Yamunotri and Gangotri in one day by helicopter: how the day runs
By Ashutosh
Two Dhams, two helipads and one trek, between 07:00 and the evening flight back to Dehradun. What the day involves, and what to plan for.
Yamunotri and Gangotri, the two western Dhams of the Chardham, can both be visited in a single day by helicopter from Dehradun. By road the pair usually takes several days. By air it takes one, but it is not a day of sitting down: Yamunotri still needs a trek, and Gangotri a drive. This guide sets out how the day runs.
What is the Yamunotri Gangotri helicopter yatra?
The Do Dham Yamunotri Gangotri Yatra by Helicopter is a private same-day return from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun. It flies Dehradun to Kharsali for Yamunotri, Kharsali to Harsil for Gangotri, and Harsil back to Dehradun. The helicopter, a Bell 407 or AS 350 B3 depending on availability, seats four.
The price is on request: you get a written quote for your date and group size, inclusive of taxes and the State Government royalty, before anything is paid.
How is the day planned?
- 07:00: depart Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun, for Kharsali.
- Around 08:00: land at Kharsali and start the 5 km trek to Yamunotri Dham. A pony is included in the package, and a palki can be arranged. After darshan, return to Kharsali.
- 13:00: fly from Kharsali to Harsil, landing around 14:00.
- Around 15:00: reach Gangotri temple by car, about 24 km and 45 minutes from Harsil helipad, for priority darshan. Then drive back to Harsil.
- 16:30: fly from Harsil back to Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun, where the tour ends.
This schedule is tentative. The exact reporting and flying times are confirmed a day before departure, and they can change at the last moment because of weather or operations.
The Yamunotri trek is the part to plan for
Unlike Kedarnath or Badrinath, there is no helipad next to the Yamunotri temple. Between landing at Kharsali around 08:00 and the 13:00 flight to Harsil, you have to reach the temple, have darshan and come back, 5 km each way. The pony included in the package makes that realistic for most pilgrims. Anyone who cannot sit on a pony should ask about a palki when booking.
Passenger, weight and baggage limits
- A maximum of 4 passengers per helicopter.
- Total passenger weight must not exceed 320 kg, so give accurate weights when you book.
- Baggage of up to 5 kg per person, with only one small pack of up to 2 kg in the cabin. Bulky bags are not allowed.
Payment and cancellation
The full tour cost is paid to secure the reservation, before the tour starts or as agreed at confirmation. Changes to the plan must be requested in writing at least 21 days before the tour. Cancellation charges rise as the date gets closer:
- 30 days or more before: 10% of the tour cost.
- 29 to 22 days before: 25%.
- 21 to 16 days before: 60%.
- 15 days or less: 100%.
Other ways to see these two Dhams
If one long day is too much, the Gangotri Yamunotri Yatra page lists the slower packages. You can also fly to one Dham at a time with the Gangotri Yatra by Helicopter, a morning return to Harsil from Dehradun. To add Kedarnath and Badrinath, the Chardham Yatra by Helicopter covers all four Dhams over 5 nights and 6 days, with nights at Kharsali and Harsil.
Before you book, the guide to the best time for the Chardham yatra by helicopter covers the season, and registration and documents covers what to carry.
To check availability for your date, call +91-9634801801 or send an enquiry.
Common questions
Can Yamunotri and Gangotri be visited in one day by helicopter? Yes. The private same-day return leaves Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun at 07:00, flies to Kharsali for Yamunotri and Harsil for Gangotri, and returns at 16:30. The schedule is tentative and confirmed a day before departure.
How much does the Yamunotri Gangotri helicopter yatra cost? The price is on request. It is a private helicopter for up to four persons, and you get a written quote for your date, inclusive of taxes, before anything is paid.
Does the helicopter land at Yamunotri temple? No. It lands at Kharsali, and the temple is a 5 km trek each way. A pony is included in the package, and a palki can be arranged.
How is Gangotri reached from Harsil helipad? By car, about 24 km and 45 minutes, for priority darshan, then back to Harsil for the flight to Dehradun.
What are the weight and baggage limits? A maximum of 4 passengers and 320 kg total passenger weight per helicopter, baggage up to 5 kg per person, and only one small pack of up to 2 kg in the cabin.
What are the cancellation charges? 10% of the tour cost at 30 days or more before, 25% at 29 to 22 days, 60% at 21 to 16 days and 100% at 15 days or less. Changes must be requested in writing at least 21 days before the tour.