Chardham Yatra By Charter
Chardham Yatra, an important pilgrimage for Hindus, encompasses visits to four holy sites in the Indian Himalayas: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. For those looking to undertake this journey with convenience and reduced travel time, chartering a helicopter has become an increasingly popular option. Here’s an overview of what you can expect when you opt for Chardham Yatra by charter:
### Key Features
1. **Time-Efficient Travel:**
– The entire pilgrimage, which traditionally takes around 10-12 days by road, can be completed in 4-5 days by helicopter.
– Direct flights between the holy sites minimize travel time and offer a more comfortable experience.
2. **Comfort and Convenience:**
– Helicopter services provide easy access to remote and challenging locations.
– VIP services often include comfortable waiting lounges, hassle-free boarding, and assistance with local transportation and accommodation.
3. **Panoramic Views:**
– Aerial views of the majestic Himalayas and picturesque landscapes add a unique dimension to the spiritual journey.
4. **Customized Itineraries:**
– Charter services offer flexibility in planning, allowing pilgrims to customize their itinerary according to their preferences and requirements.
### Typical Itinerary
While the itinerary can be customized, a standard 5-day Chardham Yatra by helicopter might look like this:
1. **Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun**
– Arrive in Dehradun, check into a hotel, and attend a briefing about the pilgrimage.
2. **Day 2: Dehradun to Yamunotri**
– Fly from Dehradun to Kharsali, the helipad for Yamunotri.
– Pony/palki ride or trek to Yamunotri temple.
– Return to Kharsali and fly back to Dehradun.
3. **Day 3: Dehradun to Gangotri**
– Fly from Dehradun to Harsil, the helipad for Gangotri.
– Drive to Gangotri temple, perform darshan, and return to Harsil.
– Fly back to Dehradun.
4. **Day 4: Dehradun to Kedarnath**
– Fly from Dehradun to Phata/Sersi, the helipad for Kedarnath.
– Fly in a shuttle from Phata/Sersi to Kedarnath.
– Perform darshan and return to Phata/Sersi.
– Fly back to Dehradun.
5. **Day 5: Dehradun to Badrinath**
– Fly from Dehradun to Badrinath helipad.
– Visit the Badrinath temple, perform darshan, and explore Mana village if time permits.
– Fly back to Dehradun and depart for onward journey.
### Cost and Booking
The cost of the Chardham Yatra by helicopter varies based on the service provider, the type of helicopter, and the level of services included. As of 2024, the price range is approximately INR 1.5 to 2.5 lakhs per person. It’s advisable to book well in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season from April to October.
### Providers and Services
Several operators offer Chardham Yatra by charter, such as:
– Pawan Hans
– Heritage Aviation
– Thumby Aviation
– Himalayan Heli Services
### Important Tips
– **Weather Conditions:** Be prepared for possible delays or rescheduling due to weather conditions.
– **Health and Fitness:** Ensure you are physically fit for high-altitude travel and consult your doctor if needed.
– **Packing:** Pack light but include essentials like warm clothing, comfortable shoes, necessary medications, and basic toiletries.
– **Documentation:** Carry identification documents, medical insurance, and relevant permits.
Opting for Chardham Yatra by charter helicopter provides a blend of convenience, comfort, and a unique perspective of the sacred journey, making it an appealing choice for modern pilgrims.
The Chardham Yatra is a significant pilgrimage in India that involves visiting four holy sites: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Doing the Chardham Yatra by charter helicopter is a luxurious and time-efficient way to complete this spiritual journey, typically taking around 4-5 days instead of the traditional 10-12 days by road.
### Highlights of Chardham Yatra by Charter Helicopter
1. **Time Efficiency**: The entire pilgrimage is condensed into a few days, making it ideal for those with time constraints.
2. **Comfort and Convenience**: Helicopter travel reduces the physical strain associated with road journeys in mountainous terrain.
3. **Scenic Views**: Aerial views of the Himalayas and the holy shrines provide a unique and breathtaking perspective.
4. **VIP Darshan**: Many packages include VIP passes for quicker access to the temples, bypassing long queues.
5. **Accommodation and Meals**: Packages typically include stays in high-quality hotels or guesthouses and meals, ensuring a comfortable experience.
### Sample Itinerary
**Day 1: Dehradun – Yamunotri**
– Departure from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun.
– Fly to Kharsali Helipad for Yamunotri.
– Visit Yamunotri Temple.
– Overnight stay in Kharsali.
**Day 2: Yamunotri – Gangotri**
– Fly from Kharsali to Harsil Helipad.
– Transfer to Gangotri by road.
– Visit Gangotri Temple.
– Overnight stay in Harsil.
**Day 3: Gangotri – Kedarnath**
– Fly from Harsil to Phata/Sersi Helipad.
– Transfer to Kedarnath by helicopter shuttle.
– Visit Kedarnath Temple.
– Overnight stay in Kedarnath or Phata/Sersi.
**Day 4: Kedarnath – Badrinath**
– Fly from Kedarnath/Phata/Sersi to Badrinath.
– Visit Badrinath Temple.
– Overnight stay in Badrinath.
**Day 5: Badrinath – Dehradun**
– Fly from Badrinath to Dehradun.
– Return to Dehradun, concluding the Yatra.
### Inclusions
– Helicopter flights between the shrines.
– VIP darshan passes.
– Accommodation in premium hotels or guesthouses.
– All meals (vegetarian) during the Yatra.
– Local transport and transfers.
### Things to Consider
– **Weather Conditions**: Helicopter services are highly dependent on weather conditions, so delays and rescheduling may occur.
– **Health and Fitness**: Consult with a healthcare provider if you have health concerns, as some locations are at high altitudes.
– **Travel Insurance**: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unforeseen circumstances.
### Popular Charter Service Providers
– Pawan Hans
– Heritage Aviation
– Aryan Aviation
– UTair India
– Himalayan Heli Services
Each service provider may offer different packages, so it’s a good idea to compare options based on your preferences and budget. Booking well in advance is recommended, especially during peak pilgrimage seasons.