The spiritually evoking Char Dham Yatra keeps leveling up. What used to seem like an impossible task for many Indians centuries ago, has now turned into a journey that is comfortable and very smooth. One of the most revolutionary steps in making Char Dham more comfortable and luxurious for all was the introduction of helicopter trips.
Among all the various kinds of Chardham Packages available online, Chardham Yatra by Helicopter is the bestselling. Ditching hours and hours of walking and struggling along the mountainous terrain is a thing of the past, helicopter pilgrimage is the future.
If going on Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter is something you are planning, then here is the ultimate guide to Chardham Yatra by Helicopter, which will tell you exactly what you need to do and expect from the helicopter trip.
Timings – The helicopter trip to Char Dham commences from the Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun. Since there are too many pilgrims making their way to the temples at the same time, during the on-season, it is important for every helicopter Yatri to be on time at the helipad.
Pilgrims are expected to reach at least one hour before the scheduled departure time in order to complete some remaining formalities like filling up forms, going through security checks, and receiving an instructional briefing. If you are not there on time the helicopter will not be waiting for you to come, instead, they would simply leave without you. Punctuality is key.
Brief itinerary of Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter – The itinerary for Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter follows the given route:
Sahastradhara Helipad – Kharsali (Yamunotri) – Harsil (Gangotri) – Sirsi / Sitapur / Phata (Kedarnath) – Badrinath helipad
This helicopter itinerary will cover all the temples of Char Dham and it takes 4 days and 3 nights to cover. There are also options available for the Do Dham Yatra where the following itinerary is as follows:
Sahastradhara Helipad – Guptkashi / Sirsi / Phata / Sitapur helipad (Kedarnath) – Badrinath helipad.
These itineraries also show that they cover some other interesting places to visit around Char Dham for a more exciting and fun trip.
Booking the right Helicopter Char Dham Package – There are several private travel companies that offer Char Dham Yatra Packages and a helicopter trip is one of them. Go for the company that is the most reliable depending on the reviews of past guests or go ahead and call them to clarify any queries or book any packages. Some travel companies even give you the offer of creating your own itinerary by including places you wish to visit.
There are government Char Dham helicopter service providers as well. There is also an option available for private or VIP Char Dham Darshan by Helicopter. Make sure to check with the official website and go for the ones approved by the government.
Rules to follow during the Helicopter Trip – Proper weight distribution is the most important factor in maintaining the balance of the helicopter and ensuring safety for the passengers and the crew on board. The helicopter companies allow just 5 kg of baggage weight so avoid carrying large heavy luggage as they won’t be approved by the Heli Company to carry. Only carry essentials in a small duffle bag.
Always follow all the instructions given to you by the service provider company as they can even ask you to leave if they see you as a threat in any way. They can cancel the trip without giving any reason whatsoever.
Essentials to Carry in Duffle Bag – You won’t be able to carry large wheel bags or suitcases in the helicopter. Make sure that the bag you carry is small, compact, and easy to carry. Do not fill the bag with woolen clothes as it will only increase the weight and will be of not much use. Wear as many layers as you can and wrap yourself in a shawl.
Inside the duffle bag, you can carry some extra pair of warm clothing, a towel (if you decided to take a dip in the hot water spring), medicines like anti-fever, anti-motion sickness, anti-viral, pain medication, or any other medicine that you may need, extra portable charger, dry fruits, chocolate, sunglasses, and water.
Important Documents – During the helicopter trip you will be required to show certain documents for cross-checking, record keeping, and scanning. These documents include the latest identification like a driving license, Aadhaar Card, or Voter Id Card. Foreigners or NRIs traveling from abroad will have to carry their passports as well. Other than the IDs you need to have a VIP Darshan Pass and a Yatri registration pass that the officials in charge in Char Dham temples may ask you to show.
Advantages of Choosing a Helicopter Trip for Char Dham – Char Dham Yatra is a lifelong dream for many. However, with age or due to certain uncontrollable circumstances, some people are unable to go on foot or by road. That’s when the helicopter trip comes in. The Char Dham Helicopter Packages offer smooth pick-up drop services, stay in comfortable accommodations, and proper transfers from the helipad to the temple in a private car and VIP Darshan Pass that will allow you to skip the long waiting lines outside the temple entrance.
If you are traveling with your family and kids or are traveling from somewhere far, then a helicopter trip would be the surest and quickest way of completing the holy pilgrimage.
What to Expect during the Helicopter Trip – The helicopter trip will cut down your travel time from 10 or 12 days to 3 to 4 days. You can expect quick services from an experienced staff of people who will help you in making the journey as smooth and memorable as possible. The bird’s eye view of the entire Garhwal Himalayan valley will be a breathtaking experience that will remain close to your heart for a very long time. Expect to get wowed during your helicopter trip to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Food and Accommodation Expectations – A Char Dham Helicopter Package will get you to some of the best hotels and accommodation available on the hills. Remember that being situated on such high elevations, with very little connectivity to the big cities, and the fact that these hotels remain shut for 6 months owing to the harsh weather, the hotels here won’t be like the five-star hotels on the plains. Keep your expectations low with accommodations and be a little bit more adjusting and understanding.
This ultimate guide to Char Dham Yatra by helicopter covers every topic that you need to know about before, during, and after the trip.
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