The Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter is a popular pilgrimage option for devotees who want to visit the sacred temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath in a time-efficient and comfortable way. These two temples form an integral part of the larger char dham yatra in Uttarakhand, which also includes Gangotri and Yamunotri. For those with limited time or physical constraints, helicopter services have become a highly convenient alternative to the traditional road or trekking routes.
Overview of Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter
The do dham yatra allows pilgrims to visit two of the most significant temples in the Char Dham circuit—Kedarnath, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and Badrinath, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. Both of these temples hold immense spiritual significance in Hinduism and are believed to grant salvation or moksha to those who visit. Typically, these two shrines are covered over several days via road or trekking, but helicopter services offer a more efficient way to complete the journey within a day or two.
Why Choose Do Dham by Helicopter?
- Time-Saving: The helicopter yatra is ideal for those who have time constraints, as it reduces the journey duration from several days to just a few hours. The entire trip, including darshan (worship) at both Kedarnath and Badrinath, can often be completed in a single day.
- Comfort and Convenience: Pilgrims who find it physically challenging to trek or travel long distances by road prefer the helicopter service for its comfort. It eliminates the need for strenuous treks, especially for elderly devotees or those with mobility issues.
- Aerial View: The helicopter journey offers breathtaking aerial views of the Himalayan ranges, deep valleys, rivers, and snow-capped peaks, adding to the spiritual and visual experience of the yatra.
Helicopter Route and Services
Most helicopter services for the Do Dham Yatra operate from Dehradun, which serves as the starting point. The route generally includes:
- Dehradun to Kedarnath: The helicopter takes off from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara Helipad and flies to Phata, a helipad near Kedarnath. From Phata, pilgrims either trek or take another short helicopter ride to reach Kedarnath temple.
- Kedarnath Darshan: Pilgrims are given ample time for darshan at the sacred Kedarnath temple, which is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The temple, situated at an elevation of 3,583 meters, is surrounded by the majestic Kedar Range.
- Kedarnath to Badrinath: After completing the Kedarnath darshan, the helicopter flies to Badrinath, the final stop on the Do Dham Yatra. Badrinath is located at an altitude of 3,300 meters and is considered one of the holiest pilgrimage sites dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
- Badrinath Darshan: Pilgrims can take part in the rituals and prayers at the Badrinath temple, which lies on the banks of the Alaknanda River and is surrounded by stunning mountain peaks. After darshan, the helicopter returns to Dehradun.
Facilities Provided by Helicopter Services
Helicopter packages for the Do Dham Yatra usually include several services to make the journey comfortable and smooth for pilgrims:
- VIP Darshan: Most helicopter packages include special access or VIP darshan, allowing pilgrims to avoid long queues at the temples.
- Meals: Many packages provide meals and refreshments during the journey, ensuring that pilgrims are well taken care of.
- Medical Assistance: Given the high altitude and potential health risks, helicopter service providers often include basic medical assistance for pilgrims during the trip.
- Guided Tour: Professional guides accompany pilgrims to offer insights into the history and significance of the temples, adding to the spiritual experience.
Best Time for the Yatra
The Do Dham Yatra is best undertaken during the Char Dham Yatra season, which runs from April to October. During these months, the weather is most favorable, and the temples are open to devotees. However, monsoon months like July and August can bring challenges such as landslides or bad weather, which may disrupt helicopter services.
Importance of Do Dham in Char Dham Yatra
The Do Dham Yatra is an integral part of the larger char dham yatra pilgrimage. For those who are unable to complete all four Dhams—Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath—the Do Dham Yatra allows devotees to focus on the two most prominent and accessible shrines. This shorter version of the Char Dham pilgrimage holds the same spiritual significance, as visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath is believed to cleanse sins and offer salvation.
Many pilgrims begin with the do dham yatra by helicopter as a precursor to completing the full Char Dham Yatra in the future, or they choose this option as a simplified spiritual journey, especially if they are short on time or unable to undertake the physically demanding routes to the other two dhams.
