Gangotri & Yamunotri Yatra by Helicopter

The Do Dham helicopter yatra visits both western dhams in a single day from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun, landing at Kharsali for Yamunotri and at Harsil for Gangotri. It saves days of mountain roads, but it is a full day, not a sightseeing flight: Yamunotri still needs a trek, and Gangotri a drive.

Morning: Dehradun to Kharsali, and the Yamunotri trek

On the tentative schedule the helicopter leaves Sahastradhara at 07:00 and lands at Kharsali at about 08:00. From Kharsali helipad the temple is a 5 km trek; a pony is included in the package and a palki can be arranged. After darshan you come back down to Kharsali. Everything at Yamunotri has to fit between landing and the 13:00 departure, so this is the part of the day to plan for.

Afternoon: Kharsali to Harsil, and the drive to Gangotri

At 13:00 the helicopter flies from Kharsali to Harsil, landing at about 14:00. Gangotri Temple is 24 km from Harsil helipad, about 45 minutes one way by car or jeep, and the car is part of the package. You reach the temple at about 15:00 for darshan, then drive back to Harsil. At 16:30 the helicopter leaves Harsil for Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun, where the tour ends.

All of these times are tentative. The exact reporting and flying times are confirmed a day before departure, and they can change at the last moment for weather or operational reasons. Yamunotri and Gangotri in one day by helicopter walks through the same day in more detail.

What the Do Dham package includes

The helicopter is a Bell 407 or AS 350 B3, depending on availability, and seats up to six passengers. The package includes pony service at Yamunotri, car service at Gangotri, arrival and departure assistance, transport with a driver, fuel, toll, parking and driver allowance, and all prevailing taxes.

It does not include travel to Dehradun, meals, tips, personal expenses, travel insurance or anything not listed in the inclusions. Total passenger weight must not exceed 410 kg, each passenger may carry up to 5 kg of baggage, and only one small pack of up to 2 kg is allowed in the cabin. Leave everything else at your hotel in Dehradun. Plan to be in the city the evening before, as the first flight leaves early; helicopter services in Dehradun covers the helipads there.

Who it suits, and when one dham is the better choice

• Pilgrims short of time who want both western dhams without the several days the pair usually takes by road.
• Families and small groups of up to six, who share one helicopter on one booking. Give accurate weights when you enquire, as the 410 kg total decides who can fly together.
• Older pilgrims who can manage a pony ride. The Yamunotri trek is the demanding part. If someone cannot sit on a pony, ask about a palki when booking.

If the Yamunotri climb is too much for anyone in the group, the Gangotri yatra by helicopter is a morning return from Dehradun to Harsil with no trek at all. Pilgrims who want only Yamunotri can book the Yamunotri helicopter from Dehradun on its own, back in Dehradun by noon. For a slower pace with all four dhams, the Chardham Yatra by helicopter includes nights at Kharsali and Harsil instead of one long day.

Season, weather and a spare day

Yamunotri and Gangotri both open on Akshaya Tritiya, usually in late April or early May, and close before winter: Gangotri around Diwali and Yamunotri around Bhai Dooj. May and June, and then September and October, are usually the easiest months to fly; July and August bring monsoon cloud and rain that often stop flights. See the best time for Chardham Yatra by helicopter for the season month by month.

A Do Dham day depends on clear weather at three helipads, Dehradun, Kharsali and Harsil. Keep a spare day in Dehradun after your planned date so a cloudy morning means a short wait rather than a missed darshan.

What decides the price

The Do Dham is priced for the helicopter, up to six persons, inclusive of taxes, so filling the seats is what keeps the cost per pilgrim down. The quote also depends on:

• The route. Both dhams in one day, Gangotri alone and Yamunotri alone are separate packages with their own prices.
• Your date. Prices are subject to change without prior notice, so the rate is confirmed for your travel date.
• Helicopter availability. The trip flies on a Bell 407 or AS 350 B3, whichever is available.
• Anything outside the inclusions, such as meals or a stay, which is paid for separately.

What to check before you pay

• The full price in writing, inclusive of taxes, for your date and group, with our service charges shown.
• That the pony at Yamunotri and the car at Gangotri are listed in your inclusions.
• Every passenger's weight against the 410 kg total, and the 5 kg baggage limit.
• The payment terms: 50% of the tour cost confirms the booking, the balance is due 30 days before departure, and boarding only after full and final payment.
• The rescheduling rule: 20% of the package, only if asked 15 or more days before the journey.
• The cancellation terms: a 5% administrative fee on any cancellation, 30% of the package amount charged up to 30 days before departure, 50% up to 20 days before, and no refund within 14 days of departure or for a no-show, as set out in our terms and conditions.
• That the exact schedule will reach you a day before departure.