The term char means 4 and Dham means religious places of worship. Char Dham Yatra is a holy pilgrimage that is extremely important for the Hindu population of the world. The pilgrimage takes the pilgrims across various Char Dham portals of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. The pilgrimage was established by Adi Shankaracharya during the 6th – 7th century. Char Dham Yatra takes place in the Garhwal Himalayas and is an extremely pious one. Traditionally the pilgrimage starts off from Yamunotri and goes towards Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally terminates at Badrinath. With time the Char Dham Yatra has become more accessible and reachable to more pilgrims from all over the world. There are roadways, railways, and helicopter services available to make the journey of devotees even more convenient.
Q-1: How Can I Go For Char Dham Yatra By Helicopter From Delhi?
Ans: The helicopter ride for Char Dham starts off from the Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun. The trip covers all the Char Dham temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. One can even go to one or all 4 Dham temples through helicopter rides. From Delhi, one can travel to Dehradun by flight, train, or even by road.
Q-2: When Does The Char Dham Yatra Begin?
Ans: The Char Dham Yatra begins during the early summer months of April to May. The temple doors open up annually during the holy eve of Akshaya Tritiya. After remaining open for 6 months, it shuts down during the winter months of Diwali and Bhai Dooj.
Q-3: How Much Does A Helicopter Ticket For A Char Dham Yatra Cost?
Ans: A typical Char Dham Yatra helicopter ticket costs between 2,00,000/- rupees to 2,20,000/- rupees. This includes 6 days and 5 nights of stay, smooth transfers, and pick up and drop off service.
Q-4: What Is A Typical Itinerary For Char Dham Yatra By Helicopter?
Ans: Typically the helicopter trip for Char Dham starts off from the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun. It then goes on to any of the nearest helipads to the temple. The following route map can be followed: Sahastradhara helipad – Kharsali Helipad (Yamunotri) – Gangotri Helipad (Gangotri) – Sitapur / Sersi / Phata etc. helipad (Kedarnath) – Badrinath helipad (Badrinath).
Q-5: What Documents Should I Carry During The Helicopter Yatra For Char Dham?
Ans: In the case of an international tourist, one should carry their latest and updated passport along with a valid identification card. For a domestic pilgrim, one should carry their Yatri registration card and valid identification proof like a voter ID Card, Passport, Aadhar Card, Driver’s Licence, etc. Remember to only carry valid and latest, updated identification proof.
Q-6: What Essentials Should I Carry For A Helicopter Journey To Char Dham?
Ans: Must carry essentials for Char Dham Yatra include – woollen clothing items, extra pair of warm socks, gloves, muffler, reflector glasses, ear muffs, etc. Remember that the luggage limit for helicopters is just 5-6 kg. If the luggage is more than that then the helicopter crew reserves the right to get rid of extra luggage.
Q-7: Do Helicopter Services Come With A Wheelchair Service For People Who May Need It?
Ans: Yes. Many helicopter companies provide wheelchair accessibility to pilgrims that are wheelchair-bound. These passengers are requested to inform the helicopter service provider company beforehand so that all the appropriate arrangements are made beforehand.
Q-8: Are There Way Helicopter Tickets Available For Helicopter Trips?
Ans: Yes. There are one-way tickets for Char Dham temples available. There are two-way tickets also available. One can reach out to the company for more information regarding a one-way ticket for Char Dham by helicopter.
Q-9: Can I Travel with My 2-Year-Old and Is There Any Concession on the Toddler’s Ticket?
Ans: It is usually advised for parents to not take their toddlers on a helicopter trip to high-altitude regions as it may prove to be extremely uncomfortable for them. Children over the age of 4 are preferred to go rather than toddlers. Sadly, there are no concessions given on toddler tickets. They will be booking the ticket at the same price as an adult ticket.
Q-10: Will I Have To Walk After Reaching Kedarnath Helipad To Get To Kedarnath Dham Temple?
Ans: The helicopter will drop off the passengers at the nearest helipad for Kedarnath. There are several helipads near the temple of Kedarnath which are Sersi, Phata, Sitapur, etc. After reaching the helipad, the passengers will be transferred to a government chopper. This is done as per the instructions of the government. The government chopper will drop off the passengers at the Kedarnath helipad which is just 500 meters from the main temple. People who have the Kedarnath helicopter ticket will not have to trek up to the temple.
Q-11: Is There Any Special Darshan Ticket For Char Dham Yatra By Helicopter Ticket?
Ans: Yes. Pilgrims who have the helicopter yatra package for Char Dham can avail of the VIP Darshan experience. This means that through the VIP Darshan Pass, one can skip the long waiting lines outside the temple and offer their Darshan quickly. This really cuts down on your travel time substantially.
Q-12: How to Reach the Yamunotri Temple from the Yamunotri Helipad?
Ans: The Yamunotri Helipad, also known as Kharsali Helipad, is the closest helipad to the Yamunotri Temple. From the Kharsali Helipad, a taxi will transfer pilgrims to the starting point of the Yamunotri Temple. From there on the trek from the starting point of the temple will begin via a pony or a Doli Ride. The entire trekking route is 6 km and can be reached easily.
Q-12: What Is The Cancellation Policy For Char Dham By Helicopter?
Ans: The cancellation policy for every company differs from each other. It is important for you to educate yourself regarding the cancellation policy prior to even booking your tour package for Char Dham by helicopter. This is a vital part of the planning that often gets overlooked by many.
Q-13: What Is The Flight Duration From Sahastradhara Helipad To Yamunotri?
Ans: The flight journey from Sahastradhara helipad to Yamunotri takes 45 minutes to cover. Most of the flight journey doesn’t take more than that no matter where you are going for the Char Dham Yatra.
Q-14: What Are Some Must-Visit Places In Badrinath?
Ans: Other than the temple one can visit some interesting tourist attractions around the region such as – Vyas Gufa, Bheem Pul, Mana Village, Vasudhara Waterfall, etc. All these places are incredibly interesting to visit.
Conclusions
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter is one of the easiest and most convenient ways of traveling. It is especially preferred by people who are traveling from far away on a limited number of holidays. It is also the perfect choice for senior citizens or physically incapable people. The amenities, Darshan passes and service quality is worth every penny you spend on the helicopter tickets.
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