The important terms and conditions for Char Dham Yatra by helicopter are not just fine print—they’re things you actually need to know before booking. From fixed flight timings and weight restrictions to refund rules and weather delays, everything matters up in the hills. If you’re not aware of these details, you might end up facing unexpected issues on the ground. This section keeps it simple and tells you what’s fair, what’s non-negotiable, and what you’re signing up for.
Table of Contents
1. Helicopter Operations & Flight Rules
Fixed Departure Timings
- All flights operate on daily fixed schedules.
- Delays in reporting mean no show = no refund.
- You must follow all ETD timings given for each day. Even a 10-minute delay can lead to missing the helicopter.
Passenger Weight Limitations
- Helicopter capacity: 450 kg total (excluding baggage).
- Standard allowed weight: 75 kg per person.
- Extra weight is chargeable at ₹2,500/kg – ₹3,500/kg
- Total allowed weight for your group = 75 × number of passengers.
- If your declared weight doesn’t match actual weight and it breaches the limit, you’ll be deboarded without refund.
Passenger Shuffling
- Due to weight balancing needs, group members may be split into separate helicopters.
- Each passenger is allowed only one soft duffel bag weighing up to 5 kg. No suitcases or trolley bags are allowed. A duffel bag will be provided to you upon arrival in Dehradun.
- The pilot’s decision is final and binding.
Flight Group Size
- Each helicopter can carry 6 passengers + 1 pilot.
2. Weather Conditions & Force Majeure
Refund Policy: If your tour is cancelled on Day 1 due to weather or permissions, you will receive a refund after a deduction of ₹30,000* for preparations.
In Do Dham yatra by helicopter, If only Kedarnath is covered, ₹4.5 lakh (for a group of 6) will be refunded. If only Badrinath is covered, ₹5 lakh will be refunded. If both dhams are missed, a full refund (minus ₹30,000) will be provided.
Please Note – The given amount is tentative and may change.
Deductions: Charges for services already used—such as hotel stays, darshan, or rituals—will be deducted. No refund will be given for unused services like missed meals or skipped darshans.
Inconvenience Clause: If your trip is delayed or cancelled due to bad weather, technical issues, or government restrictions, the operator is not responsible for any extra expenses like accommodation, transport, or food.
Disruptions Mid-Yatra: If the yatra begins but gets disrupted midway, the itinerary will be adjusted to fit within the original tour duration. No extra days will be added.
Rebooking Option: If your tour is cancelled, you may choose to rebook for the next available date. Your unutilized balance can be adjusted toward the new booking. Any extra costs must be paid by you.
COVID or Emergency: If the yatra is cancelled due to COVID, lockdowns, or national/state emergencies, no refund will be provided. Instead, a credit voucher valid for 1 year will be issued. You or your relatives/friends can use it for any future helicopter tour.
Evacuation or Extra Flying: If extra helicopter use is needed—for evacuation or delay—it will cost ₹1,20,000 per hour plus GST and landing charges.
3. Medical & Passenger Safety Rules
Altitude Warning: The Char Dham temples are located at high altitudes. You may experience breathlessness, cold, or fatigue. It’s important to stay hydrated and rest as needed.
Medical Check-Up: If you have asthma, heart conditions, high blood pressure, or are above 65 years of age, we strongly recommend getting a medical check-up before confirming your tour.
Who Can’t Board: Passengers who are intoxicated, aggressive, mentally unstable, or visibly unwell will not be allowed to board the helicopter. No refund will be given in such cases. Also, high-security officials like SPG protectees, Z-category VIPs, and other restricted personnel are not allowed as per aviation regulations.
Honest Disclosure: All medical conditions must be declared at the time of booking. Hiding any critical information can result in cancellation without refund.
4. Accommodation & On-Ground Services
Stay at Kedarnath Top (Additional 7000 Per Adult) (Optional)
- Basic and budget stay only.
- No luxury options.
- In Sep/Oct, sub-zero night temperatures possible.
- Guests should carry thermal wear, socks, and gloves.
Kedarnath Top Stay: Staying at Kedarnath Top is optional. If you choose this, you’ll need to sign a declaration. These stays are basic and cost between ₹12,000–₹15,000 per night. If bad weather keeps you at Kedarnath, you’ll need to pay for extra nights directly.
Split Stays: Due to helicopter weight restrictions and flying schedules, groups may be split across different hotels.
Room Sharing: Hotel rooms are allotted on double or triple sharing. If you require a single room, an extra charge of ₹30,000 per person will apply.
Meals: All meals are vegetarian and served on a fixed menu basis. Jain food can be arranged if you inform us in advance. Breakfast is not guaranteed on the final day due to early departures. Paid breakfast is available in Dehradun.
Mobile Connectivity
- Very weak signal in Harsil and Badrinath.
- Only Jio and Airtel work often.
- Inform your family before departure.
Special Rituals (Paid Extra)
- Maha Abhishek at Badrinath: ₹4,300/person (paid in cash at helipad).
