Amarnath, Vaishno Devi & Shiv Khori Yatras Suspended Due to Heavy Rain Alert; When Will Pilgrimages Resume?

Three of Jammu and Kashmir's most prominent Hindu pilgrimages have been temporarily suspended after the India Meteorological Department (IMD) forecast widespread rainfall across the Union Territory (UT) over the next few days. Authorities have halted the Shri Amarnath Yatra, Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra and Shri Shiv Khori Yatra as a precaution, citing the possibility of heavy rain, landslides, flash floods and unsafe trekking conditions.

Amarnath, Vaishno Devi & Shiv Khori Yatras Suspended Due to Heavy Rain Alert

The temporary suspension has affected thousands of pilgrims who were either travelling towards the shrines or had planned to begin their journey over the weekend. Officials have advised devotees to avoid travelling until the administration issues fresh clearance based on weather conditions and route safety assessments.

Jammu & Kashmir Weather Prediction: IMD Issues Heavy Rain Alert Till July 23

The decision follows an IMD weather advisory predicting moderate to widespread rainfall across Jammu and Kashmir between July 19 and July 23, 2026. During the monsoon season, continuous rainfall can make mountain tracks slippery, trigger landslides, increase the risk of flash floods and reduce visibility, making pilgrim movement unsafe.

Keeping these risks in mind, the administration has temporarily stopped fresh pilgrim movement across all three major shrines while disaster management teams and local authorities monitor the situation.

Amarnath Yatra Suspended on Both Pahalgam and Baltal Routes

The annual Shri Amarnath Yatra, one of India's most revered Himalayan pilgrimages dedicated to Lord Shiva, has been suspended on both its traditional routes-Pahalgam and Baltal.

Pilgrims are also not being allowed to proceed from the major base camps, including Nunwan-Chandanwari, Baltal, and Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu, until further notice.

"In view of inclement weather forecast issued by 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," as per PTI report, Kashmir Divisional Commissioner Anshul Garg said.

The 2026 Amarnath Yatra began on July 3, and more than 3.76 lakh devotees have already paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine before the latest suspension.

Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra Update

The pilgrimage to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine in Katra has also been temporarily suspended following the IMD's weather warning. Dedicated to Mata Vaishno Devi, the shrine attracts millions of devotees every year and is among the busiest religious destinations in India. Since the pilgrimage involves trekking through hilly terrain, authorities have decided not to permit fresh movement until weather conditions improve.

Pilgrims have been advised to check only official announcements before planning their journey, as the administration continues to monitor rainfall and route conditions.

Shiv Khori Pilgrimage Suspended in Reasi District

Authorities have also halted the Shri Shiv Khori Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir's Reasi district.

The naturally formed cave shrine, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is located near Ransoo and attracts thousands of devotees throughout the year. Because the approach road and trekking route pass through mountainous terrain, the administration suspended the pilgrimage after forecasts indicated heavy rainfall in the region.

Officials have urged devotees to postpone their travel until fresh instructions are issued.

When Will Amarnath, Vaishno Devi & Shiv Khori Yatras Resume?

At present, no official date has been announced for resuming the Amarnath, Vaishno Devi or Shiv Khori yatras.

Authorities have clarified that the suspended pilgrimages will resume only after weather conditions improve and the IMD indicates a favourable forecast. Before allowing devotees to proceed, officials will carry out detailed safety inspections of trekking routes, roads and other critical infrastructure to ensure they are safe for public movement.

The final decision to restart the yatras will be taken only after the civil administration, disaster response teams and other concerned agencies certify that the routes are fit for travel.