Yamunotri and Gangotri by Helicopter : The Twin Shrines Experience

Yamunotri and Gangotri are two pilgrimage destinations that are religiously very important sites of the Hindu community and these are situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. These shrines are of the sacred rivers - Yamuna and Ganga. There are several reasons to visit Yamunotri and Gangotri which are also parts of the Char Dham Yatra.

Helicopter services have improved easy accessibility to these high-altitude shrines wherein pilgrims may conveniently get to the Twin Shrines experience.

Reasons Why Yamunotri and Gangotri Should Be Visited Together

Both Yamuna and Ganga are sacred rivers and the holy water of both these rivers is worshipped as a goddess and the rivers are divine on their own. The pilgrimage to Yamunotri and Gangotri symbolizes purification and bathing at the birthplaces of both the Yamuna and Ganga and is considered to bring blessings and absolution. Yamuna is identified with compassion and protection and Ganga with purity and purification. Pilgrims can be blessed by two rivers, and therefore receive blessings that are both internal and external to the body, thus signifying a purging or ‘cleansing’ process.

The usual Char Dham path initiated at Yamunotri and then Gangotri is a pious process moving through the high terrains devoted to the river deities, Yamuna and Ganga. Yamunotri; the first site is chosen to be the source of the Yamuna River meaning the first stage of cleansing and strength. Yamunotri is then succeeded by Gangotri which is the place from where the Ganga hits the Gangotri Glacier. This gradual journey from Yamunotri to Gangotri provides a grey shade, as people step by step, from one holy river to another, develop a greater relationship with nature’s forces.

Yamunotri and Gangotri : Mythological and Historical Importance

Being two of the most important rivers in India both Yamunotri and Gangotri possess several myths and legends originating in Hindu myth that describe the sacredness of the water sources and the founders of temples.

Yamunotri’s Origins and Mythology : Yamunotri is identified with the Goddess Yamuna, who is held to reside in this place and is the sister of Yama, the Hindu god of death as per Hindu mythology; it also marks the beginning of the Yamuna River. The Yamuna is described as protective and individuals often bathe in the water to avoid early death. This goddess was worshipped to denote and represent the sacred river of Yamuna which originated near the glacier and hence the temple of Yamunotri was built.

The site has natural thermal springs called Surya Kund contributing to the sacrality of place where people cook rice in these waters to offer to the goddess.

Gangotri’s Significance in Hindu Lore : Gangotri is for the Ganga River which is considered sacred as she is the holy river in Hinduism. As the myth goes, the Ganga took birth on earth with the avowed purpose of washing the sins of King Bhagirath’s progenitors. Gangotri symbolizes the place from where Ganga initially descended on earth; it is the manifestation of prowess a woman has to undergo, equally capable of washing the sins and providing salvation. It was constructed in the eighteenth century by General Amar Singh Thapa to be placed at the source of the river, which Gorkha believed to be the Gaumukh glacier. In this way, therefore, taking a pilgrimage to Gangotri; devotees can experience the sanctified potential of the Ganga and get a spiritual touch-up.

Part of the Char Dham Yatra : Besides Kedarnath and Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri are the two parts of the Char Dham Yatra that have been intrinsic to Hindu temple tourism. This pilgrimage was initiated by Adi Shankaracharya – the great Hindu philosopher to propagate dharma and to encourage Hindus back to temples and spiritual practices. Yamunotri and Gangotri are primarily worshipped by traversing to all four sites at least once which they believe brings them divine power and favour.

Modern Accessibility : Benefits of Helicopter Services in the Development of Twin Shrines

Earlier it took many days to travel to Yamunotri and Gangotri since the paths were steep and full of rough terrains, let alone traveling to both destinations on the same day. These helicopter services have made access to these shrines much easier and even children and old age pilgrims can now feel the blessing of this shrine.

Here’s how modern helicopter services have transformed the Twin Shrines Experience:

• Efficient Travel : A helicopter yatra to Yamunotri and Gangotri shrinks the travel time by a huge margin. What would have normally required a few days on the trails or the road can now effectively be accomplished in a few hours.
• Comfort and Safety : More importantly, helicopters represent a safe mode of transport whereby elderly and disabled pilgrims who would otherwise find it very difficult to trek to these often-high-altitude shrines can comfortably travel to these places. The helicopters are flown by skilled pilots, and therefore a safe flight with the best view of the Himalayas is guaranteed.
• VIP Darshan and Hassle-Free Movement : Almost all do dham helicopter package let the customers choose the VIP darshan where the helicopter is allowed to land closer to the temple premises thus allowing the pilgrims to avoid long queues which are especially common during the pilgrimage season. The chardham packages usually involve well-conditioned means of transport from the helipad to the temples thus eliminating most forms of hitches and bureaucracy and therefore, more time for prayer.

