Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of the most revered pilgrimage tour circuits in Northern India.
Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand includes representations from all three major Hindu sectarian traditions, with two Shakti (goddess) sites, (Yamunotri and Gangotri), one Shaiva site (Kedarnath), and one Vaishnava site (Badrinath).
Located as they are in the upper reaches of the Himalayas, each year there is only a short window during which devotees could undertake the Chardham Yatra. That’s where the question that whether I should do the Chardham yatra by helicopter or undertake the Chardham yatra by road (trek).
A lot of factors have to be weighed before one can arrive at a conclusion as to which one is best for them; a yatra by road or by helicopter?
Let’s weigh in some pros and cons of both modes to help you decide which is best for you.
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
After the natural calamity a few years back, helicopters have become a more popular choice when it comes to undertaking the Kedarnath Yatra 2024. The entire pilgrimage could be completed in lesser time as you are picked and dropped very close to the temple sites. At a few destinations, it takes short journeys on motorable roads or a short trek.
Book Chardham yatra by helicopter package
Pros of Chardham Yatra by Helicopter
- Shorter duration (helps a lot if you’re running on a tight schedule)
- More safety (additional safety and hygiene plus cushioning from unexpected weather conditions)
- Go easy on elderlies (Chardham yatra by helicopter offers the most comfortable and quick rides for physically unwell and aged people)
- Panoramic view of undulating Himalayas (This is a perhaps an unbeatable experience and the thrill of it is enough to go for this option if you can afford it)
- Additionally, VIP darshans, SUV/sedan vehicles as well as private cooks and guides are also offered depending on the amount of money you are willing to spend. More luxurious options include deluxe tents along the route with mineral waters and a hot water supply.
Char Dham Yatra by Car Package 2021 From Delhi
Char Dham Yatra India
Char Dham Yatra Package from Haridwar
Chardham Yatra By Helicopter 2 DaysChardham Yatra by Helicopter Cost (Package)
The cost of the Chardham yatra by helicopter varies as per the itinerary duration as well as the amenities and accommodations offered. At IHPL, the Chardham yatra package by helicopter starts from INR 1,59,000 per person. Packages with longer durations cost more with prices going over INR 1,75,000 per person for the entire Chardham yatra circuit.
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Cons of Chardham Yatra by helicopter
- Talking about the cons of the helicopter package, sometimes, your strengths become your weakness. For a budget traveler, the cost of the helicopter package will sound too much of course. Yet nature lovers and adventure enthusiasts will find the whirlwind Chardham yatra by helicopter not that much suited to their sense of adventure.
- Also, traditionally, teerth yatras as per Hindu belief means that one has to actually toil and undertake the arduous journey to reach the holy places to actually attain salvation (Moksha). So for the purists, Chardham yatra by helicopter might not sound that appealing.
Also Read: How to Complete Chardham Yatra in 6 Days
Chardham Yatra by Road
As mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures, teerth yatra involves a long difficult journey to holy places (normally on foot/treks). In that sense, for the traditionalists, a Char Dham yatra is when they actually do it by road (involves trekking).
Undertaking Kedarnath Package from Haridwar by road has its own joys and benefits added to the religious significance of the pilgrimage. Let us break it down for you further.
Pros of Chardham Yatra by Road
- It adheres to the traditional sense of teerth yatra as you actually undertake a long, difficult journey to attaining salvation (moksha).
- You actually commune with nature and literally experience the divine nature of the Himalayas, as experienced and described by our sages
- When you travel along with other devotees, the positive vibes, the spiritual energy and the feeling of bhakti pervading the entire route is something beyond compare.
- It is said that the path is more important than the destination. When you do the Chardham yatra by road, you realize the fact for it is the trek along the route and the time spent in the company of other pilgrims, and devotees that makes the yatra actually worth it.
- Finally, if you believe the scriptures, it is the right way to do it, and definitely worth it!
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Cons of Chardham Yatra by Road
- One of the main requirements for doing the Chardham yatra by road is that it requires physical fitness as the shrines are located in the upper reaches of the Himalayas and weather conditions could get really harsh.
- Another major concern is the time. In this fast-paced world, you may find yourself short on time as it may require more than a week to undertake the Chardham pilgrimage by road.
- Weather can also play spoilsport when you are undertaking the yatra by road.
Cost of Chardham Yatra by Road
Depending upon the duration of the Chardham yatra package by road that you pick, the price may vary from INR 31,500 per person for 12 days package to well above 60-70K per person. The accommodation style and facilities offer to vary as per rate that could include porter, pony, VIP darshan, etc.
Finally, the good news has come for the pilgrims who wish to embark on the holy sojourn of Char Dham Yatra 2021. The Uttarakhand High Court has lifted the stay from the Yatra and issued some COVID-19 guidelines for the devotees who are aiming to go for the Char Dham Yatra.
The Char Dham Yatra is to begin on 3rd May 2022 for devotees.
Important Information for Planning a Chardham Yatra:
- Chardham Yatra Registration
- Chardham Yatra Opening Dates
- Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Guide
- Chardham Yatra Route
- Char Dham Yatra Tips
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Nikhil Chandra
Digital marketer by profession and a keen traveler, amateur photographer and avid book reader by passion, Nikhil Chandra’s writing and photographs have been published in various travel magazines and blogs including Travel & Leisure, Seat 61, Mode&Tendances, Oryx Magazine (Qatar air inflight magazine) among others. Holding a masters in Literature and Marketing Management, Nikhil Chandra applies his educational qualifications, professional experience, and wander wisdom to write on a range of topics that includes search engine, PPC, content marketing, photography tips and travel. He summarizes himself succinctly as a writer here and there and on this and that.
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