- Rudra Abhishek at Kedarnath: ₹6,500 for 5 pax. Subject to stay availability at Kedar-top. Extra ₹5,000 if staying at Kedar-top.
5. Booking, Payments & Rescheduling
Booking Requirements
- Submit:
- Full name
- Age, gender, home address
- Emergency contact
- Aadhaar card / PAN card / Passport (for foreigners)
- Body weight (accurate)
Payment Policy
- 50% advance to block seats.
- Remaining 50% 30 days before travel.
- No boarding without full payment.
Credit / Debit Card Charges: If you pay using a credit or debit card, a 3.5% charge will be added. For international cards 4.5% charge applies.
Rescheduling Policy
There’s NO RESCHEDULING allowed for Char Dham Yatra by helicopter once the booking is confirmed. These are fixed-date tours, and every seat is pre-assigned with limited slots. If you want to change your travel date, it’s treated as a new booking altogether—subject to availability and full payment again.
Any date change request will cost extra, and the earlier booking amount won’t be adjusted or refunded. So double-check your dates before confirming.
6. Refunds & Cancellations
Standard Cancellation Charges
- More than 60 days before departure: 50% cancellation fee.
- Less than 30 days: 100% cancellation fee.
Partial Refunds for Missed Dhams
- If 1 dham is missed due to weather, refund is:
- 25% of package cost per dham
- Less ₹15,000/person* as logistics & prep charges.
Extra Service Refund
- Charges for rituals or extra services already used will be deducted.
- No refunds for hotel meals, sightseeing missed due to weather.
7. VIP Darshan, Add-On Services & InclusionsVIP Darshan:
VIP darshan allows quicker entry into the temples but does not mean private access. Entry is subject to government rules.
Special Poojas:
- Maha Abhishek at Badrinath costs ₹4,300 per person
- Rudra Abhishek at Kedarnath costs ₹6,500 for a group of 5
- If staying at Kedarnath Top, ₹5,000 – 7,000 extra applies
- These must be pre-booked. No last-minute arrangements will be possible
Included Activities: Pony or palki service at Yamunotri is included. Sightseeing at Mana Village is also included, depending on available time.
Extra Sightseeing: You can add a tour of Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Mussoorie for ₹6,000–₹8,000 per car, if requested in advance.
Extra (Paid Services)
- Rituals (Maha Abhishek, Rudra Abhishek)
- Additional night in Dehradun: Price on request
- Haridwar/Rishikesh/Mussoorie trip: ₹8,000 for up to 6 pax
- Flight/train ticket booking: Price on request
8. Child Policy, Legal & Final Notes
Airport Transfers: One pickup and one drop between Dehradun airport and hotel is included. This is valid only for the day of arrival or one day prior, and on the day of departure. Any additional transfers will cost extra.
Clothing Advice: Carry warm and comfortable clothing like thermals, jackets, gloves, and track pants. Good trekking shoes are strongly recommended.
Infant Policy: Children under 2 years or weighing under 12 kg can travel free of cost. However, their weight will be counted in the group weight limit.
Mobile Networks: Network connectivity at Kedarnath and Badrinath is very limited. Only Jio and Airtel work sometimes.
Tax/Levy Changes: If there are any new government or temple levies after you’ve booked, you’ll need to pay them before travel.
Legal: All disputes will fall under the jurisdiction of Uttarakhand. By booking this tour, you agree to all the above terms and conditions.
Summary of Important Terms And Conditions For Char Dham Yatra By Helicopter
- Fixed Flight Timings: All departures run on a fixed daily schedule. Missing your slot = no refund.
- Weight Restrictions: Max helicopter load is 450 kg. Any extra weight above 75 kg per person is chargeable at ₹2,500/kg.
- No Rescheduling: Date changes are not allowed. Any change = fresh booking with additional cost.
- Strict Refund Rules: 50% cancellation fee if cancelled 30+ days prior; 100% charge within 30 days.
- Weather Delays: Flights are weather-dependent. No refund for delays or missed darshans. Only partial refunds as per policy.
- High-Altitude Caution: All dhams are at high altitude. Medical fitness is your responsibility—no liability on operator.
- Accommodation Warning: Kedarnath stay is basic. Expect sub-zero temperatures in Sep-Oct. Carry warm gear.
- Mobile Network Issues: Poor connectivity at Badrinath and Harsil. Only Airtel and Jio work sometimes.
- Payment Policy: 50% advance to block seats, remaining 30 days before tour. No full payment = no boarding.
- Extra Services: Rituals like Maha Abhishek or Rudra Abhishek are cash-only and not included in package.
- Infant Policy: Kids under 2 years or 12 kg travel free (ID proof required).
- Legal Jurisdiction: All disputes fall under Uttarakhand legal jurisdiction.
This guide helps you plan your Char Dham Yatra by helicopter with full clarity. Don’t book blindly—read, understand, and confirm only when you’re 100% comfortable with these points. If you have questions, reach out to Travel Vaidya’s team in Dehradun for complete help.
