Helicopter Pilgrimage to Kedarnath and Badrinath Begins May 2 with Twice-Daily Flights

Devotees heading to the sacred shrines of Kedarnath and Badrinath will soon have a faster, more convenient way to begin their spiritual journey—by air. Starting May 2, helicopter services will resume from Jolly Grant helipad, offering direct access to both dhams just in time for the start of the Char Dham Yatra season.

This year, the aerial route will be operated once again by a private aviation company that has been flying pilgrims for the past three consecutive seasons. The helicopters will carry up to 20 passengers per trip, with two daily flights planned—one each to Kedarnath and Badrinath—allowing nearly 80 travelers to complete round trips in a single day.

The service will be available from May 2 through June 20, after which it will be temporarily halted due to the onset of the monsoon. Operations are expected to resume on September 15 once weather conditions stabilize. Preparations are already underway, with the aircraft set to arrive on April 30 and the aviation team having reached Jolly Grant to finalize arrangements, including helipad cleaning, office setup, and flight coordination.

The response from pilgrims has been overwhelming, with over 70 percent of bookings already filled. This season is expected to see a larger turnout, reflecting growing interest in spiritual tourism and the convenience of helicopter travel.

However, the experience comes at a premium. Due to recent increases in government royalty and landing charges, ticket prices have risen. A same-day round trip from Jolly Grant to the two dhams will now cost ₹1.21 lakh per person, while an overnight return will be priced at ₹1.41 lakh. Last year’s fares were slightly lower, but demand appears to be unaffected by the hike.

For many, this aerial route offers not just ease and speed, but also a chance to witness the breathtaking Himalayan landscape from above—a fitting start to a sacred journey.