CHARDHAM TOUR BY HELICOPTER

CHARDHAM BY HELICOPTER

05 NIGHTS & 06 DAYS HELI-TOUR

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

  • Embark on the Grand Chardham pilgrimage, commencing with a comprehensive briefing in Dehradun.
  • Visit Goddess Yamuna’s humble abode, Yamunotri Dham, in a Palki.
  • Relish the serene Apple Valley of Harsil during your visit to Gangotri Dham.
  • Fly to sacred Shri Kedarnath ji Dham – One of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Cover the ancient Triyuginarayan Temple (the site where Lord Shiva married Goddess Parvati) as well.
  • End your Chardham pilgrimage at the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu, Shri Badrinath ji Dham.
  • Fly back to Dehradun, savoring a seamless experience of divine connections and breathtaking scenic flights.

OUR CHARDHAM PACKAGE

CHARDHAM BY HELICOPTER: 5N/6D Heli-Tour

Dehradun – Yamunotri – Gangotri – Kedarnath – Badrinath

Warm Greetings!

With years of expertise, care, and dedication, we have touched the hearts of thousands of pilgrims through our hospitality and helicopter services. We are recognized as a leading name in pilgrimage tourism.

The Chardham Yatra, comprising four abodes: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, is an extensive pilgrimage that is worth every moment for both your soul and eyes. Understanding the importance of this yatra, we offer a specially curated, safe, and mesmerizing Heli-Tour. With us, your itinerary, safety, and privacy are all sorted out.

Package Inclusions:

  • Helicopter flights from Dehradun to the Chardham shrines and back.
  • Accommodation @ Dehradun on the Arrival Day, just to unwind & get ready for your Chardham Yatra. Only dinner & breakfast included on the first night.
  • Accommodation for 5 nights: Accommodation at Dehradun on MAP Basis, and 01 night at each Dham with all meals included.
  • Vegetarian Jain food is available at the hotels.
  • Local Sightseeing with guides at all four destinations.
  • VIP Darshans.
  • Airport & hotel transfers at Dehradun.
  • Palki or Pony at Yamunotri – subject to availability.
  • Shri Kedarnath ji helicopter shuttle services: Sersi – Kedar – Sersi.
  • Local transportation at all the Dhams.
  • Taxes & other government levies.

In short – We have included every little detail, comfort, and charge that you will encounter on your Chardham yatra. Therefore, by taking a one-time wholesome charge, you enroll yourself on this journey of a lifetime.

ADD-ON SERVICES:

Our team can arrange any extra inclusions you may want on your tour, such as:

  • Air tickets, Haridwar or Rishikesh visit, hotel bookings for extra night halt, Special pujas, etc.
  • Confirmation against the same must be given in advance.

TOUR GUIDELINES:

  • VIP Darshans are subject to the orders issued by the temple authorities and State government.
  • Weight Management: In view of our helicopters’ weight-carrying capacity, we reserve the right to shuffle passengers between helicopters to manage the right weight for safe flying in the hills. Therefore, passengers traveling 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 are fixed. Passengers must ensure they report as per the scheduled ETDs. However, we reserve the right to change/postpone the timings of flying one day prior, subject to weather/force majeure reasons.
  • Passenger Weight: 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 kg is allowed per passenger. Suitcases or big travel bags are not permitted 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 will 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.
  • Kedarnath Shuttle Service: Passengers will be ferried to Kedarnath ji in shuttle service flights. Passengers traveling together may not be accommodated in the same flight.
  • Taxes/Levy: Any sudden increase in taxes/levy by the State Government or the temple authorities will be borne by the passengers.
  • Online Yatra Registration: If online yatra registration is compulsory, passengers will have to do the same on their own 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.
  • Clothing: Comfortable clothing such as tracksuits or Kurtas are advised on the tour. As for shoes, one should carry sports or trekking shoes.
  • Crew Assistance: We have our own crew at all the Dhams. For assistance, they will be with the passengers always.
  • Infants: Infants below 2 years (Max 12 kg weight) are accommodated free of charge. For verification of age, the child’s ID proof/birth certificate 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.
  • Additional Charges: Any donations, tips, pitthu, extra porter charges shall be borne by the passengers.
  • Airport Transfer: Airport transfer shall be provided on the arrival day or a maximum one day prior to the arrival day. The same would be applicable for the drop at Dehradun Airport. Only one transfer would be provided for each side. It could be Airport to hotel or Hotel to Hotel.
  • Network Connectivity: 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 Dhams 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.

