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Helicopter Services to Begin for Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, Parvati Sarovar darshan.

Ashish Thapliyal

Prepare for an extraordinary journey as helicopter services are set to launch for the revered pilgrimage sites of Adi Kailash, Om Parvat, and Parvati Sarovar. Initially proposed for a six-month trial period, these aerial services will undergo rigorous testing to ensure seamless travel experiences, paving the way for regular access to these sacred destinations for travelers and tourists alike.

Adi Kailash Yatra by Helicopter

Chief Secretary Radha Ratudi, in collaboration with the Tourism Department, deliberated on enhancing facilities and connectivity for tourists visiting Adi Kailash. Aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision, helicopter services for darshan (sacred viewing) at Adi Kailash, also known as Chhota Kailash, along with Om Parvat and Parvati Sarovar, are being introduced in the Dharchula area of Pithoragarh district.

The helicopter services will cover

  • Adi Kailash
  • Chhota Kailash
  • Om Parvat
  • Parvati Sarovar
  • Darshan of Adi Kailash and Om Parvat

Plans are in motion to facilitate tourist visits to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat from Jyolingkong and Nabi Dhang, particularly during harsh weather conditions when commercial activities dwindle, compelling locals to migrate for livelihoods. However, these regions hold immense strategic, religious, and adventure tourism significance.

Boosting Local Economy

Furthermore, by promoting winter tourism in the region, ensuring year-round human presence, economic prosperity is anticipated alongside strategic benefits. This initiative is poised to transform the area into a sought-after winter tourism destination, empowering locals to engage in crafting local products and enhancing livelihoods.

Pilot Phase: Six-Month Helicopter Services

Initially, helicopter services will operate for six months, subject to extensive testing for operational efficiency. Subsequently, the plan aims for regularization, providing a reliable mode of transportation for travelers and tourists. Chief Secretary Radha Ratudi has directed the Tourism Department to devise a comprehensive work plan for developing essential tourist facilities in the Adi Kailash region, with Secretary Sachin Kurve and Deputy Secretary Puja Gabryal in attendance.

International Recognition

Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Adi Kailash in October 2023, the state government asserts that the pilgrimage has garnered international acclaim. While Kailash Mansarovar necessitates a visa from the Chinese government, Adi Kailash only requires an internal permit, a testament to its growing prominence. The state government is actively advancing initiatives in this direction, marking a significant milestone in pilgrimage tourism.

Posted by Ashish Thapliyal

Ashish Thapliyal is a Senior Tour Manager at Pilgrimage Tour India and one of India's most experienced pilgrimage travel specialists, with 18 years of dedicated service in sacred tourism. A proud native of Uttarakhand — the Devbhoomi — he grew up surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas and has undertaken the Char Dham Yatra personally multiple times, giving him rare first-hand knowledge of Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri that goes far beyond guidebooks.

Ashish holds the title of Acharya from Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Varanasi — one of India's most prestigious centres of Vedic scholarship — with deep grounding in Hindu scripture, ritual traditions, and pilgrimage philosophy. This academic foundation, combined with nearly two decades of practical tour management, makes him uniquely qualified to guide pilgrims both spiritually and logistically.

Over his 18-year career at Pilgrimage Tour India, Ashish has personally planned and managed 200+ pilgrimage tours covering Char Dham Yatra, 12 Jyotirlinga circuits, Ayodhya Ram Mandir, Varanasi & Kashi Vishwanath, Puri Jagannath, Rameshwaram, and international pilgrimages to Nepal and Sri Lanka. He has helped thousands of pilgrims — from first-time travellers and senior citizens to NRI families visiting from the USA, UK, UAE, Canada, and Australia — complete their sacred journeys safely and meaningfully.

His writing on the Pilgrimage Tour blog focuses on making India's ancient pilgrimage traditions accessible to modern travellers. He covers temple history, Char Dham opening and closing dates, trekking conditions, altitude health advice, puja rituals, VIP darshan tips, packing guides, and practical planning advice based on real on-ground experience. He writes in both English and Hindi.

Ashish is based at the Pilgrimage Tour India head office in New Delhi and is reachable via WhatsApp at +91 8826094899.

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