The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) announced today that there will be no helicopter services for the Amarnath Yatra this year. This decision follows an order from the Jammu and Kashmir government.
Amarnath Yatra Routes Declared “No Fly” Zones
Yatris will need to reach the holy cave shrine via the traditional routes from South Kashmir’s Pahalgam and North Kashmir’s Baltal on foot, by ponies, or using palkis (palanquins).
This directive comes after a security meeting chaired by Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan, attended by top security and administrative officials. As a result, the J&K government has declared all Amarnath Yatra routes as “No Fly” zones from July 1 to August 10, 2025.
Enhanced Security Measures for the Yatra
An order from the J&K Home Department stated that the Lieutenant Governor issued strict security directives regarding aerial activity during the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra 2025. This measure aims to provide foolproof security for the pilgrimage.
The order specifies: “With a view to ensure strengthened security during the Shri Amarnathji Yatra, 2025, all the routes of Shri Amarnathji Yatra are hereby declared as ‘No Flying Zone’ including both Pahalgam axis & Baltal axis and thus, flying of any kind of aviation platforms and devices including UAVs, Drones, Balloons, etc. is prohibited w.e.f. 1 July, 2025 to 10th August, 2025.”
These restrictions will not apply to medical evacuations, disaster management operations, or surveillance by security forces. A detailed Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for these exceptions will be released later.
Officials have confirmed that all necessary security arrangements are in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful Amarnath Yatra. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has also appealed to locals for their cooperation, emphasizing that the Amarnath Yatra is a pilgrimage for everyone.