DODHAM ITINERARY

DAY 01: DEHRADUN

  • Day 01: This is the reporting day at Dehradun, which is our main base (starting & ending point) for the Heli-tour.
  • We arrange this extra night halt for the passengers, which is inclusive of dinner and breakfast, to wind down and be fully ready for the journey ahead.
  • Passengers will be picked up from Dehradun Airport/railway station/bus stand according to their arrival timings.
  • In the evening, there will be a Tour Briefing (mandatory to attend) by our Dehradun team, which will be conducted at around 1900 Hrs. Duffel bags will be provided during the tour briefing, in which necessary luggage will have to be packed by the passengers – Maximum 5 kg/person will be permitted.
  • Please Note: Our staff will be taking the body weight of each pilgrim during the tour briefing; hence kindly ensure you attend the same.

DAY 02: YAMUNOTRI DHAM

  • Sahastradhara to Yamunotri
    • 0630 Hrs: Check out from Dehradun hotel.
    • 0730 Hrs: ETD from Sahastradhara Helidrome.
    • 0800 Hrs: ETA at Kharsali Helipad.
  • This is the starting day of the Chardham yatra. Passengers will check-out from the hotel at 06:30 am, after an early morning breakfast. They will be picked up from the Hotel by our team & taken to Sahastradhara Helidrome.
  • Kharsali – Our own Heli-base in Kharsali, where our ground staff would welcome the passengers. The staff will then get the passengers settled in the hotel, which is at a walking distance from the helipad.
  • After reaching the hotel, the passengers will be taken for darshan as soon as possible, to avoid the yatra rush.
  • Approximate time taken for Yamunotri Temple Darshan: Approximately 05hrs 30mins (round-trip). Yamunotri trek is 06 km one-way.
  • Sightseeing at Kharsali: Hot Spring at Yamunotri Temple, Yamuna Mata Temple, and Shani Temple.
  • Please Note: Since Kharsali village is the least developed destination among the Chardhams, hotel accommodation will be basic.

DAY 03: GANGOTRI DHAM

  • Yamunotri to Gangotri
    • 0800 Hrs: ETD from Kharsali Heli-Base.
    • 0830 Hrs: ETA at Jhalla/Harsil Helipad.
  • After breakfast, passengers will check-out by 0730 hrs.
  • Arrival at Jhalla helipad will be at 0830 Hrs.
  • Jhalla – Our second own Heli-base in the Chardham sector. After landing at Jhalla, passengers will be taken to Harsil village & checked into the hotel.
  • Harsil – The second destination of our tour, also known for the abundant apple orchards there, is the most scenic and beautiful destination of this tour.
  • Passengers will be taken for Gangotri Dham darshan before or after lunch – Depending on rush.
  • Approximate Time taken for Gangotri Temple Darshan: 3hrs 30 mins (round-trip). The road distance to Gangotri temple is approx. 25 km, which is roughly a 50-minute drive.
  • Sightseeing at Harsil: Bagodi Village / Ancient Laxmi Narayan Temple in Harsil. Other than this, Harsil also has many nearby nature walks to explore.

DAY 04: KEDARNATH DHAM

  • Gangotri to Sersi
    • 0830 Hrs: ETD from Jhalla/Harsil Helipad.
    • 0900 Hrs: ETA at Sersi Heli-Base.
  • After breakfast, passengers will check-out by 0730 hrs.
  • Arrival at Sersi Heli-base will be at 0900 Hrs.
  • Sersi – Our third, and the oldest, own Heli-base in the Chardham sector. We operate the shuttle services for Kedarnath ji shrine from here.
  • Passengers will be ferried to Kedarnath Dham for darshan in a shuttle services flight.
  • Approximate time taken for Kedarnath Temple Darshan: 02 hours.
  • The shuttle services flight from Sersi to Kedarnath is approximately 07 minutes long.
  • Passengers might be ferried in different shuttle services flights, in view of the maximum weight-carrying capacity of the aircraft at a high-altitude destination such as Kedarnath.
  • Sightseeing at Sersi: Triyuginarayan Temple – It is the venue of the celestial marriage of Lord Shiva & Goddess Parvati. (Subject to weather and road traffic conditions).

DAY 05: BADRINATH DHAM

  • Sersi to Badrinath
    • 0600 Hrs: ETD from Sersi Heli-Base.
    • 0630 Hrs: ETA at Badrinath Helipad.
  • Passengers will check-out by 0500/0530 Hrs.
  • Arrival at Badrinath will be at 0630 hrs.
  • Passengers will first check-in to the hotel and have breakfast. Darshan and sightseeing will be done after breakfast or lunch – Depending on rush.
  • Approximate time taken for Badrinath Temple Darshan: Approx. 01-1.5 Hrs. Passengers will be taken from the hotel to the temple by car.
  • Sightseeing at Badrinath: Mana Village – Known as the ‘First village of India’, due to its proximity to the China border.
  • Aarti / special pooja at Badrinath Temple – Swaran/Chandi Aarti (on an additional direct payment basis at Badrinath), with extra vehicle charges.

