CHARDHAM YATRA BY HELICOPTER

Accommodation at Kedarnath Top

• Accommodation at Kedarnath Top can be arranged on request at an additional cost, subject to availability at the time of booking.
• However, staying overnight at Kedarnath is generally not recommended due to the high altitude and limited infrastructure. Pilgrims may experience altitude-related discomfort, and facilities such as hot water, heating systems, and proper medical support are extremely limited.
• Room availability and pricing are dynamic and will be provided upon request, depending on prevailing conditions.

Hotels

¬ Dehradun: Fairfield by Marriott or similar (MAP basis – Breakfast & Dinner)
¬ Kharsali: Hotel Holy Yamuna or similar (AP basis – All Meals Included)
¬ Harsil: Harsil Retreat or similar (AP basis – All Meals Included)
¬ Sersi: Ghughuti Resort or similar (AP basis – All Meals Included)
¬ Badrinath: Hotel Vijay Lords or similar (AP basis – All Meals Included)

Important Notes

• Hotel allocations are subject to change due to operational requirements or availability at the time of travel.
• All accommodations are arranged on a double or triple sharing basis as standard.
• Single occupancy rooms can be arranged on request at an additional cost of INR 45,000 per person (inclusive of applicable taxes).
• Please note that accommodations at all Chardham locations are non-star category due to the remote and high-altitude terrain. However, the properties selected are among the best available in these regions, ensuring maximum possible comfort during the journey.

Important Guidelines & Policies

• VIP Darshan access is facilitated through passes issued by the respective temple authorities at Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. These passes allow priority entry within the temple premises only. All arrangements are subject strictly to the rules, protocols, and SOPs defined by the temple committees. Please note that VIP access is entirely controlled by the authorities and may be modified, delayed, or temporarily suspended during VVIP visits or peak pilgrimage periods for security and crowd management reasons.
• Due to aircraft load limitations in high-altitude regions, the helicopter operator reserves the right to reassign or redistribute passengers across flights to ensure safe operations. As a result, passengers travelling together may not always be accommodated on the same helicopter.
• This is a fixed departure helicopter tour with pre-scheduled flight timings for each sector. Passengers must strictly adhere to the reporting time as per the itinerary. However, flight schedules may be revised or postponed a day prior due to weather conditions or other unavoidable circumstances.
• Passengers are required to provide accurate body weight details at the time of booking. Any discrepancy may result in denial of boarding without refund.

Weight & Baggage Policy

• Overweight charges will apply at the rate of INR 2,500 per kg for passengers weighing above 75 kg. The excess weight will be calculated based on the total group weight exceeding the permissible combined limit (75 kg × total number of passengers).
• Each passenger is allowed to carry only one piece of baggage with a maximum weight of 5 kg. Suitcases or large luggage are not permitted onboard. Duffel bags will be provided on arrival for packing essentials.
• The baggage limit of 5 kg must be maintained throughout the journey, and checks may be conducted at multiple points. Excess baggage will incur a penalty of INR 500 per kg and will be carried only if aircraft capacity allows. If limits are exceeded significantly, the luggage may be offloaded.
• Passengers are strongly advised to pack efficiently and travel light to avoid inconvenience.

Travel & Operational Guidelines

• Arrival and departure details must be shared at the time of booking to ensure smooth coordination of transfers and operations.
• Passengers are advised to book flights reaching Dehradun by approximately 03:00 PM or earlier on the reporting day.
• For Kedarnath, shuttle helicopter services will be used from Sersi. Due to operational constraints, passengers in the same group may be split across different shuttle flights.
• Any increase in government taxes, levies, or temple-related charges after booking will be borne by the passengers.
• If online yatra registration becomes mandatory, passengers must complete the process independently before travel. In case of bookings made via travel agents, the respective agency will handle the registration.

General Advisory

• Comfortable attire such as tracksuits or traditional wear (Kurtas) is recommended. Footwear should include sturdy sports or trekking shoes suitable for uneven terrain.
• The tour operator maintains dedicated ground staff at all Dhams to assist passengers throughout the journey.
• Infants below 2 years of age (maximum weight 12 kg) are accommodated free of charge. Valid age proof (ID or birth certificate) must be presented. The infant’s weight will be included in the total permissible group weight.
• Expenses for donations, tips, pitthu services, or additional porter assistance are not included and must be borne by the passengers.
• Airport transfers will be provided either on the arrival day or up to one day prior. Only one transfer per side (arrival/departure) is included, which may be airport-to-hotel or hotel-to-hotel.
• Mobile network connectivity in areas like Harsil and Badrinath is limited. BSNL, Airtel, and Jio networks may function intermittently.
• Temple opening and closing timings vary each season. Flight schedules are planned accordingly to ensure alignment with darshan timings and smooth pilgrimage flow.

Health & Safety Advisory

• All Chardham destinations are located at high altitudes. Passengers are strongly advised to consult a doctor prior to travel and carry necessary medications.
• Warm clothing is essential, as temperatures can drop significantly during evenings and nights.
• Senior citizens and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions must undergo a medical check-up before undertaking the yatra to ensure fitness for high-altitude travel.

