DO DHAM 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.

Tour Guidelines

• VIP Darshan passes are issued by the respective temple authorities at Kedarnath and Badrinath. These passes allow priority entry within the temple premises only. All arrangements are carried out strictly as per the guidelines and SOPs set by the temple committees. Since the control lies entirely with the authorities, VIP Darshan may be modified, delayed, or temporarily suspended during VVIP movements or peak rush periods for security and crowd management.
• Due to helicopter load limitations in high-altitude regions, the operator may reassign passengers across different flights to maintain safe weight balance. As a result, passengers travelling together may not always be accommodated on the same helicopter.
• This is a fixed departure helicopter tour with pre-defined flight schedules for each sector. Passengers must report strictly as per the scheduled ETDs. However, timings may be revised or postponed a day prior due to weather conditions or other force majeure factors.
• The exact reporting time at Sahastradhara Helidrome will be communicated by our Dehradun team one day prior to departure in the evening.
• 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 INR 2,000 per kg for passengers weighing above 75 kg. Excess weight will be calculated based on the total group weight exceeding the combined permissible limit (75 kg × number of passengers).
• Each passenger is allowed to carry only one soft baggage (duffel bag) with a maximum weight of 5 kg. Suitcases or hard luggage are not permitted onboard.
• Baggage limits must be strictly followed throughout the journey and may be checked at all destinations. Excess baggage will be charged at INR 500 per kg and will be carried only if aircraft capacity permits. If limits are exceeded significantly, luggage may be offloaded.
• Passengers are advised to pack light and carry only essential items to avoid inconvenience.

Travel & Operational Guidelines

• Helicopter shuttle services will be used for Kedarnath transfers. Due to operational constraints, passengers travelling together may be accommodated on separate 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 prior to travel. In case of bookings through a travel agency, the agency will handle the registration.
• Comfortable clothing such as tracksuits or traditional wear (Kurtas) is recommended. Suitable footwear like sports or trekking shoes should be carried.
• Dedicated ground staff and crew will be available at both Dhams to assist passengers throughout the journey.

General Advisory

• Infants below 2 years of age (maximum 12 kg) are accommodated free of charge, subject to valid age proof (ID or birth certificate). The infant’s weight will be included in the group’s total permissible load.
• Expenses for donations, tips, pitthu services, or additional porter assistance are not included and must be borne by the passengers.
• Mobile network connectivity in Badrinath is limited. BSNL and Jio networks are generally more reliable in this region.
• 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.
• Temple timings vary each season. Flight operations are planned accordingly to ensure smooth darshan and efficient coordination.

Health & Safety Advisory

• Both Kedarnath and Badrinath are located at high altitudes. Passengers are advised to consult a doctor before travel and carry necessary medications.
• Warm clothing is essential, as temperatures can drop significantly during evenings and nights.
• Senior citizens and individuals with existing medical conditions are strongly advised to undergo a medical check-up prior to 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.