Every year thousands of people across the world embark on the Amarnath Yatra in the Kashmir Valley.
This year, among the travellers are Melbourne residents Arpita and Dheeraj Kapoor, who set off earlier this month on a deeply personal pilgrimage.
Arpita and Dheeraj Kapoor, Melbourne residents, are on Amarnath trip. Credit: Supplied by Arpita Kapoor
The Australian government’s ‘Do Not Travel’ warning applies to the entire Jammu and Kashmir region — with no exceptions to the Amarnath Yatra.
To clarify the insurance implications, SBS Hindi reached out to multiple travel insurance providers — all of whom confirmed that travel to regions under a Level 4 advisory is not covered.
Tanvi Goel, a Brisbane-based travel agent, said travel insurance is optional but important for anyone going overseas, as it helps protect against unforeseen situations like lost baggage or medical emergencies.
First batch of pilgrims pose for picture as they leave for journey to the Amarnath cave on July 3, 2025 in Pahalgam, India. Source: SIPA USA / Hindustan Times/Hindustan Times/Sipa USA/AAP
The annual Amarnath Yatra kicked off on 3 July this year and is is set to conclude on 9 August.
The pilgrimage involves a trek to a cave temple situated in the southern Kashmir near Pahalgam town.
(Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general guide. For advice tailored to your situation, please consult a qualified professional.]
You can also tune in to SBS Hindi at 5 pm on SBS South Asian on digital radio, on channel 305 on your television, via the SBS Audio app , or stream from our website.
