Amarnath, Vaishno Devi Yatras to be temporarily suspended from July 19
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir have temporarily suspended the Amarnath and Vaishno Devi pilgrimages due to severe weather forecasts. The suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the safety of pilgrims as moderate to heavy rainfall is expected in the region.
Why it matters
These pilgrimages attract hundreds of thousands of devotees, and their suspension reflects the significant impact of extreme weather events on public safety and religious tourism in the region.
Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday (July 19, 2026) said that Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi Yatras will be temporarily suspended from July 19 due to the inclement weather forecast.
“In view of the inclement weather forecast issued by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes with effect from 19.07.2026 as a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims,” Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said in a statement.
While no onward movement will be permitted from the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps in the Kashmir region, no pilgrim convoys will be allowed to proceed from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu.
“Updates regarding the resumption of (Amarnath) Yatra shall be issued in due course of time after ensuring route safety and comprehensive assessment of the weather conditions", he said.
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