But, then they suggested Chardham yatra by helicopter, which was not only safe and comfortable but also affordable. They also offer services and comforts in the best quality that makes the entire trip memorable.
We all agreed to the plan and packed our luggage to not only flee from the chaotic life of the city but also with an expectation to break the vicious circle of life and death.
Day 1: Dehradun
We started our journey. The yatra started from Dehradun, where we all gathered from our respective cities. In the next 5 days, we will be covering all the pilgrimage destinations like Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. While we were glad to see our friends after such a long time we were also excited about this new life experience.
The next 5-day trip will take us close to life, Hindu mythology, spirituality and unfold many questions buried deep inside. One was:
Is my life a journey or is this the ultimate destination?
The guides were with us and the room booked for us was comfortable and luxurious. We stayed in the hotel and enjoyed our meals that were included in the package itself. We had a good time and were relaxed. The next morning will bring a new ray of sunshine to each of us. I was excited!
Day 2: Yamunotri
We woke up early and were ready by 5.30 in the morning. We were then taken to the helipad in the Innova booked for us by our tour operators. By 6 am we left from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun. We were going to Yamunotri, our first Dham. The half-hour journey was exciting with some serene view of hills, rivers and beautiful landscapes. We landed at Kharsali helipad by 6:35 am.
The hotel staff was waiting for us who escorted us to the hotel. After finishing the delicious and stomach filling breakfast we left for Yamunotri. While my two friends, who were suffering from backache problem, opted for palki facility arranged by our tour operators, we choose to trek down 5 km stretch.
We enjoyed our walk and took an hour to reach the temple. The temple belongs to Ma Yamuna made my Jai muni, who wanted her to reside between us for mankind.
A woman is the kindest being on the planet! After my offering at this temple, I realise surrendering and sacrifice has always been the women strength.
We returned to our hotel at lunchtime. I was empowered in life but was lightened in my soul. We had our lunch and went for a nap.
In the evening, our guide took us to the ancient Shani temple. The temple was not far from our place. We returned to our hotel in 3 hours and got ready for dinner. The day was about to end and I hope my desires and expectation also come to an end and enable me to shower unconditional love on people around me.
Interesting Reads: Places to Visit in Gangotri and Yamunotri
Day 3: Harsil
We got ready by 7 in the morning and checked out from our hotel at Yamunotri. We were again taken to the helipad in the Innova waiting for us. By 7:45 am we left from Kharsali Helipad, Yamunotri to Harsil. We were enjoying the beautiful views and it felt as if we were in Switzerland. We landed at Harsil Helipad by 8:30 am and were escorted to our hotel by the attendants.
The hotel was luxurious and had some amazing views from the window. After having our breakfast we headed towards Gangotri temple in our cab. Our tour company has arranged a VIP darshan for us to save our time. The entire journey to the temple was comfortable. Our driver was a local resident who knew all the roads and was experienced. We reached the temple of Ma Ganga and paid our offerings there, in no time.
A woman is powerful when she wants to be! After my offering to ma Ganga, I realise I can only be bounded by love.
The day came to an end with a sumptuous dinner and bonfire at our hotel.
Day 4: Kedarnath
After early morning breakfast, we left for Kedarnath, the third dham. We gathered at Harsil helipad by 9 am and started our journey. We reached Guptkashi at 9:15 and then were rerouted to Kedarnath in another helicopter. We reached Kedarnath by 11 am though Kedarnath is only 10 minutes away from Guptkashi.
It took us 2 hours because our helicopter was held back because of bad weather. Kedarnath is considered to have one of the 12 jyotirlingas and is considered a very sacred place according to Hindu community. I was delighted to see the beautiful landscape. Though it was crowded still we manage to have quick darshan because of VIP passes arranged by our tour agent. Few of us also got the opportunity to do Jal Abhishek.
I realise when you step up firmly on your values and your determination, you become a human being with superpowers.
After darshan, We returned back to our hotel in the late evening and opted to dine before relaxing ourselves. We were exhausted and fast asleep after dinner.
Interesting Reads: Places to Visit in Kedarnath and Badrinath
Day 5: Badrinath
It was a beautiful morning and we were ready to leave for Badrinath. We were at helipad by 10 AM and after 45 minutes of the ride in the sky, we landed at Badrinath helipad. During the entire journey, Himalaya was with us, sometimes mighty, sometimes in our reach. God's creation, nature if deeply studied can surely open the third eye for a broader perspective.
We were escorted to our hotel by the attendants. We finished our breakfast in one of the most exciting views and got ready for the Fourth Dham, Badrinath temple. The temple had a statue of Lord Vishnu, which is believed to be self sculpted by the god himself. The VIP darshan was again a bliss in this crowded place and we had a comfortable and timely darshan.
Since we were left with time we headed straight to Mana village and Vishnu Sahasranamam.
I realised after paying my offering at the temple that life is just an amalgamation of energy and time. If wisely use in the entire life journey, there is nothing left to desire and achieve, not even heaven and moksha.
We returned back to our hotel in the late evening. Chardham yatra was coming to an end, and I could sense the feeling of achievement inside me. With all those positivities I again cuddle in my bed, amidst serene nature. It will be a new beginning tomorrow.
Day 6: Dehradun
It was our last day to Chardham yatra. We were flying back to our cities and will again be busy in our day to day errands. I am not sure whether I will find moksha or not but I was sure that I found a new me. I was more tolerant, patient and compatible. We left from Badrinath helipad by 10 am and reached Dehradun after one and a half hours.
We were in no rush to spend the last few moments on self-realization and calmness with the entire group. After coming back to the city many of my mates were able to notice the changes in me. The positivity intrigued my younger sister and even she was eager to be on this yatra.
I have added the list of frequently asked question from people while planning Chardham yatra. With an expectation that you too find solace in this life, I recommend you to be on his trip once in your life.
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter FAQ
1. What is the opening and closing dates of Chardham Yatra?
The opening dates of Chardham yatra are between 23 and 30 in the last week of April month and the closing dates are between 22 and 30 in the last week of December.
2. What are the places included in Chardham tour package?
Chardham yatra tour package includes Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.
3. Are there any VIP darshan facility in Chardham temple?
Yes, the VIP tickets are available in Chardham temples.
4. What type of clothes you should wear in Chardham Yatra?
You should wear warm woollen clothes as the area of Chardham yatra is too cold.
5. Is there any Helicopter services to Chardham from Delhi?
There is no helicopter service from Delhi, Mumbai or Ahmedabad you have to travel by yourself to Dehradun and then our Chardham yatra by helicopter starts.
6. How to reach Dehradun for Char Dham yatra?
You can reach the location Dehradun through Bus, Railway or Flights.
7. What is the distance of temple from helipad?
Walking distance of the temple from the helipad is 15 to 20 minutes. You can hire pony or palkis to reach the temple.
8. What are some must take things on the tour?
You have to carry own medicines, some dry eatables, and money so that you can do some personal expenses.
9. How will be the facilities during the yatra?
You will get great facilities during the yatra from the luxurious hotels, delicious meals to VIP darshan and special puja.
10. Is registration required for Char Dham yatra?
Yes, registration is required for Chardham yatra. For further details, you can call us or email us.
11. How are all Dhams different from each other?
All these four Dhams are different from each other, Kedarnath is the land of Shiva, Yamunotri and Gangotri is the holy place of river Yamuna and Ganges. Gangotri is known as the origin place of the Ganges and Badrinath is the land of Narayan.