Dehradun Sahastradhara Helipad Timings & Rules of reporting
- Where to report: You have to report at Sahastradhara Helidrome, Dehradun (near Mussoorie road). Its Official map Cordinates are: 30°22.54’N, 78°05.89’E.
Helipad height is 2,750 ft.
This is the main base for all Char Dham flights. It is 5.1 Km or only 10 mins away from Dehradun's Hyatt centric.
- First flight of the day: Most operators plan first take-off between 06:00–07:30 hrs, It depends on the weather and route. (Examples: fixed tours showing 06:00–06:30 hrs departures.) Always follow the exact time your operator sends.
- When should you reach the helipad? All Passengers of Chardham Yatra must be there 60–90 minutes before your flight time (ETD). Helicopter companies confirm your reporting time the previous evening by call/SMS/WhatsApp.
- Evening briefing (Day-0): Tour Operators usually hold a short briefing the evening before for document check, weight check, and bag issue; they’ll tell you the place and time on message.
- Baggage rule (strict): One soft bag up to 5 kg per person. No trolley/hard bags. Extra weight may be refused or charged Rs.2000 per Kg as per Chardham yatra by helicopter operator policy.
- ID & security: Carry a government photo ID. your name must match to the passenger list before boarding at Sahastradhara.
- Weather holds & resequencing: During chardham yatra by helicopter Tour, Mountain weather can change fast. For safety,Chardham Helicopter flights can wait, change order, or reschedule. Keep one spare day in Dehradun at trip end.
- Safety oversight (2025 update): The state (UCADA) and DGCA have tightened checks, Now it is even better on-site control and real-time weather monitoring at Sahastradhara Helipad. Expect strict go/no-go calls.
Quick answers (easy & direct)
- Helipad name/address? Sahastradhara Helidrome, Dehradun (Uttarakhand). Pincode: 248001.
- How early should I report? At least 1 hour before ETD. You must aim for 60–90 min to clear checks calmly.
- Who controls the base? UCADA runs Sahastradhara operations and sets operating SOPs.
Action now: Check your operator’s message tonight, pack a 5 kg soft bag, keep your ID handy, and reach Sahastradhara 60–90 minutes early for an on-time Chardham Helicopter Yatra departure. Book Your Chardham Yatra by Helicopter Package now with LIH for best experience
Documents Required – ID, Biometric Registration, Permits Checklist
Planning a Char Dham yatra by helicopter? Use this short, exact checklist so you can board fast-
Government Photo ID (Original)
- Carry for every passenger: Aadhaar / Passport / PAN / Driving Licence.
- Children: Birth Certificate or Aadhaar.
- Names must match your ticket- the ticket is valid only with original ID shown at boarding.
Mandatory Biometric Registration (Free)
- Register on the Tourist Care Uttarakhand system to get your Yatra e-Pass/QR.
- Where: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or the Tourist Care Uttarakhand mobile app.
- Fee: ₹0 (free).
- Tip: Register before you attempt heli booking; operators and portals now ask for your Registration ID.
What to keep ready
- Each traveller’s mobile number & OTP, travel dates, and one ID detail of each person.
- Download/print the QR e-Pass; you may be asked to scan it at gates and helipads.
Helicopter Ticket & Itinerary
- Keep the confirmed heli ticket/itinerary (PDF/SMS) with the same names as on your IDs.
- Operators can refuse boarding if names differ from ID or registration data. (Kedarnath Ji Yatra Blog, Heliyatra)
Medical Fitness (Know the rule)
- On-foot Kedarnath trekkers are commonly asked for a medical certificate at base checkpoints (local admin notices vary by season).
- Helicopter pilgrims: a certificate is not universally mandatory, but seniors or those with health issues may be asked for a doctor “fit-to-fly” note by operators. Health screening is more strict in 2025. Carry recent prescriptions if any.
Quick Answers (easy & direct)
- Is registration paid? No, Char Dham registration is free.
- Do I need the same name everywhere? Yes—ID, registration, and heli ticket names must match.
- Where to book Aarti/Puja? BKTC official site for Kedarnath & Badrinath.
Keep these documents handy and you’ll move through check-in, security, and darshan smoothly during your Chardham Heli Yatra / Chardham Helicopter Yatra.
Best Time to Visit 4 Dham by Helicopter (2025)
Are you Planning a Char Dham yatra by helicopter? Choose clear-weather windows for smooth flying and easy darshan:
late April–mid June
mid-September–October.
These months have stable winds. the temples open in summer and close with early winter, so plan inside this months range.
For year 2025, The official Temple committies have decides:
Kedarnath – 2 May 2025
Badrinath – 4 May 2025
as opening dates. Booking soon after these openings reduces weather holds and crowding.
Meanwhile, monsoon (July–August) brings rain, cloud, and frequent flight disruptions—so avoid these months.
Post-monsoon skies in mid-Sept–Oct are crisp and reliable for heli ops.
Pick morning slots and keep a 1-day buffer for weather.
Safety, 2025 update: Uttarakhand tightened rules—stricter weather holds, experienced valley pilots, audits, and a push toward twin-engine fleets. Always check current status before you pay.
If time is short, the same windows are ideal for a faster 4 Dham Tour / char Dham Helicopter Package (Kedarnath + Badrinath). Book early, hold your price, and fly with peace of mind.
Char Dham by Helicopter vs Road — Quick Guide
Many are wondering whether to choose Char Dham yatra by helicopter or follow the old road route. Both have pros and cons. Here’s what matters most:
- Speed and Time: Helicopter trips finish in just 1–5 days, while road journeys take 10–12 days.
- Comfort: Helicopters are smooth and easy—perfect for older people or families. Road journeys involve long drives and tough treks, which can tire you.
- Cost: Helicopter packages start from around ₹1.25 lakh per person. Road trips are much cheaper.
- Scenery and Experience: Helicopter gives you breathtaking aerial views fast. Road lets you see villages, meet locals, and soak in the mountain charm.
- Flexibility: Road trips are flexible, but helicopters follow a strict schedule.
- Weather Risk: Helicopters pause in bad weather. Road travel continues—unless landslides block the way.
- Accessibility: Helicopter travel is easier for elders or anyone with health issues. Road travel needs stamina and good health.
Comparison Table
Feature | Helicopter (Char Dham yatra by helicopter) | Road Trip (Traditional) |
---|
Duration | 1–5 days | 10–12 days |
Comfort | Very high, smooth ride | Moderate, tiring |
Cost | Premium (~₹1.25 L+) | Budget-friendly |
View Experience | Aerial, fast, dramatic | Scenic, immersive |
Flexibility | Fixed schedule | High flexibility |
Weather Risk | High (may cancel) | Lower (but roads can close) |
Accessibility | Great for elderly/less mobile | Requires good physical health |
When to Choose Helicopter
- You are short on time.
- You want comfort, VIP darshan, and a fast trip.
- You prefer ease, not trekking.
When to Choose Road
- You want spiritual depth, local culture, and flexibility.
- You have a lot of free time and don’t mind physical effort.
In short: A Char Dham Helicopter Tour is fast, comfortable, and best for elderly travellers and people with less time. Road journeys are slower and pocket-friendly but consume more days. Choosing Char Dham yatra by helicopter gives you more comfort and lasting memories.
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