The Amarnath Yatra is a highly sacred journey to reach the pious Amarnath Cave, located in Jammu & Kashmir. Dedicated to Lord Shiva, Amarnath Shrine houses the growing and shrinking Shiva Lingam made of ice which devotees flock to seek Darshan of. The Amarnath Yatra by helicopter is an alternative way to the otherwise strenuous trekking route to the holy shrine. This highly convenient and luxurious Amarnath Ji Darshan via Helicopter saves you time as well. That’s why many people opt for Amarnath Yatra helicopter packages. Located at a high altitude of 3,888 metres, the Amarnath journey is one of devotion, endurance, and sheer faith!
Legend & Significance of Amarnath Shrine
Amarnath Yatra formally began in the 19th century after it was organised by the Maharaja of Jammu & Kashmir And the legend of the Amarnath Shrine goes even beyond that time.
As per Hindu mythology, Amarnath Cave is where Lord Shiva revealed the secret of immortality (Amar Katha) to his consort Goddess Parvati. To make sure the secret doesn’t reach anybody else’s ears, he one by one left behind all his companions:
- Nandi (the bull) at Pahalgam
- Moon at Chandanwari
- Sheshnag at Sheshnag Lake
- Ganesha at Mahagunas Parvat
He also created Rudra Fire to destroy everything and all living beings so that absolutely no one could hear the secret for eternal life. However, the cave had a pair of hidden pigeon eggs that survived the Fire. Those pigeons heard the Amar Katha and became immortal. It’s said that we could still see those two birds flying around the cave.
Significance
The Amarnath Yatra holds a special significance in the hearts of Shiva’s devotees for many reasons, such as:
The Formation of Lingam: Here, a naturally occurring Shiva Lingam of ice is formed every year – water from the ceiling drips and freezes as it comes down. Moreover, the Lingam grows and shrinks as the moon waxes and wanes.
Shiva Dham: Amarnath is one of the five most sacred Shiva Dhams in the world, other than Kedarnath, Somnath, Kashi Vishwanath, and Rameshwaram.
Pilgrimage Tradition: For lakhs of devotees, it’s now a yearly ritual to go on Amarnath Yatra by helicopter or via other ways, and seek the blessing of Lord Shiva.
Best Time to Visit Amarnath Temple
The best time to go on Amarnath Yatra by helicopter is from mid-June to mid-July. Not only do you get the best Amarnath Ji Darshan experience (the Lingam formation is at its peak), but the weather also favours your journey. The official Amarnath Yatra, however, lasts from June to August. Here’s a month-wise breakdown:
June: The opening weeks of the Amarnath Yatra greet you with overall cool weather. Moreover, the Shiva Lingam is well-formed around this time. You can also start booking Amarnath Yatra helicopter packages from this month.
July: Mid-July is highly suitable for the Amarnath Yatra tour by helicopter. The weather is stable and the Lingam is in good shape as well. Also, there is a significantly less chance of rain, as compared to August.
August: The last weeks of the Yatra experience the melting of Lingam as the temperatures start to soar. It’s also not the best time to purchase an Amarnath Yatra helicopter package as rains may disrupt flight operations. But if you prefer Amarnath Yatra to be less crowded, then August could be a good fit for you.
How to Book Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter Tickets 2025?
The Amarnath Yatra by helicopter is a convenient way to reach the holy cave and offer prayers to the gods. You can skip the challenging trek travel and rather fly to the Amarnath Shrine in utter luxury and comfort. Here’s a guide to book your helicopter ride to the Amarnath Cave Shrine:
1. Get Yourself Registered for Amarnath Yatra
Registration for the Amarnath tour is compulsory before you book the helicopter. Visit the official Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) website. Pick your Amarnath travel dates and through designated banks, apply for registration. After registration, a Yatra permit will be generated which is the first step for booking a helicopter for the Amarnath Yatra.
