The Do Dham Yatra by helicopter covers two of the most sacred Hindu sites, Kedarnath and Badrinath, in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. This option offers a quick, comfortable, and luxurious way to complete the pilgrimage, making it ideal for those with time constraints or physical limitations.
### Key Benefits of Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter
1. **Time Efficiency**: The entire pilgrimage can be completed in a single day or over two days.
2. **Comfort and Convenience**: Ideal for those who find the traditional road journey and trek challenging.
3. **Scenic Experience**: Enjoy breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan landscapes.
4. **VIP Treatment**: Priority darshan services are often included, reducing wait times at the temples.
### Typical Itinerary
Here’s a standard itinerary for the Do Dham Yatra by helicopter:
#### Day 1: Dehradun to Kedarnath and Badrinath
##### Early Morning: Departure from Dehradun
– **Helipad**: Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun.
– **Flight to Kedarnath**: Approximately 45-60 minutes to the Phata or Sersi Helipad.
##### Morning: Kedarnath Visit
– **Shuttle to Kedarnath**: Transfer to a shuttle helicopter for a 7-10 minute flight to Kedarnath Helipad.
– **Temple Visit**: The Kedarnath Temple is a short walk from the helipad.
– **VIP Darshan**: Many packages include priority entry for darshan.
##### Late Morning: Kedarnath to Badrinath
– **Return to Shuttle**: After darshan, take the shuttle helicopter back to Phata or Sersi.
– **Flight to Badrinath**: Approximately 30 minutes to Badrinath Helipad.
##### Afternoon: Badrinath Visit
– **Temple Visit**: Short drive from the helipad to Badrinath Temple.
– **VIP Darshan**: Priority entry for darshan.
##### Late Afternoon: Return to Dehradun
– **Return Flight**: Fly back to Dehradun from Badrinath.
– **Arrival in Dehradun**: Arrive at Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun.
### Inclusions
– **Helicopter Flights**: Round-trip flights from Dehradun to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
– **Ground Transfers**: Shuttle services between Phata/Sersi and Kedarnath, and from Badrinath Helipad to the temple.
– **VIP Darshan**: Priority entry at both temples.
– **Meals**: Some packages include meals.
– **Medical Kit**: First aid and oxygen cylinders onboard.
### Preparations and Tips
– **Clothing**: Dress warmly due to low temperatures, especially in Kedarnath.
– **Fitness**: Minimal walking is required, but be prepared for high altitudes.
– **Health Check**: Consult a doctor if you have health issues.
– **Advance Booking**: Due to high demand, book your trip well in advance.
### Helicopter Service Providers
1. **Heritage Aviation**
2. **Pawan Hans**
3. **Aryan Aviation**
4. **Eagle Aviation**
### Cost
The cost varies depending on the service provider and package details, typically ranging from INR 1.5 lakhs to INR 3 lakhs per person for a round trip.
### Sample Itinerary
Here is a more detailed sample itinerary:
#### 6:00 AM: Check-in at Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun
– **6:30 AM**: Departure to Phata/Sersi Helipad.
– **7:30 AM**: Arrival at Phata/Sersi and transfer to shuttle helicopter.
– **7:40 AM**: Departure to Kedarnath Helipad.
– **7:50 AM**: Arrival at Kedarnath Helipad, short walk to the temple.
– **8:00 AM – 10:00 AM**: Darshan at Kedarnath Temple.
– **10:30 AM**: Return to Kedarnath Helipad for flight back to Phata/Sersi.
– **11:00 AM**: Departure from Phata/Sersi to Badrinath Helipad.
– **11:30 AM**: Arrival at Badrinath Helipad, transfer to temple.
– **12:00 PM – 2:00 PM**: Darshan at Badrinath Temple.
– **2:30 PM**: Return to Badrinath Helipad for flight back to Dehradun.
– **3:30 PM**: Arrival at Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun.
### Conclusion
The Do Dham Yatra by helicopter offers a convenient, efficient, and luxurious way to undertake the pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath. It significantly reduces travel time and physical strain, allowing pilgrims to focus on their spiritual journey amidst the stunning Himalayan scenery.
