BACKGROUND: Amarnathji cave, situated at an altitude of 3,888 m, about 141 km from Srinagar, is one of the holiest shrines in Hinduism. The annual pilgrimage to Amarnathji is a very demanding endeavor requiring strenuous physical efforts, and poses many health hazards to the pilgrims, especially elderly and those with chronic illnesses. OBJECTIVE: To study the pattern and outcome of illness in Yatris attending SKIMS during Amarnathji Yatra 2011. METHODS: This prospective study was carried during 45 day Yatra period, from July 2011 to August 2011. All the patients referred to SKIMS were recruited for the study. RESULTS: Of the 185 patients received in SKIMS during the mentioned yatra period, 100 were discharged on emergency-OPD card on the same day, and the remaining 85 patients (48 men) were admitted. Age of the patients ranged from 15 to 85 years with a mean of 51.49 ±15.49 (median, 53 years) with majority in the age group of 45 to 65 years. AMI was the main diagnosis at arrival (in 16.5%) followed by Poly-trauma (15.3%); Head injury (11.8%); High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) (10.6%); Gastro-enteritis (10.6%); Diabetes (10.6%); COPD (7.1%); Stroke (5.9%); Poison(g (3.5%); and Others (8.2%). Of the 85 admitted patients, 5 patients expired with a mortality of 5.9% (95% CI, 1.9 – 13.2). 4 (80%) patients who died were aged ≥65 years compared to 14 (17.5%) of those were discharged (p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Yatris attending Amrnath ji yatra face many health related challenges. A pre-yatra checkup of all yatris planning for Amarnathji yatra should be made mandatory for all. Elderly pilgrims (>65 years) and those with any morbidity who are undertaking for yatra by foot/surface transport should be well-informed about the potential health hazards of the yatra. JMS 2012;15(2):170-73

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