Char Dham is one of the most sacred Yatra in the entire Hinduism. The pilgrimage consists of visiting the four pious sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
To make your tour smoother and convenient, we present you with our Char Dham Yatra by helicopter packages. In this, we'll take care of all your travel logistics - meals, accommodation, local transfers, VIP Darshan pass, helicopter ticket booking, and so much more!
Where Are the Char Dhams located?
The Char Dhams are located in the Garhwal region of the Himalayas. These four holy shrines are located in different districts of Uttarakhand.
-
Yamunotri
- Location: Uttarkashi District
- Base Town: Janki Chatti (6 km trek to the temple)
-
Gangotri
- Location: Uttarkashi District
- Base Town: Uttarkashi
-
Kedarnath
- Location: Rudraprayag District
- Base Town: Gaurikund (16-18 km trek to temple)
-
Badrinath
- Location: Chamoli District
- Base Town: Joshimath
Advantages of Helicopter Yatra
There are many advantages of undertaking a helicopter tour, such as:
- Time Saving: The heli flight swiftly takes you to the Dham in a matter of just a few minutes, in contrast to the road route, which takes hours, even days.
- Senior Citizen Friendly: This tour is ideal for the elderly and those with physical limitations. With helicopter service, there's no need to go through an arduous trek or do a bumpy road travel.
- Comfort & Luxury: Enjoy a smooth aerial journey, flying high amidst the Himalayan peaks! In addition, you get a VIP Darshan pass with which you can go straight for Darshan, without wasting time in long queues.
- Breathtaking Aerial Views: Enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of snow-clad mountains, valleys, and rivers, through your helicopter flight, which are just not possible via road journey.
Challenges of Helicopter Tour
While a heli Yatra has many perks, there are some challenges associated with it, such as:
- High Cost: The helicopter tour is significantly pricier than a traditional road tour, costing about ₹1.8 to ₹2.5 lakh per person.
- Weather Dependency: The flights are very sensitive to weather conditions, like rains, fog, or speedy winds. Because of these delays and even cancellation of flights is possible.
- Health & Altitude Issues: The heli ride quickly takes pilgrims to high altitudes, because of which they don't get time to acclimatize. Breathing difficulty, dizziness, or nausea are common altitude sickness symptoms.
- Limited Daily Slots & High Demand: It's hard to book a helicopter flight on your preferred date and time, owing to high demand and limited slot. It's highly recommended to book in advance.
Is the Helicopter Yatra safe?
Yes, the helicopter Yatra is generally safe. The pilot deployed is typically well-versed in the tricky Himalayan terrains. Follow the guidelines provided by ground staff for enjoying a safe and secure trip.
The Best Time to Visit Char Dhams
The best period for undertaking the Char Dham Yatra is summers (May & June) and the off-monsoon period (September & October). The weather during these windows is pleasant with clear blue skies. The cold is bearable and is suitable for outdoor activities.
Types of Accommodation Available at Char Dhams
Ranging from humble Dharamshalas to high-end resorts, you can find plenty of lodging options at Char Dhams. Here's the summary:
| Dham |
Types of Accommodation |
Popular Stay Options |
| Yamunotri |
- Budget guesthouses
- Dharamshalas
- GMVN Tourist Rest Houses
- Camps/tents (in Janki Chatti)
- Basic lodges
|
- GMVN Tourist Rest House, Janki Chatti
- Kali Kamli Dharamshala |
| Gangotri |
- Budget hotels
- GMVN Guest Houses
- Dharamshalas
- Mid-range lodges
- Camps in nearby areas like Harsil
|
- GMVN Gangotri Rest House
- Mandakini Guest House
- Kalindi Lodge |
| Kedarnath |
- Government-run tents and cottages
- Budget lodges (at base camps like Gaurikund, Sonprayag)
- Dharamshalas
- GMVN Cottages
|
- GMVN Cottages (Kedarnath & Linchauli)
- Bharat Sevashram Sangha Lodge |
| Badrinath |
- Budget and mid-range hotels
- Luxury hotels (few)
- GMVN Rest House
- Dharamshalas
- Private lodges
- Ashrams
|
- Sarovar Portico Badrinath (luxury)
- GMVN Tourist Rest House
- Parmarth Lok Ashram |
Tips:
- Book your accommodation in advance as they get reserved fast.
