Char Dham Yatra
Our Chardham Heli-tour encompasses every little detail, comfort & charge you'll encounter on your entire yatra. Join Himalayan Heli on this sacred pilgrimage by booking on per seat basis, & get set for a journey of a lifetime.
Duration: 5 Nights / 6 Days (Including complimentary stay at Dehradun)
Itinerary: Dehradun → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Dehradun
Operational During: May to June (Pre-monsoon), Sep to Oct (Post-monsoon).
Package Includes
VIP Darshans are subject to the orders issued by the temple authorities and State government.
In view of our helicopters' weight carrying capacity, Himalayan Heli reserves the right to shuffle passengers between helicopters to manage the right weight for safe flying in the hills. Therefore, passengers travelling together may not be accommodated in the same helicopter flight.
FIXED FLIGHT TIMINGS: This is a Daily Fixed Departure Helicopter tour, and departure timings of each destination is fixed. Therefore, passengers must ensure they report as per the scheduled ETDs. However, Himalayan Heli reserves the right to change/postpone the timings of flying one day prior, subject to weather/force majeure reasons.
Passengers must submit their correct weights at the time of booking. Submitting incorrect weights may lead to passengers being debarred from boarding without any refunds.
BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE: Only one baggage weighing a maximum of 5 kgs is allowed per passenger. It Is not permitted to carry suitcases or big travel bags in the helicopter; therefore, duffle bags will be provided by our team to all passengers on the day of arrival. The 5 kg baggage limit must be maintained throughout the journey, and luggage weight would be checked at all the Dhams. In case of excess baggage weight, a penalty of INR 500 per kg will be applied, and baggage will only be loaded subject to the aircraft's weight carrying capacity. If the excess baggage exceeds permissible limits, it will be offloaded and not transported further.
Passengers are advised to pack thoughtfully to avoid any inconvenience.
Arrival/departure details must be provided at the time of booking, so that we can smoothly operate the tour.
Passengers should book Dehradun arrival flights reaching around 02:00 pm.
Kedarnath shuttle service: Passengers will be ferried to Kedarnath ji in a shuttle services flight. And it is likely that passengers travelling together may not be accommodated in a same flight.
Any sudden increase in taxes/levy by the State Government or the temple authorities, will be borne by the passengers.
If online yatra registration will be compulsory, then passengers will have to do the same prior to travel. In cases where the booking is made through a travel agency, the agency will be responsible for completing the online registration on behalf of the passengers.
Comfortable clothing such as tracksuits or Kurtas are advised on the tour. As for shoes, one should carry sports or trekking shoes.
Himalayan Heli has its own crew at all the Dhams. For assistance, they will be with the passengers always.
Infants below 2 years (Max 12 kg weight) are accommodated free of charge. For verification of age the child, ID proof/birth certificate of the child will be checked.
In case an infant is on board, the weight of the infant will reduce the total permissible weight of that respective group.
Any donations, tips, pitthu, extra porter charges shall be borne by the passengers.
Airport transfer shall be provided on the arrival day or maximum one day prior to the arrival day, and the same would be applicable for the drop at Dehradun Airport. Only 01 transfer would be provided for each side.
Network connectivity at Harsil & Badrinath is very poor. BSNL, Airtel & Jio are the main telecom services, that work in these regions mostly.
TEMPLE TIMINGS: The opening and closing timings of the Dham's often change every season. Our team carefully plans and schedules the flights for each group in accordance with the temple timings to ensure a smooth and well-coordinated pilgrimage experience.
All temples in Chardham sector are located at a high altitude, therefore passengers are advised to carry medication after consulting their doctor before travelling. Also, they are advised to carry warm clothing with them, because during evenings & nights, the temperature can drop drastically.
For the senior citizens and people with medical issues are hereby advised to kindly consult a doctor and get medical check-up done before commencing the yatra. Medical check-up is mainly required if a passenger has any medical ailment.
Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
Distance: 180 km | Travel Time: 7-8 hours
Morning: Drive from Haridwar to Barkot, enjoying scenic views.
Afternoon: Check-in, lunch, and rest.
Evening: Short walk, acclimatization. Overnight stay.
Day 2: Yamunotri Excursion
Distance: 36 km drive + 10 km trek
Morning: Drive to Janki Chatti, trek to Yamunotri Temple.
Afternoon: Darshan, dip in Surya Kund, return to Barkot.
Evening: Relax and overnight stay.
Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
Distance: 80 km | Travel Time: 4-5 hours
Morning: Drive to Uttarkashi.
Afternoon: Check-in, lunch, rest.
Evening: Visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple. Overnight stay.
