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With the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra set to begin on July 3, authorities in Jammu & Kashmir have issued a detailed travel and security advisory for pilgrims, tourists, and the general public visiting the Union Territory during the yatra period. Scheduled to continue until August 28, the pilgrimage witnesses the movement of thousands of devotees towards the holy Amarnath Cave shrine every year, making traffic management and safety measures an important part of the exercise.

Ahead of the pilgrimage season, Jammu & Kashmir Police, along with traffic authorities, has released guidelines on vehicle movement, tunnel restrictions, cut-off timings, and a new QR-based verification initiative called PEHCHAAN. Travellers heading towards the region have been advised to carefully plan their schedules and strictly follow instructions issued by authorities to ensure a smooth journey.


Vehicle movement restrictions announcedAs part of traffic management arrangements during Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2026, specific restrictions have been imposed on general vehicular movement through the Navyug Tunnel.

According to the advisory, general vehicles travelling from Kashmir towards Jammu will not be permitted to cross the Navyug Tunnel before 11:30 AM.

Similarly, vehicles travelling from Jammu towards Kashmir will not be allowed to cross the tunnel after 3:00 PM.

Authorities have introduced these restrictions to regulate movement during the pilgrimage period and facilitate the smooth passage of yatra-related convoys and security operations.

Travellers planning road journeys through the region have been advised to consider these timings while preparing their itineraries to avoid delays and unnecessary waiting periods.

Cut-off timings fixed across the Kashmir ValleyApart from the tunnel restrictions, authorities have also issued location-specific cut-off timings that will remain in effect during the yatra period.

Mir BazarVehicles moving towards Srinagar and Anantnag from Mir Bazar will have to cross before 4:00 PM (1600 hrs).

Traffic travelling from Mir Bazar towards the Navyug Tunnel must cross before 5:00 PM (1700 hrs).

Panthachowk, SrinagarVehicles travelling towards Ganderbal and Baramulla will be required to cross before 3:00 PM (1500 hrs).

Traffic moving towards Anantnag will also have a 3:00 PM deadline.

Shadipora, SumbalVehicles heading towards Manigam and North Kashmir can move until 3:30 PM (1530 hrs).

ManigamTraffic moving towards Srinagar must cross before 1:00 PM (1300 hrs).

Vehicles travelling from Manigam to Baltal will be permitted until 5:00 PM (1700 hrs).

Traffic moving from Manigam towards Srinagar and North Kashmir must cross before 12:00 noon (1200 hrs).

Authorities have stated that any tourist, pilgrim, or traveller reaching these cut-off locations after the designated time may have to halt at the nearest designated yatra camp.

Yatra convoy timings also releasedTraffic Police Headquarters Jammu and Srinagar have also issued convoy movement timings for the pilgrimage.

UP Baltal Convoy

• Departure from Jammu towards Baltal: 4:00 AM
  
• Departure from Lower Munda (Banihal) towards Baltal: 10:00 AM
  
• Departure from Manigam/Ganderbal towards Baltal: 5:00 PM
  

DOWN Baltal Convoy

• Departure from Baltal towards Jammu: 6:00 AM
  
• Departure from Lower Munda (Banihal) towards Jammu: 11:30 AM
  

UP Pahalgam Convoy

• Departure from Jammu towards Pahalgam: 4:15 AM
  
• Departure from Lower Munda (Banihal) towards Pahalgam: 10:45 AM
  

DOWN Pahalgam Convoy

• Departure from Pahalgam towards Jammu: 6:00 AM
  
• Departure from Nunwan/Pahalgam towards Jammu: 6:30 AM
  
• Departure from Lower Munda (Banihal) towards Jammu: 8:00 AM
  

For non-convoy traffic and tourists moving between Navyug Tunnel and the Valley, the advisory also specifies timings:

• Last vehicle to cross Navyug Tunnel towards the Valley: 3:00 PM
  
• Last vehicle to cross Mir Bazar towards Anantnag: 4:00 PM

PEHCHAAN QR system introduced for pilgrimsApart from traffic management, Jammu & Kashmir Police has also introduced PEHCHAAN, a QR code-based verification system designed to improve safety and transparency during the pilgrimage.

The system is intended for registered service providers associated with the yatra and includes personnel such as:

• Pony wallas
  
• Pithoos and porters
  
• Guides
  
• Tent operators
  
• Food vendors
  
• Transport operators
  
• Photographers
  
• Sanitation workers
  
• Other registered service providers
  

Pilgrims have been encouraged to use services only from individuals carrying official PEHCHAAN QR cards.

Authorities say the initiative aims to:

• Ensure yatris interact with verified service providers
  
• Prevent fraud and impersonation
  
• Improve accountability and transparency
  
• Facilitate grievance redressal
  
• Increase confidence among pilgrims throughout the yatra
  

Travellers can verify service providers by scanning the QR code through a smartphone camera and checking details such as name, registration number, service type, validity status, and verification information.

Advice for pilgrims and touristsAuthorities have urged travellers to begin their journeys early and maintain sufficient time margins to account for weather changes, security checks, and traffic restrictions.

Pilgrims have also been asked to:

• Plan travel schedules in advance
  
• Follow directions issued by police and security personnel
  
• Keep vehicles adequately fuelled
  
• Avoid unscheduled stops
  
• Report suspicious activities immediately
  
• Save or note down service provider information for future reference
  

For assistance or grievances, Jammu & Kashmir Police has asked travellers to contact the Police Helpline: 112 or approach the nearest police station or help desk.

As the Amarnath Yatra approaches, officials have stressed that cooperation from pilgrims, tourists, and residents will play an important role in ensuring a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage season across Jammu & Kashmir.