rains, Unlikely to Resume
Every year, many people in India go on a special trip to a holy mountain cave in Kashmir called Amarnath.
This trip is called the Amarnath Yatra.
The trip started on July 3 and was supposed to last 57 days, ending on August 28.
More than 480,000 people had already visited the holy cave this year.
Inside the cave is a big piece of ice shaped like a sacred symbol that Hindus believe represents Lord Shiva.
Then heavy rain came, and weather experts warned of more rain, thunderstorms, floods, and landslides.
The walking paths became damaged and unsafe, so leaders stopped the trip on both main routes from Sunday, August 9.
Officials said the trip will probably not start again this year.
Workers from the Border Roads Organization are fixing the damaged paths.
Pilgrims were told to stay at their camps until the weather improves and the routes are safe.
The annual 57-day Amarnath Yatra has been suspended on both routes from Sunday, August 9, 2026, due to heavy rainfall and an adverse weather forecast.
The suspension halts pilgrim movement from the Chandanwari track in Anantnag district (Pahalgam base camp) and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district.
Officials said the yatra, which began on July 3 and was expected to conclude on August 28, is unlikely to resume this year.
More than 4.8 lakh pilgrims have visited the holy Amarnath Cave Shrine so far this year.
The IMD warned of thunderstorms, flash floods, landslides and shooting stones, while the Border Roads Organization (BRO) is repairing vulnerable track stretches.
- Who
- Amarnath Yatra pilgrims, Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Anshul Gard, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), and the Border Roads Organization (BRO).
- What
- The annual 57-day Amarnath Yatra has been suspended on both routes due to heavy rainfall, an adverse weather forecast, and track repair work, and is unlikely to resume this year.
- When
- The suspension began Sunday, August 9, 2026; the yatra started on July 3 and was expected to conclude on August 28.
- Where
- The Chandanwari track in Anantnag district (Pahalgam base camp) and the Baltal route in Ganderbal district, Jammu & Kashmir.
- Why
- Heavy rainfall, the risk of landslides and flash floods, a forecast of more rain, and the need to repair vulnerable stretches of the yatra tracks to ensure pilgrim safety.
- Pilgrims so far
- More than 4.8 lakh (480,000+)
- Yatra duration
- 57 days
- Start date
- July 3, 2026
- Expected conclusion
- August 28, 2026 (Raksha Bandhan)
- Suspension began
- Sunday, August 9, 2026
- Suspended routes
- Chandanwari track (Anantnag district) and Baltal (Ganderbal district)
- Reason
- Heavy rainfall, adverse weather forecast, and track repair work
- Repair agency
- Border Roads Organization (BRO)