Day 4: Gangotri Excursion
Distance: 100 km one way
Morning: Drive to Gangotri Temple, Bhagirathi River.
Afternoon: Darshan, return to Uttarkashi.
Evening: Rest and overnight stay.
Day 5: Uttarkashi to Guptkashi
Distance: 220 km | Travel Time: 7-8 hours
Morning: Drive via Rudraprayag, Devprayag.
Afternoon: Check-in, lunch, visit Ardh Narishwar Temple.
Evening: Rest and overnight stay.
Day 6: Guptkashi to Kedarnath
Distance: 30 km drive + 16 km trek
Morning: Drive to Gaurikund, trek to Kedarnath.
Afternoon: Check-in, lunch, temple darshan.
Evening: Attend Aarti, overnight stay.
Day 7: Kedarnath to Guptkashi
Distance: 16 km trek + 30 km drive
Morning: Darshan, trek down to Gaurikund.
Afternoon: Drive to Guptkashi, rest.
Evening: Overnight stay.
Day 8: Guptkashi to Badrinath
Distance: 185 km | Travel Time: 7-8 hours
Morning: Drive via Chopta, Joshimath.
Afternoon: Check-in, visit Badrinath Temple, Tapt Kund.
Evening: Aarti, overnight stay.
Day 9: Badrinath to Rudraprayag
Distance: 160 km | Travel Time: 5-6 hours
Morning: Visit Mana Village, Vyas Gufa, Bhim Pul.
Afternoon: Drive to Rudraprayag, check-in, visit river confluence.
Evening: Overnight stay.
Day 10: Rudraprayag to Haridwar
Distance: 160 km | Travel Time: 6-7 hours
Morning: Drive to Haridwar via Rishikesh.
Afternoon: Lunch en route.
Evening: Arrive in Haridwar, optional Ganga Aarti. Tour ends.
1. Booking of Scheduled/Non-scheduled flights to Dehradun:
• Price on request.
• While our team takes care of your entire Chardham tour, they can also assist you in booking of air-tickets to Dehradun.
2. Haridwar, Rishikesh or Mussoorie visit:
• Booking for the same is to be done at the time of booking of your Chardham tour.
3. Booking of Scheduled/Non-Scheduled Flights or Train Tickets:
• Price on request.
4. Extra Night Stay at Dehradun:
• Price on demand. For additional night stay at Dehradun, our team can take care of your hotel bookings. FYl, we arrange hotels at the most attractive rates you can get.
• Flying in hills is subject to weather conditions. And in regard to our Chardham operations, we would like to bring to your kind attention that flight cancellations & other inconveniences due to weather are very much likely since weather is extremely unpredictable in the hills.
• Passengers should come prepared to face the eventualities which can arise by bad weather/force majeure problems.
• Force Majeure situations include cases of bad weather, low visibility for flying, delayed Air Traffic Clearances/Permissions, VIP movements, valley flying by Indian Air Force (NOTAM), sudden occurrence of technical snag in aircraft, illness of flying crew or late reporting of the guests at the helipads, among others.
• Further please note, in case of bad weather/force majeure situation, we will operate as per our policies mentioned in the 'Terms & Conditions' &
'Important Guidelines & Policies' sections.
We operate Airbus AS350 B3 single engine helicopters. This helicopter is known for its high-altitude performance. The helicopter can seat a total of 6 passengers, maximum total weight permissible is 450 kgs
Only one handbag weighing a maximum of 5 kgs is allowed per passenger.
Q.1: How is the weather going to be?
Ans: Please refer to Weather & What to Wear section.
Q.2: What kind of clothing should I bring?
Ans: Please refer to Weather & What to Wear section.
Q.3: How will the food be arranged?
Ans: All meals are included at each Dham, however, meals are not included during your stay at Dehradun. FYl, food is prepared separately for non-garlic & non-onion food eaters.
Q. 4: What sort of meal is served in our Chardham yatra.
Ans: Pure Vegetarian food is served to all our pilgrims without onion and garlic.
Q.5: Which telephone networks work?
Ans: Kharsali: All networks
Harsil: BSNL, JIO
Sersi: All networks
Kedarnath: All networks Badrinath: BSNL, JIO
In case your networks do not work, you can always reach out to our crew for any help or assistance regarding the same.
Q.6: Will there be a guide with us throughout the Yatra?
Ans: HHSPL crew will be present at each Dham to assist you for all your needs. Our crew will also guide you during your sight-seeings.
Q.7: What kind of accommodation will be provided at places?
Ans: Luxury hotels are not available at these remote locations, therefore you are advised not to keep very high expectation of hotels. However, we provide the best available hotels at all location.
Q.8: When should we reach Dehradun to start our Chardham Yatra?
Ans: Guests need to reach Dehradun, one day prior to their scheduled Chardham departure date booked with us. Himalayan Heli provides complimentary stay on the first night, when guests arrive at Dehradun.
Q.9: How far are the Temples from the Helipads at each Dham?
Ans: Apart from Yamunotri Dham, there is barely any walking distance at each Dham. At Yamunotri, there is a 6km trek to the shrine, which is done through porters/Palki/Pony. Arrangement for the same is done by Himalayan Heli.
Q.10: Will children be charged the same for the Chardham Yatra, or do they have any concessions?
Ans: Children below the age of 2 years travel free of charge. For children 2 or above, full charges are applicable.
Q.11: Are we supposed to pay for the darshans at the temple?
Ans: VIP darshans at all the four shrines are arranged by Himalayan Heli. However, special pujas are not included in our tour. The same can be arranged on request.
Q.12: When is the Chardham tour available?
Ans: The opening date of Kedarnath ji is announced every year on the day of Maha Shivratri, and opening date of Badrinath ji is announced on the day of Basant Panchami. Whereas, both Yamunotri and Gangotri Dham open every year on the occasion of Akshaya Tritiya.
Based on the opening dates, our Chardham tours generally commence sometime in the month of May, and are operational from May-June (pre-monsoon season) & September-October (post-monsoon season).
All of the four dhams are situated at a high altitude, ranging between 8500 ft - 11500 ft. Kedarnath Dham being the highest at 11500 ft. Being at such a high altitude involves exposure to extreme cold, low humidity, increased ultra violet radiations and reduced air pressure and oxygen
Since your Chardham yatra is only for 4 days, the body may not get enough time to acclimatize and adjust to the low oxygen levels, therefore you must not exert yourself, go slow and always catch your breath. If anyone exerts themselves too much too quickly, depending on individual fitness levels, some of the common high altitude sicknesses and their symptoms are listed below:
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): AMS is the most common form of mountain sickness and may occur after you ascend to altitudes above 2500 m.
Symptoms: Breathing problems, headache, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, weakness, dizziness and difficulty in sleeping.
High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): HACE is a severe form of AMS and occurs due to swelling of the brain tissue which may eventually impair the brain. The illness often manifests itself at night and may result in coma/ death within hours.
Symptoms: Breathing problems, headache, fatigue, visual impairment, bladder dysfunction, bowel dysfunction, disorientation and partial paralysis.
High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): HAPE results in respiratory failure due to accumulation of fluid in the lungs. HAPE manifests itself at night (typically the second night of climbing in high altitude areas), progresses rapidly and may lead to fatality within hours.
Symptoms: Shortness of breath even when resting, persistent dry cough, bright red stained sputum, weakness, fatigue, drowsiness, chest tightness, congestion and increased heart rate. Younger people are held to be more susceptible to this ailment as, in exuberance, they are inclined to over exert while trekking.
Do's
Take Palkis/Horses instead of trekking to avoid high altitude sickness.
Take short breaks to catch your breath when tired.
Notice any symptoms such as extreme tiredness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite or vomiting.
Saree is NOT a suitable dress for the Yatra. Salwar Kameez, pant-shirt or a track suit will be better. Ladies who are more than 6 week pregnant shall not be allowed to undertake the pilgrimage.
Keep spare clothes and eatables in a suitable water proof bag.
Carry some cold cream/Vaseline/sunscreen to protect your hands /face against sunburn etc.
Keep in your pocket your identity card with emergency contact number, incase of an emergency.
Don'ts
Don't exert yourself too much and go out of breath.
Don't ignore any symptoms such as extreme tiredness, headache, nausea, loss of appetite or vomiting.
Don't stop at places which are marked by warning notices.
Don't use slippers. Only wear trekking / sports shoes with laces.
Don't attempt any short cuts on the route as doing so would be dangerous.
Don't trek alone. Always stay together as a group. Your mobile network may not work.
PRE-MONSOON SEASON
In the summer months of May -June, weather remains sunny during the day & approx. 20-30 degrees at night - which is very pleasant.
Comfortable summer leisure wear should be carried during the May-June season.
POST-MONSOON SEASON
During Sep-Oct, temperatures remain pleasant during the day. However, they drop to around 10-20 degrees at night.
We provide disposable raincoats to our passengers in case of rain.
At Kedarnath & Badrinath, temperatures may suddenly fall below 10 degrees at night. Therefore, it is advisable to carry clothes for cold weather during these months.
• SEATING CAPACITY
The seating capacity of our helicopter is 06 passengers.
