In view of heightened security concerns, helicopter services will not be available for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, scheduled from July 3 to August 9, 2025. The decision comes as the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has declared the entire Yatra route a 'No Flying Zone' from July 1 to August 10, following the deadly Pahalgam terror attack on April 22 that claimed 26 lives.
According to an official order issued by the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department, the ban includes all flying platforms and devices such as UAVs, drones, balloons, and helicopters. However, exceptions will be made for medical evacuations, disaster response, and official surveillance, with SOPs to be issued separately.
The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) announced on Tuesday that both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes fall under the flying restrictions, and pilgrims must now undertake the journey on foot or via ponies and palkis. The advisory is posted on SASB’s official website, urging pilgrims to plan accordingly.
Over 3.5 lakh pilgrims have already registered for the annual pilgrimage, which involves trekking to the revered Himalayan cave shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The security clampdown is part of broader measures to protect pilgrims this year. The J&K Home Department cited discussions among all stakeholders and the prevailing security situation in the UT as reasons for the enhanced logistical and surveillance arrangements.
Key security upgrades include:
Facial Recognition Systems (FRS) installed along both Yatra routes—Baltal and Pahalgam
Deployment of hundreds of CCTV cameras to monitor movement
Additional CAPF troops stationed along vulnerable points of the pilgrimage routes
The authorities are taking no chances after the April terror attack near Pahalgam, which occurred just off the traditional Yatra route. The attack has cast a long shadow over this year's arrangements, prompting extraordinary vigilance and a zero-tolerance approach to aerial and ground-level threats.
As pilgrims prepare for the spiritually significant journey, the administration has assured that comprehensive security and logistic arrangements are in place, though with strict adherence to new protocols.