- You can find government-run GMVN rest houses at all the Dhams.
Temperatures at Char Dhams
The May & June experience mild weather with cold nights. The September & October witness clear, blue skies but have colder nights, especially at Kedarnath!
| Dham |
May-June (Summer) |
Sept-Oct (Autumn) |
| Yamunotri |
Day: 12°C to 20°C
Night: 0°C to 7°C |
Day: 10°C to 18°C
Night: -2°C to 5°C |
| Gangotri |
Day: 10°C to 18°C
Night: -1°C to 6°C |
Day: 8°C to 16°C
Night: -3°C to 4°C |
| Kedarnath |
Day: 5°C to 15°C
Night: -5°C to 3°C |
Day: 4°C to 12°C
Night: -7°C to 0°C |
| Badrinath |
Day: 10°C to 18°C
Night: 2°C to 8°C |
Day: 8°C to 16°C
Night: 0°C to 5°C |
How Is the Food at Char Dhams?
Expect simple, vegetarian, sattvic meals at Char Dhams, free of onion and garlic. The dishes are moderately spiced and are cooked to be easily digestible, keeping the high-altitudes in mind. You can find the following dishes at local eateries and Langar services:
- Aloo-Puri
- Khichdi
- Dal-Rice
- Rajma-Chawal
- Roti-Sabzi
- Parathas
- Pulao
- Dal-Roti
- Veg Thali
- Tea-Biscuits, Instant Noodles for Snacks
And of course, you can try the local pahadi cuisine, such as:
- Aloo ke Gutke (spiced potatoes)
- Jhangora Kheer (millet pudding)
- Chainsoo (black gram curry)
- Mandua Roti (finger millet bread)
- Phaanu (mixed lentil stew)
- Dubuk (pulsed lentil curry)
- Kafuli (spinach curry)
Medical Facilities Available at Char Dham
Given the tricky hilly areas, high altitudes, remote terrain, and variable weather, it's crucial to know about the medical support you can get in the Himalayas. Here's an overview of the facilities you can avail there:
Yamunotri
- Basic first aid is available at Janki Chatti.
- Medical camps are also set up during the Yatra season.
- Barkot Hospital (45 km away from the shrine) is the nearest fully-developed medical facility.
Gangotri
- You can find a Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Gangotri town.
- Many government dispensaries are available in Uttarkashi.
- The nearest major hospital is Uttarkashi District Hospital.
Kedarnath
- Medical Relief Posts are present at Kedarnath and Linchauli.
- Doctors and paramedics are ready on standby.
- Airlifting services are available in emergency cases.
Badrinath
- Govt. hospitals are available in Badrinath.
- 24x7 first-aid support is there.
- Joshimath has clinics and better-equipped health centers (about 45 min away).
Connectivity
Being a mountainous terrain, the Char Dhams don't exactly provide the best connectivity to the pilgrims. However, all is not lost. There are still some services that work here and can make your life easier during travel.
Cellular Network at Char Dhams
The connectivity is quite poor in the Himalayas. It's important to carry a SIM of a trusted network to stay connected with your loved ones. The following networks work best in the hilly areas:
Where Is the Nearest ATM?
The ATM availability is quite low, especially around the temple areas. Therefore, it's often advised to carry cash. Here's a summary of the nearest cash withdrawal services:
| Dham |
ATM at Shrine? |
Nearest Reliable ATM Locations |
Tips |
| Yamunotri |
No ATM at the temple |
- Barkot (50 km)
- Hanuman Chatti (13 km before trek start) |
Barkot is best for cash withdrawal |
| Gangotri |
1 SBI ATM (in town but unreliable) |
- Uttarkashi (100 km before shrine)
- Harsil (25 km before Gangotri) |
Carry cash from Uttarkashi; Harsil has limited banking services |
| Kedarnath |
No ATM at the temple |
- Sonprayag (base point)
- Guptkashi, Phata (en route) |
Cash withdrawal in Sonprayag/Guptkashi is common before the trek |
| Badrinath |
SBI ATM (near temple gate) |
- Joshimath (45 km before shrine)
- Pandukeshwar (midway) |
Badrinath has an ATM but faces outages; Joshimath is more reliable |
Mandatory Documents
To ensure a smooth journey for everyone, the government has made carrying certain documents necessary. Here's all that you need to know!
