Amarnath Yatra is a 14-kilometer religious trek to Shri Amarnathji's Holy Cave in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. Hundreds of thousands of people make this pilgrimage each year. The trek's dates are typically in July and August, and registration for the 2023 yatra has already begun. The trail is difficult not only because of the distance. The steep terrain and high altitudes of the Himalayas (which reach 14,000 feet) pose numerous health risks to devotees. As a result, the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the holy shrine, has issued a health warning to pilgrims. 


Amarnath Yatra 2023 will start on 1 July and go on till 31 August 2023. The pilgrimage will thus span 62 days.


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Food Items That Are Banned During Amarnath: 


Some of the items prohibited by the SASB are:



  • All non-vegetarian foods, Heavy pulav / fried rice.

  • Dosas, puris, bathuras, stuffed parathas, fried rotis, buttered bread

  • Pickle, chutney, fried papad. Pizzas, burgers, cream-based foods, chowmein and all other fried / fast food items.

  • Halwa, jalebi, gulab jamun, laddu khoya burfi, rasgulla and all other halwai items

  • Crunchy snacks (high in fat and salt) like chips, namkeen mixture, pakoras, samosas, fried dry fruits, and all other deep-fried items.

  • Cold drinks and Karrah. Alcohol, tobacco, gutka, pan masala, and other intoxicants.


It is to be noted that this ban is applicable to all langar organisations, food stalls, shops, etc. which will be located in the designated yatra area, whose aim is to serve food to the pilgrims (yatris) and service providers.


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Food Items That You Can Carry During Yatra: 


The SASB has also provided a menu of "permitted" foods. Take a look at them here:



  • Cereals, pulses, saag, besan curry, plain dal.

  • Green vegetables, potatoes, soya chunks, green salad, fruits, sprouts

  • Plain rice, jeera rice, khichdi and Nutrela rice.Roti / phulka, dal roti, missi roti, makki ki roti (unfried, without oil/butter), tandoori roti, bread/kulcha / double roti.

  • Rusk, chocolate, biscuits, roasted chana and jaggery.Sambar, idli, uttapam, poha and dhokla. Vegetable sandwich (without cream/butter/cheese), bread jam, Kashmiri naan (girda) and steamed dumplings (vegetable momos).

  • Roasted papad, khakhra, phulian makhana, murmara.

  • Honey, figs, raisins, apricots, and other dry fruits (only roasted/raw)

  • As for liquids, herbal tea, coffee, sharbat, lemon squash/water, low-fat milk, fruit juice, vegetable soup, and mineral water are allowed.Among the sweets, some of the options are: kheer (rice / sabudana), white oats (daliya), boiled sweets (candy), til ka laddoo, chikki (guchak) and others.


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Additional Things To Keep In Mind During Amarnath Yatra: 


The SASB's health directive contains numerous dietary and fitness recommendations, including:



  • Pilgrims should drink about 5 litres of fluid per day to avoid dehydration and headaches.

  • Alcohol, caffeine, and smoking should be avoided because they can increase the rate at which the body loses heat. As a result, you may be more susceptible to hypothermia.

  • Yatris are advised to consume plenty of carbohydrates to avoid fatigue and low blood sugar levels.

  • When eating in the Yatra area, pilgrims must adhere to the prescribed food menu. Before taking any medications, Yatris should consult with their doctors.

  • If you begin to experience altitude sickness symptoms, immediately descend to a lower elevation.