India is a great country, filled with many riches at every corner. However, when we start talking about the many beautiful sights of India, an excellent place to begin our discussions is the vast mountain range that spans from the North of the country to the East. Can you guess what we are referring to – the Himalayas, of course. It is impossible for one to take their eyes off them. And for a good reason as these valleys host some of the most enchanting sites in the world, including some of the most significant holy sites in Hinduism, including the Chota Char Dham.
However, we must point out that it is a difficult trek to the four spots. It certainly poses a challenge to many believers – especially the elderly and children. But there is a solution to this – Chardham Yatra from Helicopter. Now, you might be hearing about it for the first time, but actually, this service has been in operation for some time now. Here, we will look into just that.
What is Char Dham Yatra and why are they so significant?
- Yamunotri
- This is the first of the Chota Char Dhams that devotees visit. If you are going through all these sites in order, then this would be your first spot. The Yamunotri temple is located near the source of the Yamuna River.
- Gangotri
- Next up is Gangotri, which, as you might have guessed, is also near the source of a holy river, in this case – the Ganges. Yeah, that Ganges, the holiest of all rivers in Hinduism.
- Kedarnath
- This is home to Lord Shiva and is one of his twelve Jyotirlingas. It goes without saying that the shrine is a major pilgrimage destination for devotees.
- Badrinath
- The final of the Char Dhams, Badrinath Temple, is located on the banks of the Alaknanda River.
[Suggested to Read: How to Plan for Chardham Yatra]
Now, Why Helicopter Pilgrimage? – A Simple but Important Question
With the significance of these four sites out of the way, we must now answer why you should even consider helicopter pilgrimage to these sites. Naturally, there are a plethora of advantages to this. So, let’s have a look –
- Drastically Reduced Travel Time
- How can we talk about the many advantages of helicopter pilgrimage and not start with the reduced travel time? The road travel to these four holy shrines takes a lot of time – there is no doubt about it. What traditionally takes several days, even a couple of weeks, can be accomplished in a single day via helicopter. This is efficient.
- Accessibility for All
- The challenging terrain of the Himalayas is a formidable obstacle for many devotees, especially for elderly people, children, and those with health concerns. Naturally, this makes the Yatra to the Char Dhams possible for all!
- Beautiful Views
- Do you know what is the side benefit of going with this option? And we are not just talking about comfort and accessibility. Think about it: Himalayan valleys are filled with magnificent sights. But when you are high in the sky, you can view everything from a different perspective. The beauty you will witness is not something that we can describe with just mere words – it is an otherworldly feel.
- Less of a Physical Challenge
- Even with a Helicopter ride, your Yatra will not be a breeze in the park – it absolutely would not be. However, it is also true that this aerial route is significantly less straining than the traditional routes. Just think of the many miles of trek that you are able to avoid because of this. Also, you would reach the Char Dhams sites refreshed and ready to immerse yourself in the divine energy.
- Customize Your Itinerary
- When you think of Yatra like this, you think about rigid schedules, inflexible trips, and more. But with helicopter Yatra, you can make some adjustments as you see fit. This sort of freedom is usually lacking with traditional pilgrimage routes.
How to Plan for Your Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter
Now, it might seem like a cakewalk when it comes to booking a Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter, however, it is a lot more complicated than that. You must understand that to ensure a seamless and spiritually fulfilling Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter, you have to plan your trip meticulously. And to do that, here is what you need to know:
Best Time to Visit
Let’s start by determining what should be the best time to take part in the Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter. The simple answer to that is between the months of May & June as well as in September & October.
Now the thinking behind them is easy to grasp. First, the weather during these months is pleasant (the best it can get here!) and you will also have clear skies for the duration of your trip. This is somewhat crucial if you are traveling by helicopter.
What to Avoid
You must avoid the monsoon season for your travels, no matter how attractive the package prices are. You should also avoid the winter months (December to February).
How to Book Your Trip
Naturally, now we have briefly talked about the Char Dhams and even pinpointed some of the many great benefits of Helicopter Yatra, we must help you with your booking. And here is how you can go about doing that:
1- Find someone reliable
Not surprisingly – the first advice on our list is finding a reputable operator. Listen, we all look at the cost of the package, how attractive it is first, but you must move past it. First and foremost, you must find a respected name in this industry. You cannot just go with anyone.
2- No problem in comparing packages
Another thing that must be pointed out is how Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter is not a one-fit-all solution. You will find hundreds, if not thousands of excellent packages. Take your time, scroll through them and then make your decision.
3- Don’t wait till the last moment
If you see a package that seems perfect to you – book it immediately. It does not matter if the vacation is 100 days away. You don’t wait till the last moment, which could result in your being left waiting at the helipad for your ride.
4- Have the necessary documents on hand
Make sure you have necessary permits with you. Now, Indian citizens generally do not require any special permits, however, foreign nationals may need to obtain an ILP for certain areas – Inner Line Permit. Verify the same with your tour operator. Additionally, having an Aadhar Card as well as a fitness test (for the elderly and those with health conditions) is also advised.
Conclusion
We do not need to sell the Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter to you – it does it pretty well itself. However, just make sure that you are prepared for the trip – and after reading this comprehensive but essential guide, you sure are!
Chardham Hotels List