In a bid to enhance the comfort and convenience of pilgrims embarking on the revered Char Dham Yatra 2024 and Gurudwara Shri Hemkund Sahib Yatra 2024, authorities have initiated efforts to introduce helicopter services to these sacred destinations. Following the successful implementation of helicopter services for the Kedarnath Dham Yatra 2024, regular helicopter services are now extended to Badrinath Dham and Hemkund Sahib as well. Helicopter services for Hemkund Sahib are slated to commence from May 25 this year, with the initiation of helicopter services for Badrinath Dham under consideration to begin from May 12.
Rising Religious Tourism Spurs Introduction of Helicopter Services
Uttarakhand has witnessed a steady rise in religious tourism, with the Char Dham Yatra of the previous years serving as a testament to this trend. With approximately 56 lakh pilgrims undertaking the Char Dham Yatra in 2023, authorities anticipate a further surge in pilgrim footfall this year. In anticipation of this influx, preparations have commenced to introduce regular helicopter services for the convenience of pilgrims visiting Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib. Pilgrims will have access to helicopter services from Gauchar and Govind Ghat, operational for three hours daily. Ticket bookings can be facilitated through the websites of Uttarakhand Tourism and Pawan Hans.
Decision Made on Requests from Temple Committees
The decision to launch air services for Badrinath Dham and Hemkund Sahib has been made in response to requests from the Badri-Kedar Temple Committee and Gurudwara Hemkund Sahib Trust, as stated by S. Ravishankar, Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Department. Helicopter services aim to alleviate the crowd of devotees by operating for three hours daily from Gauchar to Badrinath and Hemkund Sahib. While helicopter services for Hemkund Sahib are set to commence from May 25, discussions are ongoing with helicopter companies regarding Badrinath Dham. Commencement dates are subject to the operator’s agreement, either on May 12 or May 25, with plans for further expansion upon successful implementation.
Fare Structure for Helicopter Services
For pilgrims availing helicopter services from Gauchar, the one-way fare (excluding additional GST) is as follows:
- Gauchar to Badrinath: Rs. 3960
- Gauchar to Govind Ghat: Rs. 3960
- Govind Ghat to Ghangaria: Rs. 2780
- Govind Ghat to Badrinath: Rs. 1320
((The same rates will be applicable for return.)
These fares aim to provide pilgrims with accessible and efficient transportation options during their sacred journeys.
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