Documents Need to Be Carried for Char Dham Yatra
Here are the important docs that you need before you embark on the Yatra:
- Yatra Registration Slip (Mandatory for all pilgrims)
- Valid Photo ID Proof (Aadhaar Card/Voter ID/Passport/Driving License)
- Passport-Size Photographs
- Medical Fitness Certificate (For people with health conditions, senior citizens, and for Kedarnath tour)
- Helicopter Booking Slip
- These documents are frequently checked at Yatra Checkposts, Medical Checkpoints, and Helipads
Do I Need Insurance for Char Dham Yatra?
Getting a travel insurance is completely optional, however, having one has many advantages, such as:
- Compensates for medical bills and hospital stays
- Reimburses cancelled helicopter bookings due to weather or technical issues
- Covers stolen baggage, ID, and other essential travel items
- Takes care of accidental death or disability
Nearby Char Dham Attractions You Must Explore
Besides shrines, there are many locations nearby that you must visit, both for their religious significance and to enjoy the natural beauty of Himalayas.
Yamunotri
- Janki Chatti: It's a base camp for Yamunotri trek. Enjoy the Hot water springs here.
- Hanuman Chatti: It's famous for the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga & Yamuna River.
- Kharsali Village: This is the winter seat of Goddess Yamuna.
- Barkot: This scenic town is perfect for overnight stay with views of Bandarpunch.
Gangotri
- Gaumukh Glacier: This is the Source of River Ganga.
- Tapovan: This one is popular with trekkers. Tourists also enjoy the meadows and views of Mt. Shivling.
- Bhojbasa: It serves as an overnight halt on the Gaumukh trek route.
- Harsil Valley: This scenic valley on the banks of the Bhagirathi is famous for apple orchards.
Kedarnath
- Bhairavnath Temple: The shrine is dedicated to the guardian deity of Kedarnath and offers stunning views.
- Chorabari Tal: This glacial lake is where the ashes of Mahatma Gandhi were immersed.
- Vasuki Tal: The high-altitude lake offers panoramic vistas of the surrounding Himalayan peaks.
- Triyuginarayan Temple: This temple is believed to be the place where Lord Shiva & Parvati married.
- Guptkashi: It's popular for places like Vishwanath Temple, Ardhnarishwar temple, etc.
Badrinath
- Mana Village: This is the last Indian village before Tibet, and is popular for Vyas Gufa and Ganesh Gufa.
- Vasudhara Falls: It is a spectacular 400-ft waterfall with huge mythological significance.
- Tapt Kund: This is a sacred hot spring that is used for bathing before Darshan.
- Joshimath: It's the winter seat of Lord Badrinath.
What to Pack for the Tour?
Char Dham is a special journey and therefore requires special preparation, especially during packing. Here's a list of items that you should carry for a convenient travel.
