Mussoorie Joy Ride & Himalayan Air Safari

To the north, on a clear day, the main Himalayan range: the snow peaks of the Garhwal, around Bandarpunch and the Gangotri and Kedarnath groups, rising behind the forested ridges of the Yamuna and Bhagirathi valleys. To the south, the Doon valley with Dehradun spread across it and the Shivalik hills beyond. Below, the Mussoorie ridge itself, from the Mall Road and Landour to the George Everest estate.

How much of the snow range you see depends on the day, not the ride. Haze and cloud can hide the peaks even when the flight goes ahead, so a morning slot on a clear day gives the best chance.

• October to March: the clearest air of the year, and the best chance of seeing the snow peaks. Winter mornings are cold but often crystal clear.
• April to June: the busy tourist season. Flights run, but haze in the afternoons often softens the view of the high peaks.
• July to September: monsoon. Cloud and rain cancel many flights, and the peaks are rarely visible.

Flights run in daylight and fair weather only, and the pilot has the final say on the day. Keep a spare date in mind if you are in Mussoorie for a few days.

Reach the helipad before your slot; the operator gives the reporting time when the booking is confirmed. Carry a photo ID for every passenger, as names are checked against the booking. Each passenger is weighed at check-in, because the load decides the seating, and the crew gives a short safety briefing before boarding.

The flight itself lasts a few minutes to about half an hour, depending on what you booked, and lands back at the same helipad. If you are staying in Dehradun rather than Mussoorie, ask about flying from a Dehradun helipad and saving the drive up the hill; see helicopter service in Dehradun.

• Flying minutes. You pay for time in the air, so a short circuit costs less than a long Himalaya darshan route.
• Seats filled. A five or six seat helicopter costs less per head when the whole group flies together.
• Where it flies from. If the helicopter has to position to Mussoorie from its base, that flying is part of the price.
• Your date. Weekends and the summer holidays fill first.

Send your date, group size and the flight time you want, and we reply with a written quote that says what is included.

Mussoorie is one of several places in Uttarakhand where a scenic flight can be arranged. Dehradun is the usual base, and rides over Rishikesh and the Ganga, Haridwar during the Kumbh, Tehri lake, Nainital and Auli are possible on enquiry. See helicopter joy rides in Uttarakhand for every place, and helicopter service in Uttarakhand for the yatra flights.