Chardham helicopter fixed departure: how a group departure works

A Chardham fixed departure is the group way to fly the four Dhams. You join six to eight pilgrims on a set date, the helicopter flies the circuit from Dehradun over five nights and six days, and the cost is shared. This guide sets out what that involves.

What does it cost?

The Chardham Yatra Group Fixed Departure by Helicopter is INR 1,55,000 per person, inclusive of taxes, for six to eight passengers per departure. On top of that is INR 25,000 per person for the royalty levied by the Uttarakhand Government, which can be waived if circumstances change at the last moment. The helicopter is a Bell 407 or AS 350 B3, depending on availability.

For comparison, the Chardham Yatra by Helicopter package with a choice of hotel category starts at INR 2,25,000 per person. What drives the cost of a Chardham helicopter package explains why the two prices differ.

How do the six days run?

• Day 1, Dehradun: arrive at Dehradun airport and transfer to a hotel in Dehradun or Haridwar. Dinner and breakfast are not included on this day.
• Day 2, Yamunotri: report at Sahastradhara Helipad by 07:00 and fly to Kharsali. A pony is reserved for the trek of about 5 km to Yamunotri Dham. Night at Kharsali.
• Day 3, Gangotri: fly Kharsali to Harsil, with car service to Gangotri for darshan. Night at Harsil.
• Day 4, Kedarnath: fly Harsil to Phata. Kedarnath darshan is on the shuttle, with a priority puja pass and help booking your IRCTC shuttle ticket. Night at Phata.
• Day 5, Badrinath: fly Phata to Badrinath, with car service and a priority puja pass. Night at Badrinath.
• Day 6, Dehradun: fly Badrinath to Sahastradhara Helipad. The tour ends.

The price includes a special Maha Abhishek puja arrangement, the four nights' stays at Kharsali, Harsil, Phata and Badrinath, and a buffet breakfast daily except on the day of arrival. The pony at Yamunotri cannot be swapped for a palki.

Weight and baggage

• Four to six passengers fly in one helicopter.
• Total passenger weight must not exceed 320 kg per helicopter.
• Baggage of up to 5 kg per person, with only one small pack of up to 2 kg in the cabin.

The weight limit and baggage rules explain why these limits are strict in the mountains.

What if the weather holds the group?

Hill flying depends on the weather, and the terms are specific about it:

• The first night may be spent at Kharsali or Harsil if weather or operational clearance requires it.
• If the group is held for an extra night, passengers pay their own stay and food, and the company bears the cost of the crew and the helicopter.
• The group waits one additional night to complete the yatra. Beyond that the yatra may be cancelled, and no further extension is included in the price.
• If the service is cancelled for an unforeseen reason, the terms provide a full refund.

Read why helicopter yatra schedules move before you book onward travel on day 6.

Payment and changes

The full tour cost secures the reservation. Changes must be requested in writing at least 21 days before the tour starts. Cancellation charges start at 10% of the tour cost 30 days or more before departure and rise as the date gets closer. The full clauses are on the booking terms page.

Is a group departure right for you?

It suits pilgrims who are happy to travel on a set date with a small group, in exchange for a lower price. If you need your own dates or a particular hotel category, the private Chardham Yatra by Helicopter package is the better fit. If six days is too long, Do Dham or Chardham by helicopter compares the shorter options.

To check the next departure date and seats, call +91-9634801801 or send an enquiry.