2. Choose the Helicopter Route
There are basically two routes for Amarnath Yatra by helicopter:
a) Baltal Route (Shortest Route)
- Helipad: Neelgrath
- Route: Neelgrath → Panchtarni → 6 km trek to Amarnath Cave
- Flight Duration: 10minutes
b) Pahalgam Route (More Scenic Route)
- Helipad: Pahalgam
- Route: Pahalgam → Panchtarni → 6 km trek to Amarnath Cave
- Flight Duration: 15 minutes
3. Book Helicopter Tickets
You have three options to book a helicopter ride to the Amarnath Cave Shrine:
a) Amarnath Shrine Board website
Visit the official website. Then go to the booking links provided there for authorized helicopter operators.
b) Approved Helicopter Operators
For Amarnath Yatra by helicopter, SASB releases a list every year of authorised helicopter agents that you can book your ride with. Some common operators include Pawan Hans, Himalayan Heli Services, Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd, etc.
c) Offline Helicopter Booking
Some counters could be available at Srinagar, Baltal, or Pahalgam that provide offline helicopter booking for Amarnath Yatra.
4. Make Payment and Get Yatra Permit
Make payment. And after successful confirmation, you’ll receive your helicopter ticket to Amarnath via SMS/email. Download the ticket and carry it along with your Yatra Permit and ID proof to the helipad.
5. Board the Helicopter
Reach the helipad an hour or earlier than the take-off. Show your documents and board the helicopter for Amarnath Yatra.
Why Choose Us for Amarnath Yatra Helicopter Package?
We are seasoned Amarnath Yatra package providers. With an array of satisfied customers and having successfully completed a large number of Amarnath Yatra by helicopter, our services speak for themselves.
Our Amarnath Yatra helicopter package takes care of all your tour needs such as accommodation, meals, local movements, helicopter booking, VIP Darshan, guided tours, and more. Moreover, our Amarnath Yatra packages are highly customizable – tailored right down to your needs and demands!
The Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter package comes with a plethora of amenities, services, and a well-rounded luxury experience. In just 3 days and 2 nights, you will be able to complete the entire trip – all in sheer comfort and luxury.
So don’t wait, book your Amarnath Yatra tour by Helicopter today and add a new and unique chapter to your spiritual journey.
Helipads for Your Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter
There are basically two helipads for Amarnath Yatra:
Neelgrath
This is the base helipad for Amarnath which is accessible via road. Situated at an altitude of 8,935 feet, this government helipad is very near to touristy locations like Sonmarg (4 km), Baltal (12 km), and Srinagar (84 km; a 2-3 hour drive). Moreover, you can find a great deal of hotels at nearby Sonmarg. Many devotees choose to stay at these lodgings when en route to Amarnath Ji Yatra by helicopter.
Lower-Cave Helipad
After you take off from the Neelgrath helipad, you land at another helipad – Lower-cave helipad. And it is just 500 metre away from the Amarnath holy cave. Pilgrims land at this helipad, complete their Darshan and head back to it, and then get flown back to the Neelgrath helipad.
It’s highly recommended to not trek after reaching the Lower-Cave helipad as it’s located at a very high altitude of 12,500 feet. On this second leg of Amarnath Yatra by helicopter, take Palki or horse and save yourself exertion.
Best Places to Visit on Amarnath Yatra Tour Packages
The Amarnath Yatra by helicopter is not just an opportunity for pilgrimage, it’s also an invitation to bask in the glorious natural beauty of the mountains and admire nearby locations. Here are some of the best places that you must visit on your Amarnath Yatra Tour Packages:
1. Amarnath Cave Temple
This is the main shrine and the star spot for your entire Amarnath Yatra tour by Helicopter! Watch the Ice Lingam that is naturally formed, in addition to witnessing and taking part in temple rituals like Aarti, Shiva chants, Abhishekam, etc. The Himalayan peaks in the backdrop just add to the whole vibe.
2. Panchtarni
Panchtarni is the last spot of your helicopter ride. It marks the beginning of the 6 km-long trek to the Amarnath Cave. Moreover, many devotees choose to stay here for a little rest before going upwards to the Shrine. Moreover, the scenic valley, surrounded by five streams, makes your stay every bit worthwhile.
3. Baltal
Baltal is one of the starting points for Amarnath Cave. Pilgrims often stay here to view its lush meadows, forested mountains, and majestic glaciers.
4. Pahalgam
On the traditional route, Pahalgam serves as a popular base camp for Amarnath Yatra. While you’re there, don’t forget to enjoy the larger-than-life views of Lidder River, Betaab Valley (a popular location for Bollywood film shootings!), and verdant valleys.