Steps to Book Yamunotri and Gangotri Helicopter Yatra

To avoid any inconvenience, delays, and hassles while making your Twin Shrines Yatra, one needs to plan and book early for the yatra, particularly, during the busy seasons. Here’s how to book your Yamunotri and Gangotri helicopter service:

Choose an Authorized Operator

Operators have been pre-approved by the government to offer their services. As such, authorized operators offer a range of packages including VIP darshan and transfers with a guaranteed safe experience.

Choose Your Date and Package

Check the listed prices for each package listed together with travel dates available to enable you to book a package that you would wish to travel in. Other services include VIP passes and pick up and drop off services that are provided in majority of the packages.

Make the Final Payment and Return the Confirmation

When you make your reservation, always check the confirmation received with information about your flight including the location of the helipad, the time of departure, and whether VIP services have been included.

Monitor Weather Conditions

Flights to the Twin Shrines are said to be determined by the weather, so check the prevailing weather before the trip.

Packages Available for Yamunotri and Gangotri Helicopter Service

There are various bunches of packages available that tour agencies provide to preferred people as per their requirements of time, money, and also their convenience. All these packages differ in terms of their length of stay and services offered and often include the basic traveling arrangements for darshan services and accommodation. Here are the types of packages commonly available for the Twin Shrines Yatra by helicopter:

1. Double Shrine One Day Tour

Both Yamunotri and Gangotri are time-constrained pilgrims or those who want to do both in one day only. Helicopter shuttle services from Sahastradhara (Dehradun) to various adjacent helipads of Yamunotri and Gangotri.

Duration : Day-return, mostly early morning till evening but may end at any time of the day.

2. Two-Day Twin Shrines Package

Ideal for comparatively laid-back pilgrims who do not mind being rushed and those who would have liked to spend more time at each shrine. Accommodation is arranged in a nearby guest house or a hotel in Gangotri or Yamunotri according to the visitor’s wish.  As for the price, all packages cover food and drinks for two days, with breakfasts, lunches, and dinners included.

Duration : 2 days, with a night’s stay recommended to create a leisurely schedule. While making the bookings it is recommended to check with the Helicopter Services providers about the availability of all the services provided by them.

3. VIP Twin Shrines Package

Travelers who aim to make a highly focused and more comfortable round trip, thus more flexible. Choices of preferred timings and the supplier of helicopter’s services, with available schedules according to travelers preference.

• Exclusive VIP Darshan and Rituals : Special darshan facility with additional provision for individual attention to any or every temple in India.
• Luxury Accommodation : Treats that involve food such as premium hotel or guest house accommodation and or ordering directly from a restaurant.
• Dedicated Ground Transportations : Transportation was arranged for private vehicular transfers from helipads to the temples with comfortable transfers.
• Duration : Different, can be one day and can be more days as well.

Helipads Near Yamunotri and Gangotri

A few helipads near Yamunotri and Gangotri are also available which are easily accessible for the pilgrims, whereas for the entire vast yatra, is tough because of the tough mountain terrains. Here are some key helipads:

Near Yamunotri

Kharsali Helipad : Situated near Yamunotri, Kharsali Helipad is the most prominent helipad of Yamunotri remaining the main medium of heli service to the destination. Yamunotri temple is approximately 5 kilometers walk from Kharsali, the scheduled trek from this place to the temple.

Barkot Helipad : They also have an access place in the form of a helipad at Barkot, a town near the Yamunotri shrine. But it is even more distant from Yamunotri than Kharsali, or at least that was the situation a few years ago.

Near Gangotri

Harsil Helipad : This is the first helipad that has been developed for the devotees before busting off to Gangotri. Harsil Helipad is situated about 25 kilometers ahead of the Gangotri Temple; therefore travelers can start off from this helipad to continue further by road to Gangotri Temple.

Dehradun Helipads (Sahastradhara Helipad) : Many pilgrims come from Dehradun and even fly from here to Harsil or Kharsali as this place there is central to helicopter services for both Yamunotri and Gangotri.