Complete Guide to Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter: Routes, Cost & Booking Tips

The Char Dham Yatra consists of tour to four of the most sacred sites of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Granting soul purification and liberation from the cycle of life and death, this pilgrimage is considered one of the holiest in Hinduism. Owing to its huge religious significance, it draws lakhs of devotees every year to the majestic Himalayas of Uttarakhand. Traditionally, it was done via mountain roads which posed a challenging and arduous journey. On the other hand, the Char Dham helicopter tour offers a quicker, safer, and far more comfortable option, especially for senior citizens and pilgrims with tight schedules.

To make your Yatra easier, we present to you this guide which provides a comprehensive overview of the Char Dham helicopter route, updated cost details, and essential booking tips for the pilgrimage in 2025.

Char Dham Yatra

Why Choose Helicopter for Char Dham Yatra?

There are a lot many perks of choosing a heli tour over the traditional road route. Here are a few:

• Time-saving: You can complete the entire Yatra in just 4 to 5 days instead of 10–14 days, which is common with road travel.
• Comfort & Accessibility: Offering you a luxe experience, a helicopter tour ensure top-notch comfort and ease. It’s essentially a blessing for elderly devotees and individuals with physical limitations.
• Scenic Aerial Views: You also get to enjoy the panoramic views of the Himalayan valleys, which are just not possible with the road route. With a heli ride, you get to fly over the majestic Garhwal Himalayas and see the natural wonders in a way like never before!

·         Priority VIP Darshan: With most helicopter packages, you can enjoy VIP access to the shrines. With this facility, you can skip the long queues and relish a smoother and faster experience.

Helicopter Route Overview: Char Dham Circuit

The Char Dham Yatra by helicopter typically starts from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun. From there on, it follows the clockwise route: Yamunotri à Gangotri à Kedarnath à Badrinath.

1. Day 1: Dehradun to Yamunotri
   • Helipad: Sahastradhara to Kharsali
   • Trek: 6 km by pony/palki to Yamunotri Temple
   • Return: Overnight at Kharsali
2. Day 2: Yamunotri to Gangotri
   • Helipad: Kharsali to Harsil
   • Drive: 25 km to Gangotri temple
   • Return: Stay at Harsil/Gangotri area
3. Day 3: Gangotri to Kedarnath
   • Helipad: Harsil to Sersi/Phata/Guptkashi (then shuttle to Kedarnath)
   • Temple Visit: Take a 15-minute shuttle flight to Kedarnath helipad (very near to the temple)
   • Return: Back to Guptkashi/Sersi
4. Day 4: Kedarnath to Badrinath
   • Helipad: Sersi/Guptkashi to Badrinath
   • Darshan: Badrinath Temple
   • Stay: Overnight at Badrinath
5. Day 5: Return to Dehradun
   • Helipad: Badrinath to Sahastradhara, Dehradun

Note: Some luxury packages also offer same-day Char Dham or 2-day Kedarnath-Badrinath options as well.

Cost of Tour

The exact price of the Yatra is dependent on so many variables, such as group size, amenities, services, luxury level of the tour, and so many more. Here’s a general range:

Below are some general inclusion and exclusions that you typically get with a heli package:

Inclusions:

• Helicopter transfers (Dehradun to all Dhams)
• VIP Darshan passes
• Hotel stays (3–5 star, depending on package)
• Local transfers (to and from the temples and hotels)
• All meals and taxes are covered

Exclusions:

• Additional personal expenses
• Accommodation before/after the tour in Dehradun
• Extra meals and beverage charges
• Travel expenses before/after your tour commences/concludes in Dehradun

Booking Tips: Plan Smartly

To make the most of your Char Dham helicopter journey, follow these essential booking tips:

1. Book Well in Advance (about 3–4 months)

The Char Dham Yatra sees a lot of footfall, especially in the peak season of May and the following month. To avoid missing out on helicopter slots, it’s best to book in advance, about 3 to 4 months prior to the tour date. 

2. Choose DGCA-Approved Operators

To ensure authentic, quality services, it’s best you book from a DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) approved tour operators.

Top licensed operators include:

• Pawan Hans
• Udan Aviation
• Namaste India
• CharDham Tour
• Yatra by Helicopter
• Pilgrimage Tours

3. Check Inclusions & Terms

Understand what’s included (VIP Darshan, meals, hotels) and what’s not. Read cancellation/refund policies thoroughly to avoid last-minute hassles.

4. Get a Medical Checkup  

If you’re a senior citizen or a person with a medical issue such as heart disease, it’s highly recommended to get a medical checkup before embarking on this tour. It’s also advised to consult a physician/cardiologist.

5. Keep Buffer Days

Owing to the unpredictable weather condition in the Himalayan regions, it’s common for helicopter flight to get cancelled or delayed. Always keep an extra day in your itinerary to avoid schedule-related issues. In addition, keeping  buffer days also helps you acclimatize and get used to the hilly areas.

Best Time to Visit

The Char Dham temples usually open around Akshaya Tritiya (May) and close by Bhai Dooj (November). However, the best months to visit there are May & June and September & October. Plan your pilgrimage in:

May to June (Peak Season):

• Sunny weather
• Temperatures in the range of 10-25 degree Celsius
• Ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing

September to October (Off-Monsoon Season):

·         Pleasant Weather with clear blue skies

• Temperatures swing from range of 5-15 degree Celsius
• Less crowded – peaceful sightseeing and Darshan
• Hotels available at considerably lower price

Avoid July & August as these months mark monsoon in the Himalayas. Your travel might get obstructed due to landslides, frequent road blockages, and constant slippery roads.

Accommodation during Yatra

With Most helicopter packages, you get premium accommodation options at all the Dham or nearby town. Here are some of the best hotel picks for each of the sacred site:

Rooms are generally provided on the basis of twin-sharing with attached baths, meals, and heating – ensuring an optimum comfort!

What to Pack?

The weather in Himalayas is cold in comparison to the other parts of the country. In addition, weather is unpredictable and rainfall is a common and unexpected occurrence. Therefore, to deal with the Himalayan climate, it’s best to pack:

• Warm clothes (vests, thermals, jacket)
• Woollen cap, gloves, socks
• Raincoat, windcheater, umbrella
• Torchlight and power bank
• Comfortable shoes with strong grip
• Personal medicines
• Dry snacks rich in carbohydrates
• Water bottle
• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/Passport)

Final Thoughts

If you’re short on time, traveling with elders, or simply seeking convenience and luxury, this aerial pilgrimage is 100% recommended.