The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages in India and comprises Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Traditionally, it involved traveling through challenging mountainous terrain, which takes up to 10–12 days. However, now with helicopter services, you can complete the travel within 4 to 5 days — saving time, reducing physical exertion, and enhancing convenience. This is especially advantageous for elderly pilgrims and people with disabilities, and is made easier with services provided by Udan Aviation. In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about planning Char Dham Yatra by helicopter in 2025.
1. Why Choose a Helicopter Yatra?
There are many benefits of an aerial flight, such as: time-saving as it lets you swiftly to fly to the abodes of the Lords and can complete the tour in just 4–5 days, comfort: since you’ll enjoy a cozy heli ride while completely avoiding long drives and rugged hilly terrains, it is ideal for seniors because this is a true blessing for the elderly as there will be no more stress or unnecessary strain on health, aerial views which let you enjoy breathtaking Himalayan panoramas, consisting of lush valleys, snow-clad mountains, and serene rivers, and finally emergency assistance in case you get to avail quick evacuation and emergency services, if needed
2. Char Dham Circuit Overview
The shrines are located in Uttarakhand’s Garhwal region and are usually visited with Yamunotri being the first, with the origin of River Yamuna and it is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, but it is also considered to be the source of the namesake river. Then Gangotri which is dedicated to the Goddess Ganga and is the origin of the holy River Ganga. Continuing with Kedarnath which is dedicated to Lord Shiva, and this temple is also one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. As the last one is Badrinath which is nestled among the serene Himalayas, this shrine is dedicated to Lord Vishnu. There’s a very calming spiritual aura here, ideal for meditation.
3. Base Location of the Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun
Chardham Yatra begins and ends at Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun. You can reach the city via Jolly Grant Airport, which is just 35 km (22 mi) away from the helipad – a 1.5-hour drive.
4. Best Time to Visit
The best period to visit the shrines is the months of May, June and September, and October. From May to June you’ll find the weather to be pleasant, with clear skies – ideal for outdoor activities, however, this is a peak season, so expect big crowds, and the hotel prices also soar up during this time. From September to mid-October is the post-monsoon season which is is perfect for temple tours. There’ll be fewer crowds, and accommodation prices will also be significantly lower. Moreover, you’ll be welcomed with lush greenery, fresh off of the monsoons.
5. Helicopter Yatra Itinerary
There are standard itineraries that are followed by most helicopter service providers, and here is an example of the full itineraries:
Dehradun → Kharsali → Yamunotri → Return to Kharsali (Stay) and first of all, fly from Dehradun to Kharsali Helipad, and then take a Pony/Palki ride to Yamunotri Temple. You can also trek to the temple here – a total of 6 km (4 mi) long distance. Enjoying an overnight stay in Kharsali is a definite plus.
Next one is Kharsali → Harsil → Gangotri → Return to Harsil (Stay) where you fly to Harsil Helipad and from there lies a 25 km (16 mi) drive up to Gangotri Temple. From there enjoying the sightseeing in Harsil Valley is a must, which is famous for its natural beauty and then take rest in Harsil during night.
Third one would be Harsil → Sersi → Kedarnath → Return to Sersi (Stay) as you’ll enjoy an aerial flight to Sersi which then you take a shuttle to the Kedarnath Helipad, and this will drop you about 500 m (1,640 ft) away from the temple. Seek Darshan and blessings at the temple, and then enjoy an overnight stay at Sersi.
Fourth itinerary is Sersi → Badrinath → Mana Village Visit → Stay at Badrinath as you fly to Badrinath Helipad (within 1 km (0.7 mi) from temple) and then you simply enjoy Darshan at Badrinath Temple. The visit to Mana Village is option of course, but a stay at a hotel near the temple is must-do.
As a final one is Badrinath → Dehradun (Return) which includes return to Sahastradhara Helipad and this concludes your Yatra!
6. What’s Included in Helicopter Packages?
If you go for an all-inclusive heli tour plan, you are eligible for some tempting perks, such as: helicopter transfers as you’ll get a heli ride from Dehradun to all the 4 Dhams, accommodation as you’d expect 4–5-star hotels or stays in luxury camps, then meals where vegetarian meals will be given three times, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, local transport which allows both pick-up & drop-off services that can be arranged from helipads to temples, priority Darshan passes so that you’d skip the long queues and enjoy priority access to the shrines, and finally, medical & first aid support: You’ll get basic aid as well as oxygen cylinders
7. Cost of Tour
There are several factors that influence the price, such as helicopter type (chartered or shared), luxury of accommodation, season, tour duration, and included services. The helicopter ticket price ranges from USD 2,050 (INR 1,75,000) to USD 2,900 (INR 2,50,000). However, if you opt for a deluxe package, which are inclusive of luxury stays and private tours, then the prices can soar up to USD 3,500 (INR 3,00,000) per person.
8. Booking Process
The booking process is done with several steps with trusted operators like Pawan Hans, Udan Aviation, Heritage Aviation, Aryan Aviation, and UTair India, and here’s a Step-by-Step procedure:
- Choose a trusted government-authorized operator
- Pick your travel dates (May–June & Sept–Oct fill up early)
- Submit personal documents like Aadhar card/passport, Medical fitness declaration, and ID for age verification
- Pay the advance sum
- Make full payment at least 2-4 weeks before the departure
9. What to Pack? To be able to enjoy a smooth trip, please make sure to carry the following essentials:
– Valid ID Proof
– Warm clothes (jackets, thermals, gloves)
– Comfortable walking shoes
– Personal medications
– Sunglasses & sunscreen
– Power bank & chargers
– Light snacks & water bottle
10. Some Tips for Pilgrims
– Keep yourself hydrated. Drink water at regular intervals to avoid altitude sickness.
– Keep an extra day in your itinerary, as delays can happen owing to the unpredictable weather in the Himalayas.
– Respect local customs and dress modestly, especially inside the temples. Also, be courteous to local people in villages like Mana and Harsil.
– Reach Dehradun at least a day before your flight.
– Eat snacks that are high in carbohydrate content such as almonds, chocolates, ORS solution, energy bars, etc.
– Carry disposable oxygen bottles.
– Avoid non-veg or alcohol during the Yatra.
– Ascend slowly and acclimatize properly.
Whether you are short on time, traveling with elderly family, or simply seeking a comfortable yet soulful experience, the aerial Yatra offers the perfect balance of devotion and convenience. At Udan, we offer quality helicopter services inclusive of premium facilities and services. Check out our packages and reserve your spot today!