The Yatra is organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Govt., in the month of Shravan, and commences mainly from Pahalgam on specified dates. In recent years the route from Baltal has also been thrown open for the pilgrims to approach the holy Cave.

No one below the age of 13 years, or above the age of 75 years, and no lady with more than six weeks pregnancy will be ALLOWED FOR the Yatra.

Dress
Pilgrims are advised to carry sufficient wollens such as sweaters, drawers, wollen trousers, monkey cap etc. Other items could include wind cheaters, rain coat, sleeping bag or blankets, umbrella, waterproof boots/shoes, walking stick, torch etc. Ladies are advised not to go on the trek in saris, instead pants or Salwar suits with drawers should be used.

Provisions
Essential rations are available at fair price rates from the specially established Govt. Depots at Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtami. Numerous wayside tea-shops and small restaurants are set up by private parties. However, pilgrims are advised to carry with them biscuits, toffees, tinned food etc. to cater to their immediate needs. Firewood or gas can be obtained at Chandanwari, Sheshnag (Wawajan), Panchtami and near the Cave.

Medical Assistance
Medical posts manned by qualified doctors and nursing staff are established enroot to cater to the needs of the pilgrims, free of cost. However, pilgrims are advised to carry along any medicines specifically prescribed for them.

Insurance
In view of the hazardous nature of the yatra, all yatries are advised to insure themselves, preferably before departure from the home stations. However, arrangements for insurance also remains available sometimes at the two base-camps during the yatra period.

Accommodation
In order to cater to the requirements of all yatries, rented accommodation with bedding facilities is being set up by the J&K Tourism and private parties during the yatra period for use on payment basis. Facilities for booking such accommodation at rates approved by the State Tourism Department will be available at the base-camps.

Registration
Registration of pilgrims are undertaken about a month ahead of the date fixed for commencement of Yatra. The dates are generally notified through press advertisements. Generally no Yatri will be allowed to proceed on the journey without a Registration Card. Govt. plans to remove registration.

Langar Permission
All applications (with particular mention of sewadars for a particular period) for grant of permission to set up free langar(s) by NGOs should reach the office of the Director Tourism (Kashmir), Srinagar, on or before Due date. No application shall be entertained/accepted after the cut-off date

DO'S
1. Please ensure that you are physically and mentally fit to perform the journey as the Yatra involves trekking at an altitude of 14,000 ft. do have yourself medically examined and certified fit for the journey and forward the medical certificate to the registering authority designed for your area residence.
2. Do carry sufficient heavy woolens including sweaters, (Full as well as half sleaved), drawers woolen trousers, gloves, monkey caps etc. Other items to be carried include wind cheater, light rain coat, a sleeping bag or blanket or a set of bedding items water-proof tent, a torch with sufficient batteries, a walking stick with proper hand grip. Ladies are advised not on the journey in Saris, instead pants or salwar suits with drawers should be used.
3. Do carry some eatables like biscuits, candy, milk, powder, sugar, assorted dry fruits, honey and some tinned food with you. Also carry a water bottle, plastic plate, tumbler, spoons etc.
4. Ration and fire wood quota has been especially arranged for you at all stations enroute, against payment.
5. Make sure that the Pony walla, the laborer, the dandy Walla is properly registered and carries a token you can get these allotted at fixed rates by competent authority at the base camp, Pahalgam.
6. Do ensure that ponies carrying your luggage and eatables etc. remain with you all the time, if you let them remain behind you are likely to be unnecessary inconvenienced.
7. Do observe discipline on the trek and keep on moving slowly and steadily. Adhere to the instructions issued by the Yatra Officer from time to time. The officials of the Police, Tourism, Health, Food and Supplies and other Departments are there to help you to perform the journey comfortably.
8. Do carry sufficient money to pay your accommodation at Pahalgam and at other stations enroute to the Holy Cave and for meeting other personal requirements.
9. All medical facilities during the Yatra are free. However, do carry your personal medical Kit also.
10. Carrying/Use of alcohol enroute the yatra is strictly prohibited.

DONT'S
1. Do not touch or tamper with Holy Lingam or / & place or throw anything on Holy Lingam.
2. Do not overstrain on steep gradients.
3. Do not relax at points where there are warning notices.
4. Do not break traffic discipline or try to overtake others in difficult stretches of the route.
5. Do not pay more than the prices fixed for porters, ponies, dandies, rations, fire-wood, accommodation etc.
6. Do not use polythene, disposable plastic cups, saucers and glasses in and around Pahalgam.
7. Do not use polythene bags and plastic tents during yatra..