Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir announced on July 19, 2026, that the Amarnath and Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrimages would be paused temporarily due to forecasts of bad weather. The India Meteorological Department had issued warnings of unfavourable conditions across the region. The Amarnath Yatra will halt on both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes as a safety precaution. No onward movement will be allowed from the Baltal and Nunwan or Chandanwari base camps, and pilgrim convoys from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu will also be stopped. Officials stated that resumption will be considered only after route inspections and weather assessments. More than 376,000 pilgrims have visited the Amarnath shrine so far this season. The Vaishno Devi Yatra suspension was confirmed separately for the same weather-related reasons. Devotees have been advised to avoid travel until further notice and to follow official updates for any changes.
