The Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand is considered one of the significant pilgrimages of Hindus in India. This Chota Char Dham circuit wires Uttarakhand's four most reveres zones - Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. There are lots of mythological stories and history attached to the spiritual aura of these holy shrines. Each of these places has its own surprising and shocking history. It is the intrigue and the hugeness of each of these sites that has included them among the places of the sanctified journey.
Get On Board a Helicopter to Reach Char Dham Shrines
Embarking on the sacred Char Dham Yatra by helicopter adds an extraordinary dimension to this revered pilgrimage. The Char Dham, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, holds profound significance in Hinduism. The helicopter journey transforms the arduous expedition into a seamless and exhilarating experience, allowing pilgrims to witness the divine beauty of these sacred shrines nestled in the Himalayas. This aerial adventure not only enhances accessibility but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of the majestic landscapes, providing devotees with a unique and spiritually enriching perspective on their sacred journey.
If opting for the helicopter ride, the exciting sojourn commences from Dehradun, at Sahastradhara Helipad. Get ready for the 5 nights and 6 days spiritual tour to delve deep into devotion. The itinerary by helicopter goes like this -
Day 1 - Arrival at Dehradun
Arrive in Dehradun by Dehradun Railway Station or Jolly Grant Airport. If interested, visit the popular Robber’s Cave in Dehradun after checking into a hotel. Save your energy and excitement for the upcoming days of the Char Dham Pilgrimage by helicopter.
Day 2 - Sahastradhara to Kharsali for Yamunotri Dham
Check out from the hotel early to reach the Sahastradhara Helipad. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Kharsali Helipad at Yamunotri. After checking into a hotel, the 5 km trek to Yamunotri shrine begins. After visiting the holy shrine return to the base and get into the hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 3 - Kharsali to Harsil for Gangotri Dham
Have breakfast and check out from the hotel to reach Kharsali Helipad. The helicopter will take off from Kharsil and land at Harsil, which is again about 30 minutes to reach. The Gangotri Temple is about 23 km from the helipad. Take a cab to reach the Gangotri shrine. After offering your prayers at the second Dham, check into a hotel at Harshil and spend the night. If time permits, engage in some local exploration near the hotel.
Day 4 - Harshil to Phata Helipad for Kedarnath Dham
Check out from the hotel at Harshil and the helicopter from Hrshil will fly to Phata helipad. From Phata Helipad, you have to change the chopper and fly to the divine abode of Lord Shiva, Kedarnath Temple, which is about 30-minute trek from the helipad. After visiting the Kedarnath Shrine Darshan, ride back to Guptkashi by road where you will board a hotel and stay overnight at Guptkashi.
Day 5 - Guptkashi Helipad to Badrinath Helipad for Badrianath Dham
Check out from the hotel at Guptkashi and proceed for the helicopter ride from Guptkashi to Badrinath Helipad. The trek from the helipad to the Badrinarayan temple is about 1.2 km and takes around 20 minutes to cover. You have two options. Either you check into a hotel and then visit the holy shrine or make the darshan first and then check into a hotel.
Day 6 - Badrinath to Dehradun Transfer
Wake up before the sun and attend the early morning aarti at 4:30 am and watch the Abhishek of Lord Narayan. Thereafter, have breakfast and check out from the hotel. Fly from the Badrinath Helipad to Sahastradhara Helipad or you can take a road trip from Badrinath to Dehradun covering a distance of approximately 330 km.
Either spend a night at Dehradun or directly proceed to Dehradun Railway Station or Jolly Grant Airport.
