An Ultimate Guide to Chardham Yatra By Helicopter

It is believed that a devout and religious Hindu must complete the journey at least once in their lifetime, due to which, thousands of devotees visit the place every day.

Chardham Yatra that is a spiritual journey to 4 religious spots is one of the most significant religious journeys for a devout Hindu. The Yatra comprises four pilgrimage sites in the state of Uttarakhand i.e. Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri, and Gangotri witnesses’ pilgrims from all over the country. It is believed that a devout and religious Hindu must complete the journey at least once in their lifetime, due to which, thousands of devotees visit the place every day. According to the Hindu religion, completing the Chardham Yatra washes away their sins and opens the gates of heaven to them.

The challenges

“Completing the Char Dham Yatra is a challenge for one and all, especially as only two of the four Dhams have access to roads, while the other two Dhams require one to complete the journey on foot, which requires the devotee to trek for hours at a time.”

While this may still be achievable for those who are young and fit, it can be extremely challenging for those aged, with health and breathing conditions, etc. In such a scenario, it is best advised to complete the Chardham yatra by helicopter, which will help them complete the yatra in a convenient manner and without having to risk their safety as well. Another challenge that is often overlooked is the extreme weather conditions, that can pose serious challenges, which only get worsened when those suffering from illnesses are required to complete the yatra on foot. Completing the Chardham yatra by helicopter also helps the devotee focus on the spiritual aspect of the Yatra, rather than having to worry about the challenges of travelling and completing the yatra all by yourself.

The significance of the Yatra

• The spiritual journey plays an important role in the life of every devout Hindu and is one that every God-fearing Hindu intends completing at least once in their lifetime.

• As per the Indian Government, over 2 lakh pilgrims visit the holy shrines every year. According to Hindu Mythology, it is believed that the Hindu philosopher Shri Adi Shankaracharya came up with the term ‘Char Dham’ which means the four holy abodes of the four holy destinations.

• Surrounded by mountains covered in snow, forests, rivers and other natural beauties, it truly feels like heaven on earth. Therefore, a visit to these four holy shrines can wash away the sins of the pilgrims, thus helping them gain entry into heaven.

The best time to embark on the Char Dham Yatra

“ Region witnesses heavy snowfall and extremely challenging weather,.”

Since the abodes are located at a high altitude, it is important to ensure that you begin the journey when the weather is at its best. As the region witnesses heavy snowfall and extremely challenging weather, the winters in this region are harsh and unforgiving, due to which, it is highly advisable to visit the shrines during the summer months. During this time, the temperature is pleasant and will give you a scenic view of the natural beauties that surround the area. However, you need to keep in mind that it is during these months that the number of pilgrims increases significantly and to avoid disappointment, it is highly advisable to book your Chardham yatra by helicopter well in advance, just to be on the safe side.

Duration of the Chardham Yatra

The Chardham yatra is one that can be completed by one and all, and the duration of the Yatra can be as short as a mere 5 days, to one that lasts an entire month. If you are a working individual, who has limited time and days, then the 5 days Yatra is something that will fit right into your schedule, or if you are someone who has the time, then planning the entire one month Yatra is something that you should give a serious thought.

How to plan Chardham Yatra

Before you start the yatra, it is important for you to understand the route well. It will not only help you to plan it effectively, but also to pick and choose from the hotels that you would want to stay in.

The route should be as follows:

1. Rishikesh–Narendra Nagar–Chamba–Brahmkhal–Barkot–Hanuman Chatti–PhoolChatti–JankiChatti– Yamunotri

2. Gangotri Route-: Barkot–Uttarkashi–Gangotri

3. Kedarnath Route-: Uttarkashi–Guptkashi–Kedarnath

4. Badrinath Route-: Kedarnath–Pipalkoti–Badrinath

Traditionally, the Char Dham Yatra is completed in a clockwise direction, ie. from the west to the east. If you are someone who prefers to follow the tradition, then your spiritual journey will begin from Yamunotri, head towards Gangotri, then cover Kedarnath and you will finally end your Yatra at Badrinath.

If you are planning to take up the spiritual journey alone or intend to get your family along, then planning the journey well in advance and to consider the above-mentioned pointers in mind, to ensure that you are well prepared for your spiritual journey.

We, at Kestrel Aviation offer various options to devotees, and if you are someone who does not intend completing the entire Yatra, then we have options such as the half Yatra aka the Do Dham Yatra by visiting Badrinath and Kedarnath yatra by helicopter.