DAY 06: RETURN TO DEHRADUN

  • Badrinath to Sahastradhara
    • 0630 Hrs: ETD from Badrinath Helipad.
    • 0730 Hrs: ETA at Sahastradhara Helidrome.
  • Passengers will check-out by 0530/0545 Hrs.
  • On arrival, our team will receive the passengers.
  • Then passengers will be taken to the Dehradun hotel to collect their luggage from cloak rooms, and then have breakfast.
  • Later they’ll be dropped to the airport/railway station, where we bid farewell to the passengers.

This is the end of the Chardham yatra.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS

  • COVID Travel Guidelines: COVID protocols must be adhered to by the passengers as per the effective mandate of the government. Without adhering to the government guidelines, boarding shall be denied to the passengers without a refund.
  • Seating Capacity: The seating capacity of our helicopter is 06 passengers.
  • Helicopter Weight Limitation: The maximum weight capacity of the helicopter is 450 kg (excluding baggage weight). Passengers are taken on board depending on the load and temperature conditions, and the pilot’s decision will be final. Hence, passengers are required to provide us with their exact body weights at the time of booking. Exceedance of helicopter weight-carrying capacity will result in passengers getting deboarded and canceled 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.
  • Arrival Date: Our Chardham 5N/6D Heli-tours are booked flying-date-wise (Day 02 of the tour). Passengers must report to Dehradun one day prior to the flying date.
  • Force Majeure: Flying in hills is subject to bad weather, and many Force Majeure factors like delayed Air Traffic Clearances/Permissions, VVIP 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/Passport: AADHAR Card copies are to be shared by all Indian passengers, & passport in case of foreign nationals.
  • Hotels:
    • Dehradun: Fairfield by Marriott, or similar (MAP basis – Dinner & Breakfast).
    • 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).
    • 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 mentioned 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, we 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 & medical assistance. Price & Availability – On Request.
  • Medical Emergencies: We 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 a 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 our 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 a 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.
  • Unruly Passengers: We reserve 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 passenger(s).
  • VIP Restrictions: Our Heli-Tours are not available for the following VIP’s:
    • Speaker Lok Sabha
    • Dy. Chairperson Rajya Sabha
    • Central Ministers of Cabinet Rank
    • CJI Supreme Court
    • Governors of State
    • Chief Ministers of State
    • State Ministers of Cabinet Rank
    • SPG Protectees – Z category only.
  • Rescheduling of Booking: Rescheduling your booking to any future or prior travel date will be done subject to availability, and on payment of 10% of the total tour cost. This will be permitted only if informed at least 28 days before the arrival date. In case rescheduling is requested less than 28 days prior to the travel date, then the booking would be treated as canceled, & a fresh booking would have to be made.
  • Payment Terms:
    • We accept payments via bank transfers, cheques, cash, UPI, and card machines.
    • The booking is to be done in advance with a deposit of 50% of the total amount. The balance payment will be taken 28 days prior to the date of arrival at Dehradun.
    • Passengers will not be permitted to board or commence the tour unless full & final payment of the tour has been done.
    • Payments via credit/debit card machines will incur a 3.5% extra charge.
    • Payment via American Express / Foreign cards will incur a 4.5% extra charge.
  • Cancellation Policy: If passengers cancel their booking, the following cancellation charges will be applicable:
    • More than 28 days prior to the travel date: 30% of the total tour cost.
    • Between 15 to 28 days prior to the travel date: 50% of the total tour cost.
    • 14 – 08 days prior to the travel date: 75% of the total tour cost.
    • 07 Days or less prior to the travel date: No Refund.
    • No show: No Refund.
    • After commencement of the tour: No Refund.
  • Force Majeure & Bad Weather Refunds:
    • Tour Cost Refund:
      • Cancellation of Complete Tour: Full refund, minus INR 30,000 toward flight preparation & ground arrangement charges.
      • Only Badrinath ji: INR 5,00,000 (tax inclusive for 06 pax). Ekdham Badrinath Dham Night halt tour will be chargeable to the passengers in case only Badri Dham is covered.
      • Only Kedarnath ji: INR 4,50,000 (tax inclusive for 06 pax). Ekdham Kedarnath Dham Night halt tour will be chargeable to the passengers in case only Kedar Dham is covered.
      • Additional Services: The cost of additional services provided at any Dham during the tour will be deducted over & above the refundable Tour Cost.
      • Unutilized Services: Refund against an unutilized service will not be done.
    • COVID-19 Lockdowns or National/State Emergency:
      • In case passengers test COVID positive before the travel, or the Yatra gets called off by the government, or any National or State emergency is imposed, there will be no refunds applicable. However, passengers will be provided a Credit Voucher against the advance paid, which will be valid for one year. It can be utilized against any of our helicopter tours or charter services by the passengers or any of their friends/relatives.
