Chardham Yatra is one of the holiest journeys that every Hindu aspires to undertake at least once in their lifetime. The sacred journey encompasses a visit to four holy sites including Gangotri, Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The traditional journey to Chardham is full of challenges as all the Chardham sites are located at very high altitudes and pilgrims will have to trek to reach these destinations. The unexpected weather and challenging routes can make the journey even more difficult. Helicopter yatra can be the best way to combat these challenges and have a fuss-free yatra. Even seniors and those with limited mobility can undertake the Chardham helicopter yatra. Let’s take a look at the important things you need to know if you have decided to undertake the Chardham Yatra by helicopter.
Benefits of Chardham Helicopter Yatra
Let’s take a look at the advantages of the Chardham helicopter journey.
Accessibility: Unlike the traditional journey that is full of challenges the Chardham helicopter journey allows everyone to undertake the yatra. Whether you have mobility issues, you’re a senior citizen, or a pregnant woman the helicopter journey enables everyone to undertake the yatra with ease.
Time Efficiency: The helicopter journey is ideal for those who do not have extensive time to undertake the Chardham yatra. With the helicopter yatra, you can cut down on time and enjoy the sacred pilgrimage to the fullest. The helicopter yatra allows you to focus on the spiritual yatra without worrying about logistic challenges.
Safe: A helicopter journey is very safe and secure as several safety measures are put in place by the helicopter company to ensure the safety of the passengers. Experienced pilots are appointed by the airlines to operate the helicopters efficiently. Comprehensive pre-flight inspections are carried out before each flight and the flights are equipped with all the safety features including emergency exits and life jackets.
Scenic Beauty: During the helicopter journey you can savor the most breathtaking views that are impossible to experience during the traditional journey. From hundreds of meters above the sky, you can enjoy spectacular views of the lush green valleys, Himalayan ranges, beautiful rivers, and hidden villages. You can even click pictures of the aerial views to ensure you can have the best memories of the trip.
Exceptional Comfort and Luxury: If you’re someone who likes to have a comfortable and luxurious trip then you can’t find a better option than the helicopter yatra. Helicopters are well-equipped with all the modern facilities such as comfortable seats, high-tech equipment, and advanced navigation systems. The crew is always available to assist you during the journey.
- Char Dham Yatra Helicopter Yatra Average Trip Duration: 5 Days/ 5 Nights, 2 Days/ 1 Night
- Starting Point: Dehradun’s Sahastradhara helipad
- Starting Time: At 7:00 AM helicopter journey starts (You’re advised to reach the helipad at least two hours before your scheduled time)
- Char Dham Helicopters Packages Starting Price: The starting price is around INR 1.3 Lakh to 1.6 Lakh Per Person (for both 6-day and 2 days packages)
Passenger Guidelines for Chardham Helicopter Yatra
- On helicopters, you can carry only 5 kg of luggage. Pack only the necessary items, preferably in a handbag as for larger containers the helicopter may not have enough space. Before take-off weighing procedure is conducted by the pilot to ensure safe flying.
- During the helicopter journey, you should carry a medical kit to deal with any kind of medical emergencies that may arise during the yatra.
- The Chardham sites remain cold throughout the year. You are advised to carry enough woolen clothes such as jackets, coats, sweaters, caps, woolen socks, and thermals.
- All passengers should carry their identification cards. If you’re a foreign national you should carry your passport and Indians should carry their Aadhar card.
- You will have to provide your medical fitness certificates to your service provider to check if you’re fit for traveling to high-altitude areas.
- Bad weather conditions, VVIP movements, Indian Air Force valley flying, delays in clearance from Civil Aviation and Air Force, and helicopter technical snags can lead to postponed or no flying.
- If you decide to stay more than the days that are mentioned in packages you will have to bear the expenses on your own.
- Ensure you have gone through all the important cancellation policies and terms and conditions of the service provider before choosing the travel package.
- For differently-abled passengers and senior citizens, 5 nights/6 days packages are the best as there will be optimum time for Darshan.
- The departure timing of all helicopters from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun is around 7:00 AM. So, arrive before two hours at least to avoid issues.
- Except for one-day packages food is provided with all the other packages. On the way, you can get street food at a few places.
Terms and Conditions
- The helicopter’s timings are subject to change as per the weather conditions and unexpected events.
- You will have to deposit the full amount of the journey about a month before the yatra. The amount can be split into two parts. You can pay 50% of the amount in advance for booking and before the yatra, you can pay the rest.
- Complimentary food may be offered with the travel package you have selected.
- The package you have selected may not have GST clubbed with the prices, so it is important for you to clarify the same.
- You will have to purchase a full ticket for children above the age of 2.
- For children, differently-abled and senior citizens, no special provisions are there. But if required, you should mention it well in advance to make the required arrangements.
Guidelines for Chardham Helicopter Yatra
We bring to you a list of the important guidelines that passengers need to follow if they have decided to undertake the Chardham helicopter journey. As per the guidelines provided by your tour company, you should carry less baggage as limited items can be accommodated in the helicopter.
- Keep a Check on Your Health: – At high altitudes, the weather is very cold. The temperature can go down to even sub-zero levels at night. Acclimatize yourself and keep a check on your health and fitness.
- Photography: – Portable camcorders/still cameras are permitted in Himalayan ranges. However, you should not use them in the prohibited areas. Do not click pictures or make videos in restricted areas.
- Correspondence: – In the Chardham sites, connectivity issues can be there. Out of all the mobile networks, BSNL works the best in these regions.
- Emergency contact: – Please encourage your friends and family members to contact the emergency number that your guide has provided.
Conclusion
The Chardham helicopter yatra is one of the most convenient ways to undertake the sacred pilgrimage as you do not have to deal with the challenges associated with a traditional journey. Though a helicopter yatra is a bit costlier than the traditional journey it offers tons of benefits allowing you to focus on the pilgrimage to the fullest. You can enjoy breathtaking aerial views from the flight and enjoy the best amenities during the yatra. Even if you have limited time or you’re a senior citizen helicopter journey is suitable for everyone.
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