Amarnath Yatra begins on July 2

The annual Amarnath Yatra (pilgrimage) will begin on July 2 on both the routes of Baltal and Pahalgram and conclude on August 29, official sources said Thursday.

Registration is necessary for every pilgrim, they said.

"Nobody, shall be allowed to undertake the journey without a yatra permit which is valid for the day and the route in question," an official statement issued here said, adding that the process of registration of pilgrims has started.

Pilgrims can secure their permits through selected branches of J&K bank, Punjab National Bank and Yes Bank in various states and union territories.

Pilgrims travelling by helicopter will not be required to register separately. However, the prescribed compulsory health certificate must be produced at the time of boarding the helicopter, the statement said.