    • Bad Weather/Technical Snags/Force Majeure:
      • Where bad weather, technical snags, or any force majeure reason beyond our control results in the cancellation of the flight or delay, we will not be liable in any way for the canceled or delayed flight. However, a refund will be given to clients as per our refund policy. Any inconvenience caused because of the cancellation of flights is beyond the control of the operator. No compensation or reimbursement for accommodation, transportation, meals, or any other extra travel expenses done by the passengers shall be offered in the event of cancellation of a flight.
      • In case the tour departure does not take place from Dehradun on Day One due to the above reasons, the tour will be considered canceled, and a refund as per our policies will be made. However, if passengers would like to consider taking the tour on the next available date, a fresh booking can be made for the same. Our team will propose the available options to the passengers. The balance/unutilized amount against the previous booking can be adjusted against the fresh booking. Any extra costs that would be accruing will have to be borne by the passengers.
      • In case the tour departs from Dehradun as per schedule but gets disrupted while the tour is ongoing, our team will propose the possible revised itinerary within the scheduled package duration, but without any extension of days.
      • New Dodham passenger(s) scheduled for departure from Dehradun on any respective travel date shall be our top priority.
      • Any extension proposed by the passengers in the package will only be considered at an extra cost and subject to operational viability.
    • Kedarnath Bad Weather Disclaimer:
      • Bad weather often stops helicopter flying at Kedarnath, which is highly common in the Kedar valley. Due to this, passengers are at risk of getting stranded and spending the night at Kedarnath top.
      • In such conditions, our team will try to arrange rooms at the guesthouses available at Kedarnath top. These rooms will be booked on an ad-hoc basis, subject to availability, and the accommodation charges will be borne directly by the guests. Additionally, no refund for the pre-booked accommodation at Sersi will be applicable under such circumstances. Please note that the guesthouses at Kedarnath are very basic, often lacking standard amenities like hot water, clean beds, and proper hygiene. Due to the extremely high demand for rooms, the cost of accommodation at Kedarnath tends to be unfairly high compared to the quality of services offered. Guests are advised to be prepared for such contingencies.
    • Additional Night Halt Charges:
      • Additional night halt charges will be payable by the passengers to hotels on a direct payment basis if they get stuck for additional nights due to bad weather/force majeure reasons over and above the 2N/3D period.
      • If passengers require extra helicopter flying at the end of their tour, the same will be chargeable at INR 1,30,000/Hr + UCADA royalty & landing charges + GST.
      • While the tour is ongoing, if any group demands to cancel their tour mid-way, the arrangement of transportation will be done by us; however, the cost for the same will be borne by the passengers on a direct payment basis.
    • Government Levies/Taxes:
      • Any increase in government levies or taxes after the confirmation of booking will be extra chargeable to the passengers. Payment against the same will have to be done before the commencement of the tour.
    • Disputes:
      • Disputes as to legality, interpretation, application, or performance of service or any of its terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of Delhi Jurisdiction.
    • Acceptance of Terms:
      • Bookings will be taken, considering there is acceptance of the above-mentioned terms & conditions by the party.

Additional Notes:

  • Medical Check-Up: Senior citizens and individuals with medical issues are advised to consult a doctor and get a medical check-up done before commencing the yatra. This is especially important for passengers with any medical ailments.
  • Altitude Considerations: Both temples are located at high altitudes. Passengers are advised to carry medication after consulting their doctor and to carry warm clothing, as temperatures can drop drastically during evenings and nights.
  • Luggage Restrictions: Passengers are advised to pack thoughtfully to avoid inconvenience due to the 5 kg baggage limit. Excess baggage will incur penalties and may be offloaded if it exceeds permissible limits.
  • Helicopter Weight Limitations: The helicopter’s maximum weight capacity is 450 kg (excluding baggage weight). Passengers are taken on board depending on load and temperature conditions, and the pilot’s decision will be final.
  • Special Pujas/Aarti: Special pujas or aarti at the temples can be arranged at an additional cost. Passengers should inform us in advance if they wish to include these services.

Final Note:

We assure you of a safe and memorable pilgrimage experience. Our team is dedicated to ensuring that your journey to the sacred shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath is seamless, comfortable, and spiritually enriching. Please adhere to the guidelines and terms mentioned above to avoid any inconvenience during your trip.