Following the India Meteorological Department’s (IMD) prediction of extensive rainfall throughout the Union Territory over the coming days, authorities on Sunday temporarily halted the Amarnath Yatra in Kashmir as well as pilgrimages to the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shiv Khori shrines in Jammu.
Both the Baltal and Pahalgam routes of the Amarnath Yatra have been suspended. According to officials, pilgrims from the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu and the Baltal and Nunwan/Chandanwari base camps in Kashmir would not be permitted to travel farther.
“As a precautionary measure to ensure the safety and well-being of the pilgrims, Shri Amarnathji Yatra shall remain temporarily suspended from all base camps, including the Pahalgam and Baltal routes, with effect from 19.07.2026 due to the inclement weather forecast issued by the IMD,” an official stated here.
“After ensuring route safety and thorough assessment of the weather conditions, updates regarding the resumption of (Amarnath) Yatra shall be issued in due course,” he stated. Cloudbursts occurred in Kashmir’s forests when the rain started early on Sunday, July 19, 2026. From July 19 to July 23, the weather service has predicted moderate to widespread rainfall over Jammu & Kashmir. Since the yatra started on July 3, around 3.76 lakh pilgrims have paid their respects at the sacred cave sanctuary.
Following the weather advisory, pilgrimages to the Mata Vaishno Devi and Shri Shiv Khori shrines in the Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir were also halted, according to officials.
“The Vaishno Devi yatra will remain temporarily suspended due to the inclement weather advisory issued by the IMD,” an official stated.
He noted that officials were keeping a careful eye on the situation and that devotees may stay informed through official channels. Due of safety concerns, the Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board asked devotees to delay their travel till later.
“The pilgrimage to Shri Shiv Khori has been temporarily suspended due to the IMD’s forecast of heavy rains and the bad weather in Ransoo,” the Jammu divisional commissioner wrote on X.
He advised followers to check the most recent information before scheduling a visit to the shrine, stating that the situation is always being monitored. A decision about the pilgrimage’s resumption, according to officials, will be made after weather conditions improve and safety evaluations are completed.
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