Aviation, Booking & Operational Policies
Helicopter Weight & Seating Policy

• The maximum payload capacity of the helicopter is 450 kg (excluding baggage). Passenger allocation is determined based on total load, weather conditions, and pilot discretion, which will be final in all cases. Accurate body weight must be provided at the time of booking.
• If the total permissible weight limit is exceeded, passengers may be denied boarding and their booking may be cancelled without any refund.
• Each helicopter can accommodate up to 6 passengers per flight.
• If the total group weight exceeds the allowed limit by more than 25 kg, the group will be required to purchase an additional seat due to operational constraints and seat loss.
• In case of incorrect weight declaration, a penalty of INR 20,000 will be imposed along with applicable overweight charges. Boarding will be allowed only if the aircraft can safely accommodate the revised weight.
• Passengers are strongly advised to declare weight slightly on the higher side, factoring in clothing and footwear, to avoid discrepancies.

Baggage & Boarding Guidelines

• Strict baggage allowance of 5 kg per passenger is applicable. Only soft duffel bags are permitted; suitcases or hard luggage are not allowed onboard.
• Any excess baggage beyond the permitted limit will be charged at INR 500 per kg and will be carried subject to aircraft capacity. Excess baggage may be offloaded if limits are exceeded.

Travel & Scheduling Policies

• All Chardham helicopter tours operate on fixed departure schedules (Day 02 flying date). Passengers must report to Dehradun at least one day prior.
• Passengers must adhere strictly to reporting times. However, flight timings may be revised due to weather conditions or operational requirements.
• Arrival and departure details must be shared at the time of booking for smooth coordination.
• Passengers are advised to schedule their arrival in Dehradun by 3:00 PM or earlier.

Weather, Force Majeure & Operational Risks

• Helicopter operations in mountainous terrain are highly weather-dependent and may be affected by multiple external factors such as air traffic restrictions, VVIP movements, NOTAMs, technical issues, crew health, or delayed passenger reporting.
• In such cases, delays, rescheduling, or cancellations may occur, and passengers must be prepared for such contingencies.
• If the tour cannot commence from Dehradun on Day 1 due to such reasons, it will be treated as cancelled and refunds will be processed as per policy.
• If the tour is disrupted mid-way, an alternative itinerary within the scheduled duration will be offered without extending the trip.
• If flying is suspended continuously for 5 days, refunds will be processed as per applicable policies.
• Newly scheduled passengers will be prioritized over backlog passengers from previous days.

Kedarnath-Specific Advisory

• Due to frequent weather disruptions in Kedarnath valley, passengers may be required to stay overnight at Kedarnath.
• In such cases, accommodation will be arranged subject to availability on direct payment basis by passengers.
• Facilities at Kedarnath are basic and may lack amenities such as proper bedding, hygiene, and hot water.
• No refund will be provided for unused accommodation at Sersi in such situations.
• Additional stay due to weather delays will be chargeable directly by the hotels.

Medical & Safety Guidelines

• The company shall not be held liable for any medical emergencies during the journey.
• Passengers are strongly advised to undergo a medical check-up prior to travel, especially those with existing health conditions.
• Medical evacuation by helicopter will be chargeable at INR 1,50,000 per hour plus applicable UCADA charges, landing fees, and GST.

Legal & Compliance

• Air travel is governed under the provisions of The Carriage by Air Act, 1972, including all applicable rules and amendments. Passenger and baggage liability will be regulated as per the act.
• The operator reserves the right to refuse boarding or cancel participation of any passenger found to be intoxicated, medically unfit, mentally unstable, or behaving in an unruly manner. No refund will be provided in such cases.
• Heli-tours are not available for certain VIP categories, including high-ranking government officials and SPG protectees under Z-category.

Documentation & Identification

• Aadhar Card copies are mandatory for Indian nationals, while foreign nationals must submit passport details.
• Infants below 2 years (maximum weight 12 kg) are allowed free of cost, subject to valid age proof. Their weight will be included in the group’s total permissible load.

Payment & Booking Terms

• Bookings require an advance payment of 50% of the total tour cost.
• The remaining balance must be cleared at least 28 days prior to arrival in Dehradun.
• Passengers will not be allowed to board unless full payment has been completed.
• Accepted payment modes include bank transfer, cheque, cash, UPI, and card payments.
• Card transactions attract additional charges: 3.5% for domestic cards and 4.5% for American Express or international cards.

Rescheduling Policy

• Rescheduling requests must be made at least 28 days prior to arrival and will incur a charge of 10% of the total tour cost.
• Requests made within 28 days will be treated as cancellations, and new bookings will be subject to availability and applicable charges.

Additional Guidelines

• Any increase in government taxes, levies, or temple charges after booking confirmation will be payable by the passengers.
• Online yatra registration, if required, must be completed by passengers or their booking agent prior to travel.
• Passengers are advised to keep at least one buffer day after the tour to avoid missing return flights due to unforeseen delays.
• Additional services not included in the package will be chargeable and must be requested at the time of booking.
• Donations, tips, porter charges, or any personal expenses are to be borne by the passengers.

Dispute & Jurisdiction

• All disputes related to booking, service, or interpretation of terms shall be subject to the jurisdiction of courts in Mumbai.
• All bookings will be processed only after acceptance of the above terms and conditions by the passenger.