| Utilities |
Items |
| Clothing |
- Woolen Sweaters
- Thermal Innerwear
- Windcheater
- Woolen Cap & Gloves
- Trekking Shoes
- Raincoat
|
| Medical Kit |
- Personal Medicines
- Paracetamol
- Anti-Nausea Tablets
- Band-Aids
- Antiseptic Cream
- Portable Oxygen Canisters
- Pain Relief Spray
- ORS & Glucose Powder
|
| Documents |
- Photo ID Proof
- Char Dham Yatra Registration Slip
- Medical Fitness Certificate
- Helicopter Ticket
- Passport-Size Photos
|
| Gadgets |
- Power Bank
- Thermos
- Water Bottle
- Torch
- Batteries
|
| Personal Care |
- Sunscreen
- Lip Balm
- Moisturizer
- Sanitizer
|
| Spiritual Items |
- Small Puja Kit
- Incense Sticks
- Rudraksha Mala
|
Brief Itinerary
Haridwar serves as the gateway to the Char Dhams, owing to its large number of transport options. The travel duration depends on stopovers added and the starting site of the pilgrimage. However, a typical 10-day Char Dham itinerary looks like as follows:
- Day 1: Haridwar to Barkot
- Day 2: Barkot - Yamunotri - Barkot
- Day 3: Barkot to Uttarkashi
- Day 4: Uttarkashi - Gangotri - Uttarkashi
- Day 5: Uttarkashi to Sitapur
- Day 6: Sitapur to Kedarnath
- Day 7: Kedarnath to Govindghat / Sitapur
- Day 8: Govindghat to Badrinath
- Day 9: Badrinath to Rudraprayag / Srinagar
- Day 10: Rudraprayag/Srinagar to Haridwar
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Dehradun, transfer to hotel, and attend pre-yatra briefing.
- Day 2: Fly to Kharsali and visit Yamunotri Temple via trek or pony ride.
- Day 3: Fly to Harsil and drive to Gangotri Temple for darshan.
- Day 4: Fly to Kedarnath and visit the sacred Kedarnath Temple.
- Day 5: Fly to Badrinath and visit Badrinath Temple and Mana Village.
- Day 6: Return to Dehradun by helicopter and depart for your journey home.
Inclusions & Exclusions
Here's what's included in your helicopter Yatra package and what you have to take care of on your own.
INCLUSIONS
- Local transfers from the airport and hotel
- Premium hotels with dinner & breakfast included
- VIP Darshan Pass for Chardham Temples
- Premium stays at all Char Dhams (on a sharing basis)
- Guided tours for sightseeing
- Helicopter services from Sahastradhara Helipad (Dehradun) and return trip
- Helicopter Services handling charges
- Taxes, facilitation charges, and other government levy
EXCLUSIONS
- Air/Train Fares (Domestic & International)
- Monument Entrance Fees
- Visa Fee
- Snacks or beverages
- Expenses of personal nature
- Anything which is not mentioned in the inclusions
Eligibility
Health and fitness are critical requirements for the Char Dham Yatra, as the journey involves traveling through high altitudes and remote Himalayan regions. To ensure a smooth pilgrimage, make sure you check off the following criteria:
Age Limit:
There's no official age limit set by the government. But since it's a hilly terrain, the ideal age bracket to undertake this Yatra is 5 to 75 years.
Health Requirements:
- Must be physically fit to withstand high-altitude conditions.
- Medical Fitness Certificate is mandatory for those above 50 years of age and people with heart/lung issues, asthma, diabetes, or high BP.
For International Tourists
The international tourists can also undertake the Char Dham Yatra. Also, the Char Dham temples are open to all, regardless of religion.
Will I Need a Visa?
Yes, international tourists need to have a valid Indian visa and a passport (with at least 6 months' validity).
Do I Need a Special Permit?
No special permits are needed for undertaking this Yatra.
Can I Use International Cards?
Since Char Dhams are located in remote towns, debit/credit cards won't be accepted everywhere. It's best if you carry cash in INR. You can exchange currency at Delhi, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
Is Registration Mandatory for Foreign Tourists?
Yes, just like Indian tourists, registration is mandatory for international tourists as well.
Booking Process
To avail our services and book a helicopter tour with us, simply follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Click on "Plan Your Yatra" or "Make an Enquiry" and a form pops up. Fill it with your details like name, phone number, email address, and travel dates etc. We will contact you shortly to discuss the tour in detail.
- You can also click on the "WhatsApp" icon and connect with us directly. For quick assistance, simply call +91-98979-16148.
- You can also click on the Chat icon and leave your travel details with the bot. Our rep will contact you shortly.
- Our team will confirm your itinerary. You can also suggest some changes and tweak the itinerary.
- Complete Online Payment securely.
- Receive your confirmation, checklist, and itinerary via email.
