Chardham Yatra 2025: Heli Services To Start For Yamunotri; Bookings Likely To Begin On April 2

For the first time, helicopter services will be introduced for Yamunotri alongside Kedarnath during this year’s Chardham Yatra. A helipad has already been designated at Yamunotri, and a team from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is set to visit soon to assess safety standards. The service will commence once DGCA grants approval.

Bookings for heli tickets to Kedarnath are expected to begin on April 2, and if permission for Yamunotri is granted in time, ticket bookings for both locations will be launched simultaneously.

The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) oversees helicopter operations for Kedarnath and is responsible for setting passenger fares. At present, helicopter services for other Dhams operate through private chartered flights, which are significantly more expensive. To make travel more accessible, UCADA has been working on expanding helicopter services to additional pilgrimage sites.

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Last year, a heli service was proposed for Badrinath, but due to low passenger interest, it was not launched. This year, UCADA is prioritising Yamunotri, recognising the challenges faced by elderly and ailing pilgrims who must undertake a steep 5 km trek to reach the temple. A trial landing has already been conducted, and once DGCA grants clearance, operations will commence.

UCADA's Additional Chief Executive Officer, Dayanand Saraswati, confirmed that the DGCA team will soon inspect the newly developed helipad at Yamunotri. Following approval, helicopter services will officially launch at both Kedarnath and Yamunotri.

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Meanwhile, the state government recently inaugurated a helicopter service from Dehradun to Mussoorie. However, flights will only begin after the DGCA team completes its safety inspection. During their upcoming visit, the team will also assess the Mussoorie helipad to ensure compliance with aviation standards.