What it costs
The Chardham helicopter circuit runs 5 nights and 6 days at ₹2,25,000 per person, on a minimum of six passengers per departure, inclusive of taxes and state government royalty. A second option at ₹2,35,000 per person uses a higher hotel grade at each halt. Neither rate applies to a single traveller, and an extra fuel surcharge of ₹3,000 per person applies.
The shorter Do Dham helicopter programme covering Kedarnath and Badrinath is 3 nights and 4 days, at ₹1,42,000 per person on a single-engine helicopter from Sahastradhara or ₹1,62,000 on the twin-engine MI-17 from Jolly Grant. There is also a same-day Do Dham flight at ₹1,37,000 per person, departing at 08:00 and back in Dehradun by 14:45.
How the six days run
- Day 1 — arrive Dehradun, evening briefing, duffel bags issued
- Day 2 — Dehradun to Kharsali, about 28 minutes, then pony or palki for the 6 km to Yamunotri
- Day 3 — Kharsali to Harsil, about 28 minutes, then 22 km by road to Gangotri
- Day 4 — Harsil to Sersi, about 30 minutes, shuttle to Kedarnath; the temple is 500 m from the helipad
- Day 5 — on to Badrinath, about 30 minutes, then Mana village and the evening Swarna Aarti
- Day 6 — Badrinath back to Dehradun, 55 to 60 minutes over the five confluences
The weight rules
This is the part that catches people out. The prescribed average is 75 kg per passenger including hand baggage. Weight must be declared accurately at booking, and passengers are weighed at the helipad before boarding.
Excess weight is charged at ₹2,500 per kg on the Chardham circuit and ₹1,500 per kg on the Do Dham, collected at Dehradun before the flight. A passenger whose actual weight is far above the declared figure may be deboarded without refund, and that call rests with the pilot.
Baggage is limited to 3 kg per person. There is very little space in the aircraft, which is why duffel bags are handed out at the briefing and the rest of your luggage stays at the hotel.
What the fare includes
VIP darshan at each Dham, pony or palki at Yamunotri, car service at Gangotri and Badrinath with a priority puja pass, shuttle service at Kedarnath, a night's accommodation at each halt, a full buffet meal plan from the first dinner, airport transfers and all prevailing taxes.
What it does not include
Monument entrance fees, connecting flights, tips, donations, pony or porter charges beyond those listed, insurance, and an overnight stay at Kedarnath itself. The Maha Abhishek Puja at Badrinath (₹6,700 per person) and Rudra Abhishek at Kedarnath (₹6,500 for five people) are paid in cash at Dehradun and go directly to the respective Mandir Samiti.
Weather is the real variable
Helicopter flying in the hills is affected by weather, air traffic clearances, VVIP movement, NOTAM restrictions and technical faults. Keep one spare day at Dehradun beyond the programme. If a Dham cannot be visited at all because of weather, roughly ₹20,000 per Dham per seat is refunded against the flying cost; if no flight leaves Dehradun at all, the tour is treated as cancelled with a 5% service charge and utilised services deducted.
Paying for it
50% of the tour cost confirms the booking and the balance is due 30 days before departure. Passengers board only once payment is cleared in full. Rescheduling is possible up to 15 days before the journey, subject to availability and 20% of the cost.
Frequently asked questions
How much does the Chardham helicopter yatra cost?
₹2,25,000 per person for 5 nights and 6 days, on a minimum of six passengers per departure, inclusive of taxes and state government royalty. A second option at ₹2,35,000 per person uses a higher hotel grade at each halt. An extra fuel surcharge of ₹3,000 per person applies.
Can a single traveller book the Chardham helicopter tour?
No. Both Chardham helicopter rates are quoted on a minimum of six passengers per departure and neither applies to a single traveller.
What is the weight limit for the Chardham helicopter?
The prescribed average is 75 kg per passenger including hand baggage. Weight must be declared accurately at booking and passengers are weighed at the helipad before boarding. Excess is charged at ₹2,500 per kg on the Chardham circuit and ₹1,500 per kg on the Do Dham, collected at Dehradun.
How much luggage can I take on the helicopter?
Three kilograms per person. There is very little space in the aircraft, which is why duffel bags are handed out at the briefing on day one and the rest of your luggage stays at the hotel.
How much does the Do Dham helicopter yatra cost?
₹1,42,000 per person for 3 nights and 4 days on a single-engine helicopter from Sahastradhara, or ₹1,62,000 on the twin-engine MI-17 from Jolly Grant. A same-day Do Dham flight costs ₹1,37,000 per person, departing 08:00 and back in Dehradun by 14:45.
What happens if bad weather cancels a flight?
If a Dham cannot be visited at all because of weather, roughly ₹20,000 per Dham per seat is refunded against the flying cost. If no flight leaves Dehradun at all, the tour is treated as cancelled with a 5% service charge and utilised services deducted.
Should I keep a spare day for the helicopter yatra?
Yes, one spare day at Dehradun beyond the programme. Helicopter flying in the hills is affected by weather, air traffic clearances, VVIP movement, NOTAM restrictions and technical faults.
What is not included in the helicopter fare?
Monument entrance fees, connecting flights, tips, donations, pony or porter charges beyond those listed, insurance, and an overnight stay at Kedarnath itself.
Are the special pujas included in the fare?
No. The Maha Abhishek Puja at Badrinath costs ₹6,700 per person and the Rudra Abhishek at Kedarnath ₹6,500 for five people. Both are paid in cash at Dehradun and go directly to the respective Mandir Samiti.
How do I pay for the helicopter yatra?
50% of the tour cost confirms the booking and the balance is due 30 days before departure. Passengers board only once payment is cleared in full. Rescheduling is possible up to 15 days before the journey, subject to availability and 20% of the cost.
