Do Dham Yatra By Helicopter
The Do Dham Yatra, encompassing visits to Kedarnath and Badrinath, is a revered pilgrimage in India. Opting for a helicopter service provides a convenient, time-saving, and comfortable way to undertake this spiritual journey. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan the Do Dham Yatra by helicopter:
### Advantages of Helicopter Yatra
1. **Time-Efficient**: Reduces travel time significantly.
2. **Comfortable**: Avoids long and strenuous treks.
3. **Accessible**: Ideal for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims.
4. **Scenic Views**: Offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayas.
### Reputed Helicopter Service Providers
1. **Heritage Aviation**
2. **Pawan Hans**
3. **Thumby Aviation**
4. **UTair India**
5. **Aryan Aviation**
### Typical Itinerary
#### Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun
– **Check-in**: Arrive in Dehradun and check into a hotel.
– **Briefing**: Attend a briefing session about the upcoming yatra, provided by the helicopter service provider.
#### Day 2: Dehradun to Kedarnath
– **Early Morning Departure**: Depart from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun.
– **Flight to Phata/Sersi**: Fly to Phata or Sersi helipad (30-40 minutes).
– **Transfer to Kedarnath**: Board a shuttle service or a direct helicopter to Kedarnath helipad.
– **Darshan at Kedarnath Temple**: Enjoy VIP darshan at Kedarnath Temple.
– **Return to Phata/Sersi**: Return to Phata or Sersi helipad.
– **Fly to Badrinath**: Continue the journey to Badrinath helipad (time varies based on package).
#### Day 3: Badrinath to Dehradun
– **Darshan at Badrinath Temple**: Early morning darshan at Badrinath Temple.
– **Explore**: Visit nearby attractions like Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, and Bhim Pul if time permits.
– **Return to Dehradun**: Fly back to Dehradun by late afternoon or evening.
### Preparation and Packing Tips
1. **Clothing**: Carry warm clothes, as the weather can be cold and unpredictable.
2. **Footwear**: Wear comfortable walking shoes.
3. **Essentials**: Pack necessary medications, toiletries, snacks, and water.
4. **Documents**: Keep valid ID proofs, medical certificates (if required), and travel tickets handy.
5. **Luggage**: Travel light due to strict weight limits on helicopters.
### Booking a Helicopter Service
#### Steps to Book
1. **Research**: Look for reliable helicopter service providers.
2. **Compare**: Compare prices, packages, and services offered by different operators.
3. **Reviews**: Read reviews from previous pilgrims to gauge the quality of service.
4. **Advance Booking**: Secure your booking well in advance, especially during peak pilgrimage season (May to October).
#### Cost
The cost for the Do Dham Yatra by helicopter can range from INR 1.5 lakhs to 2.5 lakhs per person, depending on the operator and services included.
#### Inclusions
– **Round Trip Helicopter Ride**: Dehradun to Kedarnath, Kedarnath to Badrinath, and back to Dehradun.
– **VIP Darshan**: Priority access to Kedarnath and Badrinath temples.
– **Local Transfers**: Shuttle services between helipads and temples.
– **Meals**: Some packages include meals.
### Tips for a Smooth Journey
1. **Arrive Early**: Be at the helipad well before the scheduled departure time.
2. **Stay Hydrated**: Drink plenty of water, especially at high altitudes.
3. **Safety**: Follow all safety instructions provided by the helicopter staff.
4. **Weather Flexibility**: Be prepared for potential delays or rescheduling due to weather conditions.
### Conclusion
The Do Dham Yatra by helicopter offers a convenient and spiritually enriching way to visit the holy shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath. With careful planning and by choosing a reliable service provider, pilgrims can ensure a memorable and smooth journey to these sacred sites.
The Do Dham Yatra, encompassing visits to the holy shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath, is a spiritually significant pilgrimage in India. Opting for a helicopter service makes this journey more comfortable and efficient, especially given the challenging terrain. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan the best Do Dham Yatra by helicopter:
### Advantages of Helicopter Yatra
1. **Time Efficiency**: Significantly reduces travel time, allowing you to complete the pilgrimage in a single day.