• HELICOPTER WEIGHT LIMITATION
Maximum weight capacity of the helicopter is 450 kg (excluding baggage weight). Passengers are taken on board depending up on the load and temperature conditions, and the Pilots call will be final. Hence, passengers are required to provide us their exact weights at the time of booking.
Exceedance of helicopter weight carrying capacity, will result in passengers getting deboarded & cancelled for the Heli-tour without any refund.
• OVERWEIGHT CHARGES
Overweight charges are applicable @ INR 2,500/kg. This will be chargeable to passengers weighing above 75 kg. But excess weight will only be calculated
on the total excess weight above the total permissible weight of all the group members combined, i.e., permissible weight = 75 Kg x (No. of pax).
PENALTY ON SUBMISSION OF INCORRECT WEIGHT
If a discrepancy is found in a passenger's declared weight at the time of weighing, a penalty of INR 20,000 will be imposed, along with overweight charges as per the overweight criteria. Passengers will be accepted onboard, subject to the aircraft's permissible weight carrying capacity.
Passengers are strictly advised to provide accurate weight details to avoid this penalty.
Please Note: While submitting the body weights, please keep in view that you submit your final weight on the higher side, after adding extra weight of your clothes and shoes.
• ARRIVAL DATE
Our Chardham 5N/6D Heli-tours are booked flying-date wise (Day 2 of the tour). And passengers must report to Dehradun one day prior to the flying date.
• BAD WEATHER & FORCE MAJEURE DISCLAIMER
Flying in hills is subject to bad weather, and many Force Majeure factors like delayed Air Traffic Clearances/Permissions, WIP movements, valley flying by Indian Air Force (NOTAM), sudden occurrence of technical snag in aircraft, illness of flying crew or late reporting of the passengers at the helipads, among others. Therefore, passengers must be prepared to face any eventuality and inconvenience in case of such scenarios.
AADHAR Card copies are to be shared by all Indian passengers, & passport in case of foreign nationals.
HOTELS:
o DEHRADUN : Fairfield by Marriott, or similar (MAP basis - Dinner & Breakfast).
o KHARSALI : Hotel Holy Yamuna, or similar (AP basis - all meals)
HARSIL : Harsil Retreat, or similar (AP basis - all meals)
SERSI
: Ghughuti Resort, or similar (AP basis - all meals)
o BADRINATH: Hotel Vijay Lords, or similar (AP basis - all meals)
Hotels are subject to sudden change.
Rooms are booked on double or triple sharing basis only.
For a separate single occupancy room, it will be extra chargeable @ INR 45,000/person (tax inclusive).
Hotels at all the Dhams are non-star category. However, we have carefully selected the most comfortable properties for our Heli-tours.
We advise our passengers to keep one additional day at hand at the end of the tour, over & above the 5N/6D period, to avoid missing their return flights in case they get stuck at any of the destinations due to bad weather or force majeure reasons.
ADD-ON SERVICES
Additional services which are not mendtioned in our inclusions will be extra chargeable, and the same must be confirmed to us at the time of booking.
•Accommodation at Kedarnath Top:
Accommodation at Kedarnath Top can be booked for the pilgrims on extra cost.. However, Himalayan Heli do not advise pilgrims to stay overnight at Kedarnath Top, due to high altitude sickness and lack of basic facilities such as Hot water, Heater & and medical assistance. Price & Availability - On Request
• MEDICAL EMERGENCIES
Himalayan Heli will not be liable for any medical emergency on the ground to the passengers. Therefore, in your own interest, passengers are hereby advised to kindly consult a doctor and get medical check-up done before commencing the yatra. Medical check-up is mainly required if a passenger has any medical ailment or condition.
If Medical evacuation by Helicopter is needed, it will be chargeable@ INR 1,30,000/ Hr + UCADA royalty & landing charges + GST.
• CARRIAGE BY AIR ACT, 1972
The carriage is subject to Himalayan Heli Services regulations relating to the conditions of Non-International Carriage (Passenger and Baggage) framed in accordance with The Carriage by Air Act, 1972 and Notification regarding application of the carriage which is non-international. The liability of the company for damage sustained in the event of the death or wounding of a passenger or any other bodily injury suffered by passenger or by his registered baggage during the course of carriage by air will be governed by the provisions of sections 4,5,6 and the rules contained in the second Schedule of Carriage by Air Act 1972 with certain exceptions, adaptations, modifications, etc as notified in the Govt. of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation Notification and as amended from time to time.
• Himalayan Heli reserves the right to cancel passengers, who are unruly, abusive, intoxicated, sick, mentally unfit or anyone else whom we deem to be unsafe to fly. No refund shall be done to such passengers).