This Char Dham helicopter tour itinerary is planned for a fast, organised, and comfortable way to visit Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath in a single circuit from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun. Each day follows a fixed flight schedule, planned darshan timings, and pre-arranged ground transfers. This guide explains the complete day-wise itinerary and the exact flight timings to help travellers—especially senior citizens and families—plan their pilgrimage smoothly.
Overview of Char Dham Helicopter Tour Itinerary
The helicopter route follows a clockwise path:
Dehradun → Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Dehradun
This route aligns with temple timings, weather windows, and aircraft movement across the Himalayas. The entire journey typically takes 5–6 days, depending on weather and puja requirements.
Char Dham Helicopter Tours — From Major Cities
Day-Wise Itinerary of Char Dham Helicopter Tour
Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun
Guests arrive in Dehradun and check in to their hotel. A mandatory tour briefing is held in the evening, where the team explains safety protocols, luggage limits (5 kg soft bag per person), expected flight timings, and reporting rules. Guests are encouraged to arrive by 2:00 PM and rest early for the next morning’s departure.
In the evening, the aviation team conducts a detailed briefing session at the hotel. During this session, guests are informed about helicopter safety guidelines, luggage limits (soft bags up to 5 kg per person), next-morning reporting time, seating procedures, weather considerations, and the day-wise flow of the Char Dham helicopter itinerary. After the briefing, guests are advised to have an early dinner and sleep on time for the early morning departure.
Day 2: Dehradun → Yamunotri (Kharsali)
Morning Flight: Dehradun to Kharsali
- ETD: 6:00 AM
- ETA: 6:30 AM
After landing at Kharsali Helipad, guests have breakfast and prepare for the Yamunotri darshan.
Yamunotri Darshan
The Yamunotri Temple requires a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti. Options available include palki, pony, or walking. The trail is scenic but steep in some sections, so many senior travellers prefer pre-booked assistance.
After darshan and return, guests relax at their accommodation in Kharsali.
Overnight Stay: Kharsali
Dham Covered: Yamunotri
Day 3: Yamunotri → Gangotri (Harsil)
Morning Flight: Kharsali to Harsil
- ETD: 6:30 AM
- ETA: 7:00 AM
Harsil is a quiet valley surrounded by forests and rivers, offering a peaceful setting after the flight.
Drive to Gangotri Temple
- Distance: 25 km
- Drive Time: 45–50 minutes
Guests proceed for Gangotri darshan and return to Harsil for lunch and rest. The rest of the day may be spent exploring nearby trails, riversides, or simply resting at the hotel.
Overnight Stay: Harsil
Dham Covered: Gangotri
Day 4: Gangotri → Kedarnath
Morning Flight: Harsil to Sersi
- ETD: 7:00 AM
- ETA: 7:30 AM
Sersi serves as the shuttle base for Kedarnath.
Shuttle Flight: Sersi to Kedarnath
- ETD: 10:00 AM
- ETA: 10:07 AM
After landing at the Kedarnath helipad, guests walk a short distance to the temple for darshan. Return flights operate according to weather and temple crowd.
Return Flight: Kedarnath to Sersi
- ETD: 2:00 PM
- ETA: 2:07 PM
Guests check in at Sersi or Guptkashi for the night.
Overnight Stay: Sersi / Guptkashi
Dham Covered: Kedarnath
Day 5: Kedarnath → Badrinath
Morning Flight: Sersi to Badrinath
- ETD: 8:00 AM
- ETA: 8:30 AM
After arrival, guests proceed to their hotel and prepare for Badrinath darshan. The temple is easily accessible and usually less crowded during early hours.
Sightseeing Options
Travellers often visit:
- Mana Village
- Saraswati River
- Bhim Pul
- Local cafés
Evening Aarti (Swarn or Chandi Aarti) can be arranged with prior booking.
Overnight Stay: Badrinath
Dham Covered: Badrinath
Day 6: Badrinath → Dehradun
Travellers opting for the Maha Abhishek Puja attend the morning ritual between 3:30–6:30 AM.
Morning Flight: Badrinath to Dehradun
- ETD: 8:30 AM
- ETA: 9:30 AM
Upon arrival at Sahastradhara Helipad, guests are dropped at the airport, railway station, or nearby hotels. Afternoon or evening flights from Dehradun are recommended to avoid rushed transfers.
Char Dham Helicopter Flight Timings Summary
| Day | Sector | ETD | ETA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 2 | Dehradun → Kharsali | 6:00 AM | 6:30 AM |
| Day 3 | Kharsali → Harsil | 6:30 AM | 7:00 AM |
| Day 4 | Harsil → Sersi | 7:00 AM | 7:30 AM |
| Day 4 | Sersi → Kedarnath | 10:00 AM | 10:07 AM |
| Day 4 | Kedarnath → Sersi | 2:00 PM | 2:07 PM |
| Day 5 | Sersi → Badrinath | 8:00 AM | 8:30 AM |
| Day 6 | Badrinath → Dehradun | 8:30 AM | 9:30 AM |
Understanding The Chardham Helicopter Route
The Char Dham helicopter journey follows the same order as the traditional pilgrimage. This clockwise route provides smooth altitude transition and aligns well with temple opening hours and weather stability.
Key factors influencing routing:
- Morning weather windows
- Helipad slot management
- Altitude variations
- Appropriate sequence for darshan timings
Travel Tips for a Smooth Helicopter Yatra
1. Reporting Time
Helicopter yatras start early. Guests should be prepared for reporting times around 5:30–6 AM.
2. Luggage Restriction
Only 5 kg per person is allowed in a soft duffel bag. Hard luggage is not permitted.
3. Clothing
Weather varies drastically between helipads. Layered clothing, gloves, caps, and warm socks are recommended.
4. Temple Footwear
Footwear needs to be removed before entering temples. Carry slip-ons for convenience.
5. Buffer Day
Travellers should keep one buffer day at the end of their trip due to unpredictable Himalayan weather.
6. Suitable for Elderly Travellers
The helicopter tour is ideal for senior citizens who want to avoid long road journeys, steep climbs, and extended travel hours.
Who This Tour Is Best Suited For
The helicopter Yatra is suitable for:
- Senior citizens
- Families with children
- NRIs visiting for a short duration
- Devotees who prefer organised travel
- Pilgrims unable to undertake long road journeys
Flight Timings & Weather Disclaimer
Helicopter flight timings in the Char Dham sector are tentative and may change at any time. Mountain weather, visibility, ATC permissions, and safety checks directly affect when aircraft can fly. Delays or rescheduling can happen due to rain, fog, low clouds, high winds, VVIP movement, or technical requirements.
If you want to understand who this tour is best suited for, visit
Who Should Choose Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter.
For all rules, safety guidelines, and refund policies, please read the
Terms & Conditions for Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter.
Guests should keep one buffer day at the end of their trip and always follow the latest instructions shared by the aviation team and helipad staff. The pilot and aviation authorities have the final say on all flight operations for safety reasons.
My Final Say on This
The Char Dham helicopter tour offers a structured, time-efficient, and practical way to complete the sacred pilgrimage across Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Having a clear understanding of the daily itinerary and flight timings helps travellers prepare better and enjoy a smooth, comfortable experience. With early reporting, precise helicopter schedules, and coordinated temple visits, the journey remains well-organised throughout.
