The chants of "Har Har Mahadev" echoed through Jammu on Thursday morning as the first convoy of pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar base camp, marking the beginning of the Amarnath Yatra 2026. More than 4,800 devotees, travelling in 259 vehicles under tight security, have started the annual pilgrimage to one of Hinduism's most revered shrines. For many devotees and pilgrims, Amarnath yatra is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual journey. The cave, beautifully nestled in the Himalayas houses the naturally formed ice Shivling, with utmost love and care. But the task is all about reaching the shrine, because it is not as simple as booking a ticket and setting off on your journey. The pilgrimage demands a lot of planning, physical fitness and the right paperwork. If this is your first Amarnath Yatra, here's what you should know before packing your bags. The Shrine Board has laid down clear eligibility rules to ensure that only those who are physically capable undertake the trek. Pilgrims must be at least 13 years old and should not have crossed 70 years of age. Women who are more than six weeks pregnant are not allowed to participate because of the risks associated with high-altitude travel. The age limits aren't arbitrary. The cave is located nearly 3,900 metres above sea level, where thinner air, steep climbs and rapidly changing weather can take a toll even on otherwise healthy travellers. That is also why a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) is mandatory. Every pilgrim is required to go through a medical examination at a hospital or a clinic that is authorised by the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board. The certificate is there to confirm that the traveller is fit enough for what the journey required. Without CHC, registration cannot be completed. There are also documents that the pilgrims must keep beyond the medical certificate. The list requires a government-issued photo ID card, such as aadhaar card, passport, Voter ID card or Driving License. A recent passport-sized photograph is also required along with the registered mobile number. Once the application is approved, the Yatra Permit should be printed out and carried throughout the journey of the pilgrimage along with the original ID proof as well. The registration process itself has become much simpler over the years. Pilgrims can apply online through the official Shrine Board portal or visit designated bank branches offering offline registration. After filling in personal details, applicants choose their preferred route and travel date, upload or submit the health certificate and identity proof, pay the registration fee and download the permit once it is issued. Travellers can choose between two routes. The traditional Pahalgam route stretches over several days and is considered relatively gradual, making it a preferred choice for many first-time pilgrims. The Baltal route is much shorter but involves a steeper climb and requires greater physical endurance. Preparation, seasoned pilgrims say, begins weeks before the journey. Doctors recommend building stamina through regular walking, climbing stairs or light cardio exercises. Since mountain weather can change within minutes, carrying layered clothing, a waterproof jacket, gloves and sturdy trekking shoes is far more important than packing extra luggage. Drinking enough water, avoiding alcohol and smoking, and carrying prescribed medicines can also help reduce the chances of altitude-related problems. The administration has issued several safety advisories for this year's yatra. Pilgrims are urged to stick to designated routes, follow instructions from security personnel and avoid trekking during periods of bad weather. Anyone experiencing breathlessness, dizziness or chest discomfort should report to the nearest medical camp immediately instead of attempting to continue the climb. Travel News - Find latest news and tips based on Indian and World travel including top 10 travel destination, tourism information, how to reach visit and more at Times Now. Simran covers books that start conversations, beauty insights, fashion moods, and stories that make people feel something. Off duty? You’ll find her c... View More