Fewer Gujarati pilgrims going for Amarnath Yatra 2025, only 5,000 registrations

Travel-loving Gujarati pilgrims seem to be wary of treading the Amarnath Yatra this year. Only 5,000 pilgrims are set to take the challenging terrain pilgrimage, marking over 8% decrease in the numbers.

The much-awaited Amarnath Yatra that begins on Thursday (July 3), will continue for 38 days till August 9. 

The Amarnath temple is located in the midst of difficult terrain and harsh weather conditions in the Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. The yatra begins from the Bhagwati Nagar base camp.

Over 3.50 lakh pilgrims had registered for Amarnath Yatra, but the numbers dropped significantly to 85,000 after the Pahalgam terror attack that killed 26 tourists on April 22, 2025.

Moreover, chopper services will not be available for the devotees this year on the route. As a result, all pilgrims will have to walk towards the shrine situated at a height of 3,880 metres.

Ahmedabad Civil Hospital Superintendent Dr Rakesh Joshi said that in 2023, 455 pilgrims got their health and fitness certificates from the hospital. The number decreased to 430 in 2024 and dropped to 234 this year.

Tour and travel operators have also noticed a sharp decline in the demand for Amarnath Yatra this year as they have received only 1-2 inquiries per day, as compared to the usual 50 calls per day.

They also said that the upper middle class are now opting to visit Kailash Mansarovar instead of the Amarnath Yatra. Notably, the 14-day Kailash Mansarovar yatra package starts at ₹2.50 lakh.

According to the official website of the shrine, to ensure a safe and successful yatra, physical fitness training at least a month in advance is advised. “Incorporate daily 4–5 km walks and practice deep breathing, yoga, and pranayam to improve oxygen intake, especially for high-altitude trekking,”, the authorities said.