5. Sheshnag Lake
You’ll stumble upon this lake if you take the traditional Pahalgam route. It’s also believed to be the home of the mythical serpent “Sheshnag”. Well, snake or no snake, you can definitely enjoy the photogenic snow-clad peaks and the awe-inspiring beauty of the glacial lake.
6. Chandanwari
It serves as a popular stopover on the Amarnath Yatra. Get ready to watch one of the most stunning landscapes and snow-covered trails.
7. Sonmarg
Your Amarnath Yatra by helicopter packages can use some sites purely for scenic satisfaction. Sonmarg, famous for its beautiful glaciers and golden meadows, attracts tourists easily. Here, relish the beauty of Thajiwas Glacier and Zoji La Pass that connects to the vast Ladakh.
8. Srinagar
Having a reputation of being a paradise on Earth, it warrants an addition to your tour, either before or after Amarnath Ji Darshan via Helicopter. Shankaracharya Temple, Dal Lake, Chashme Shahi, and Nishat Bagh are must-visit locations on your Amarnath Yatra by helicopter.
Top Things to Do on Your Amarnath Yatra by Helicopter
There are plenty of activities that you can do on your Amarnath Yatra by helicopter. From enjoying picturesque landscapes to taking part in the holy activities to enjoying the local culture, here are the top things to do on your Amarnath Yatra Tour Packages:
1. Seek Darshan of Sacred Shiva Lingam
Witness the fully ice-made Shiva Lingam inside the Amarnath cave. Offer your hearty prayers to God and seek blessings. Chant ‘Om Namah Shivaya’ while you proceed to the cave as well as while you are inside. Take part in Aarti and feel the divine vibrations all around!
2. Visit the Places Nearby
Add Pahalgam and Sheshnag Lake to your Amarnath Yatra by helicopter itinerary for experiencing both serene valleys and spirituality. Visit Baltal Valley for soaking in its verdant green meadows.
3. Take a Holy Dip in Amarnath Stream
Amarnath Stream, also known as Amravati River, is believed to cleanse sins and purify the souls of people who take dips in its holy waters.
4. Taste the Local Kashmiri Cuisine
Kashmiri cuisine is delicious. On your Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter, try things like Kahwa (saffron tea), Rogan Josh, Dum Aloo, and Kashmiri Pulao.
5. Shop for Souvenirs
You can go to markets in Srinagar (Lal Chowk Market, Polo View Market, Floating Market, etc.) or Pahalgam (Main Market Pahalgam, Zamindar Gali Market, Old Pahalgam Market, etc.) to shop for local Kashmiri items like:
- Pashmina Shawls
- Kashmiri Carpets
- Kashmiri Spices & Tea (like Kahwa)
- Dry Fruits & Saffron
- Kashmiri Willow Bats
- Traditional Kashmiri Jewellery made with Kashmiri craftsmanship
- Wooden Handicrafts
Safety Guidelines
- While you’re inside the helicopter, keep your seat belt fastened.
- Refrain from walking towards the helicopter's rear as the tail rotor is dangerous and can lead to accidents.
- While you’re inside the helicopter, keep your phones switched off for the entire duration of the trip.
- Inflammable and sharp objects like knives, firearms, lighters, matches, etc. are not allowed on the flight.
- Inform the ground staff if you feel any discomfort in your ears.
- Intoxicated passengers are not allowed to board the helicopter. Consuming alcohol and smoking inside the helicopter is also prohibited.
- Refrain from touching the red handles present in the helicopter. They are for emergency purposes only.
Health Advisory
1. The Shri Amarnathji is located at a really high altitude of 13,500 feet which essentially means pilgrims have to brave extreme cold, reduced oxygen levels & air pressure, and low humidity. So be mentally prepared for it.
2. Since the Amarnath Yatra is concluded in a single day, the devotees won’t get time to acclimatize properly. So, the best way to do your Yatra is by not exerting yourself too much. Go slow and take a Horse/Palki wherever available.
3. Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): Once you go higher than 2,500 metres, AMS starts showing its symptoms. It’s also the most common type of mountain sickness that the pilgrims go through. Common symptoms include:
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of Appetite
- Dizziness
- Weakness
- Difficulty in Sleeping
- Fatigue
- Breathing Problems
4. High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE):This is a severe form of AMS and can even result in impairment of the brain. It mainly occurs during nighttime and can cause death within a few hours of its manifesting. The main symptoms include:
- Headache
- Visual Impairment
- Bowel Dysfunction
- Partial Paralysis
- Disorientation
- Fatigue
- Bladder Dysfunction
- Breathing problems
5. High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): This mountain sickness occurs due to fluid accumulation in the lungs. HAPE too manifests mainly at nighttime and if untreated, it can lead to respiratory failure. This mountain sickness is quite dangerous as it can lead to fatality within a few hours after its symptoms show up. Common symptoms include:
- Bright Red Stained Sputum
- Shortness of Breath even when Resting
- Chest Tightness
- Fatigue
- Drowsiness
- Increased Heart Rate
- Persistent Dry Cough
- Congestion
- Weakness
High Altitude Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s
- Before you undertake the Yatra, start a morning or evening walk for 4 to 5 km for at least a month. This will help you increase the oxygen efficiency of the body. It comes hand in the oxygen-deficient areas in the mountains.
- Wherever you find a Palki/Horse, take the service. This will help you avoid altitude sickness.
- Take intermittent breaks whenever you feel like it and catch your breath.
- If you notice symptoms like nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, extreme tiredness, etc, then report to a medical centre.
- For the Yatra, wear a tracksuit or comfortable pants.
- Keep a waterproof bag with you while doing your Yatra in order to store eatables and spare clothes.
- Keep your documents like ID Proof and Yatra permit handy.
- Carry sunblock, cold creams, and moisturizer to protect your skin.
Don’ts
- Don’t rest at places that have warning signs.
- Don’t exert too much as this can make you go breathless.
- Don’t ignore symptoms of altitude sickness like haziness, nausea, headache, etc.
- Don’t wear slippers while trekking. The steep rise and fall on the route might cause injury and difficulty in walking.
- Don’t take shortcuts as they could be dangerous.
- Stay in a group and trek with them. In case a mishap occurs, they can call for help.
What to Wear
The weather in the mountainous regions is unpredictable. Expect a mix of sunny, rainy, and snowy climates. It also gets quite cold, especially during the night. We recommend you to pack the following:
- Woollen Clothes like sweaters, jackets, thermal vests, etc.
- Waterproof trousers
- Rain gear: raincoat, umbrella, wind cheater, etc.
- Waterproof trekking shoes with good grip
Terms and Conditions
- The company is not liable in case a passenger sustains a bodily injury, accident, or death.
- Photography is not allowed at the helipad.
- Boarding would be denied if a passenger fails to produce a valid health certificate, signed and stamped by an authorised institute or doctor mentioned on the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board website www.shriamarnathjishrine.com.
- The passengers who are travelling together might not travel in the same helicopter flight. The ground staff reserves the right to regroup the passengers in order to fulfill the helicopter weight limitations.
- In case the helicopter gets overloaded, the helicopter authorities have the right to decide which passengers need to be offloaded.
- Passengers can carry a maximum of one bag which can weigh a maximum of up to 5 kg.
- As per the strict laws of the Shrine Board, senior citizens above the age of 75 years and children below 13 years of age are not allowed to undertake Amarnath Yatra.
- The company is not liable in case the helicopter flight gets cancelled or delayed due to any condition like bad weather or a force majeure situation.
- The company reserves the right to cancel the helicopter flight of unsafe passengers. For example, passengers who are unruly, abusive, mentally unbalanced, and/or intoxicated will be not allowed on flights and will be refunded as per our policies.
- The company is not liable in case a passenger loses their baggage.
- Expecting mothers over 36 weeks pregnant are not allowed to fly.
- Items like flammable liquids, radioactive materials, explosives, infectious substances, corrosives, and poisons are not allowed up in the flight.
Disputes
Any disputes arising because of the interpretation, legality, performance, or application of services, or any terms and conditions, will be undertaken by Delhi Jurisdiction’s laws.
Cancellation Policy
- If a passenger cancels their tour 15 days prior to the tour date, then they won’t be eligible for a refund.
- If they cancel the trip from 15 to 30 days before the tour commencement, 50% of the package cost will be refunded.
- If the passenger cancels the tour at least 30 days before the trip, they’ll get 90% of the booking price back.
- If due to any unavoidable reason or a force majeure situation, we can’t complete your journey, we’ll attempt it on the next day. And even if that’s not possible, we’ll cancel the tour and refund the unutilized amount subject to our refund policy.