2. **Comfort**: Avoids the strenuous trek, making it suitable for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims.
3. **Scenic Views**: Offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayas and valleys.
4. **Accessibility**: Ensures better access to remote temples.
### Recommended Helicopter Service Providers
1. **Heritage Aviation**
2. **Pawan Hans**
3. **Thumby Aviation**
4. **UTair India**
5. **Aryan Aviation**
### Typical Itinerary for Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter
#### Pre-Yatra Preparations
– **Arrival in Dehradun**: Arrive a day before the scheduled helicopter ride. Stay overnight in a comfortable hotel.
– **Briefing Session**: Attend a briefing session provided by the helicopter service provider to understand the schedule and safety protocols.
#### Day of Yatra
**Day 1: Kedarnath and Badrinath**
1. **Departure from Dehradun**
– **Location**: Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun.
– **Check-in Time**: Early morning (typically around 6:00 AM; the exact time will be communicated by the provider).
– **Flight Duration to Kedarnath**: Approximately 30-40 minutes to Phata/Sersi helipad.
2. **Kedarnath Darshan**
– **Transfer to Kedarnath**: From Phata/Sersi, take a shuttle service or direct helicopter to Kedarnath helipad.
– **VIP Darshan**: Enjoy a quick and hassle-free darshan with VIP passes.
– **Temple Visit**: Spend time at the temple offering prayers and experiencing the serene atmosphere.
3. **Return to Phata/Sersi and Departure to Badrinath**
– **Flight Duration**: Approximately 30-40 minutes from Phata/Sersi to Badrinath helipad.
4. **Badrinath Darshan**
– **VIP Darshan**: Proceed for a VIP darshan at the Badrinath temple.
– **Temple Visit and Local Sightseeing**: Explore nearby attractions like Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, and Bhim Pul, if time permits.
5. **Return to Dehradun**
– **Flight Duration**: Approximately 30-40 minutes back to Sahastradhara Helipad.
– **Arrival**: Late afternoon or early evening, depending on the schedule.
### Preparation and Packing Tips
1. **Clothing**: Carry warm clothes, as temperatures can be low, especially in the early morning and at high altitudes.
2. **Footwear**: Wear comfortable and sturdy walking shoes.
3. **Essentials**: Bring necessary medications, ID proofs, snacks, and water. Pack light due to strict weight limits on helicopters.
4. **Documents**: Keep all necessary documents, including booking confirmation and ID proofs, readily accessible.
### Booking the Helicopter Service
#### Steps to Book
1. **Research**: Look into various helicopter service providers and read reviews.
2. **Compare**: Compare prices, packages, and services offered.
3. **Book in Advance**: Secure your booking well in advance, especially during the peak season (May to October).
#### Cost
The cost for a Do Dham Yatra by helicopter typically ranges from INR 1.5 lakhs to 2.5 lakhs per person, depending on the provider and services included.
#### Inclusions
– **Round Trip Helicopter Ride**: Dehradun to Kedarnath, Kedarnath to Badrinath, and back to Dehradun.
– **VIP Darshan**: Priority access to both temples.
– **Local Transfers**: Shuttle services between helipads and the temples.
– **Meals**: Some packages may include meals or snacks.
### Tips for a Smooth Journey
1. **Be Punctual**: Arrive at the helipad well before the scheduled departure time.
2. **Stay Hydrated**: Drink plenty of water, especially at high altitudes.
3. **Follow Instructions**: Adhere to guidelines provided by the helicopter staff for safety.
4. **Weather Contingencies**: Be prepared for potential delays or rescheduling due to weather conditions.
### Conclusion
The Do Dham Yatra by helicopter offers a comfortable and spiritually enriching experience. By choosing a reliable service provider and planning carefully, you can ensure a memorable journey to the sacred shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath.