Chardham helicopter tour is one of the best ways to have a comfortable exploration of the Chardham sites. These sites are among the most venerated sacred destinations in India. These shrines attract thousands of devotees each year. Although pilgrims undertake the traditional route for this yatra, helicopter services have become one of the best choices among seniors and those who don’t want to spend lots of energy or time in reaching the shrines. It is a critical decision to choose the best time for the yatra because the timing can break or make your dream journey to the four sacred abodes of God. You can follow the below booking tips and guidelines to get helicopter services at the right time for the Chardham Yatra.
Char Dham Yatra Season
Summer
- April to June is considered to be the best time for Char Dham helicopter yatra as the weather remains pleasant and the helicopters can fly without any obstructions.
- On Akshay Tritiya or after that date all the temples open.
- During this period the daytime temperatures are moderate, but nights and evenings are cold.
- On the downside, high rates will be charged and there will be large crowds wherever you go during this time of the year.
- For darshan there will be long lines and you would face difficulty in finding transport and rooms unless pre-booked.
Monsoon Season
- You should not visit the Char Dham sites during the monsoon season as the weather is not ideal for helicopter yatra.
- During this time of the year all the Chardham temples encounter light to heavy rainfall.
- There are also chances of landslides during the monsoon season make travel very risky.
- The advantages of travelling in this season include easy availability of transport and rooms at discounted prices.
- You will also encounter smaller crowds during this time. Darshan at temples can be done without long queues.
Winter Season
- Mid-September October and November marks the winter season.
- You can undertake the Kedarnath helicopter yatra during winter as the rush of pilgrims is very less during this time of the year.
- It will be easier to find accommodation and transport.
- Darshan will be easier at temples as the queues are shorter.
- The downside is that the weather is very cold causing some inconvenience while travelling.
- On or just after Diwali the temples are closed so you should plan your travel before that.
Peak Months
- May and June are the peak months to undertake the yatra due to comfortable weather and holidays in all schools in India.
- During these months you can experience clear skies, moderate temperatures and enhanced accessibility to the difficult-to-reach shrines. When you hire a helicopter for the yatra, especially during the peak travel season you’re advised to make the bookings in advance as the slots may be full at the last moment.
- However, pilgrims should keep in mind that there can be huge rush in the area during this time of the year, especially during the holidays and weekends.
- Shoulder Season : You should take advantage of post-monsoons (September and early October) as the traffic is low during this time of the year at the Char Dham sites.
- It is that time of the year when the monsoon has ended but the high season is yet to begin.
- The rainfall usually lasts through August and once the monsoon season ends the skies are clear and pilgrims can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the region. It is also a great time to travel for pilgrims who want to avoid crowd.
Things to Keep in Mind
Let’s take a look at the things that you should keep in mind.
- The tour to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri can be best undertaken during September or April and May. During monsoon, helicopters do not operate. September could be ideal time to travel as after rains, the valleys and mountains are completely dotted lush greenery and the weather is comfortable. However, you should carry all your woolen clothes because, at around 3000 meters the nights can be very cold.
- You should book the tickets in advance as the slots may be full especially if you’re planning to travel in peak season.
- Many helicopter providers may quote reduced rates for combination trip arrangements and the early birds during the low season and those looking to book in advance. Such packages come with many added advantages such as first-instance boarding, carriage to the helipads from the drop-off points or an aerial view. Travelers can take advantage of these deals as they are more comfortable in operations and cheaper in rates to make the journey very comfortable. Examine the proposal of all the operators and then choose the one that caters to your needs and budget.
- Carry woollen clothes including headgear, socks, gloves, jackets and sweaters.
- Choose a trustworthy helicopter operator to ensure that you do not get ditched.
How to Book
Here is a step to step guide to booking the Chardham yatra by helicopter.
1- Choose a Reliable Helicopter Operator
- Select trustworthy travel agencies or operators who have a good reputation and positive reviews from the clients. This makes it safe to travel and avoids any kind of fraudlent activities. Authorized websites include:
- Portal of Uttarakhand Heliservices.uk.gov.in– This is an official website that has been developed by the Uttarakhand Government.
- IRCTC (irctc.co.in) – All the bookings for helicopters are undertaken by Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation.
2- Check Dates and Availability
- You will then have to fill in the departure city and travel dates and the availability will come up. Make the booking at least two or three months in advance.
3- Select the relevant yatra package
- You should check the specifics of the package you have selected, and check if the VIP passes or transfers are included. You can also make any customizations in the package at this time.
4- Complete Personal Information
- Now you will have to fill out an online form wherein you will have to provide your full name, contact details, age and Identity card details.
5- Upload All the Required Documents
- You should make a copy of your ID proof (Voter ID, Aadhar and Passport) as these are needed to make the booking.
6- Make Payment
- Now you will have to make the payment by choosing your preferred payment (Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, Net Banking, etc.). You will now get confirmation about your payment receive an e-ticket. Keep the e-ticket for reference.
7- Select Ticket Details and Check Confirmation
- Verify that the confirmation email that you have received includes all the important details: date of departure, time and place. You will need this information in the e-ticket form on the day the yatra.
8- Refer to the Service Provider for the small print/last-minute
- Despite making a booking at least a week prior, one to two days before the trip, you should call the helicopter service providers to check on the weather, time of pick up, and any changes.
