Helicopter Services to Vaishno Devi – Booking, Price & Travel Tips

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine, perched high in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir, is one of India’s most spiritually significant and visited shrines. Each year, millions of devotees undertake the 12-13 km uphill trek from Katra to Bhawan to seek blessings. But for those with limited time, senior citizens, or those looking for a more comfortable journey, helicopter services to Vaishno Devi offer a convenient and time-saving alternative.

This complete guide answers two of the most frequently asked questions:

Are helicopter services available to reach Vaishno Devi?
What is the cost of the helicopter ride and how can it be booked?

We’ll cover everything: availability, pricing, schedules, online booking process, cancellation rules, travel tips, and more.

In This Blog

1: Helicopter Services to Vaishno Devi – Availability, Route, and Timings

Yes, Helicopter Services Are Available to Vaishno Devi

Yes, daily helicopter services operate between Katra and Sanjichhat, a helipad near Vaishno Devi Bhawan. This service drastically reduces the physical strain of the yatra and cuts the travel time from 5-7 hours on foot to just 8 minutes by air.

The helicopter services are officially regulated by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) and operated by authorized aviation companies.

Route Helicopter: Katra to Sanjichhat

Departure Point: Katra Helipad
Arrival Point: Sanjichhat Helipad (Approx. 2.5 km from Vaishno Devi Bhawan)
Flight Duration: 7–8 minutes
Distance to Bhawan from Sanjichhat: 2.5 km (covered on foot, pony, palki, or battery car)
Return Route: Sanjichhat to Katra (same flight time)

Helicopter Timings

Helicopter flights run daily, typically between:

Start Time: 08:30 AM
Last Flight: 5:00 PM

Flight frequency is every 15–20 minutes depending on weather and demand. Timings may vary slightly during winter, monsoons, or due to VIP movement.

Helicopter Operators

As of the latest update, the following operators are authorized by the Shrine Board:

Global Vectra Helicorp Limited
Himalayan Heli Services
Heritage Aviation Pvt. Ltd. (occasionally)

The Shrine Board allots contracts periodically and changes may occur, so refer to the official website for current operator listings.

Who Can Use Helicopter Services?

General Public: Open for all devotees
Senior Citizens: Preferential treatment (ID required)
People with Disabilities (Divyangjan): Priority access with medical proof
Time-Constrained Visitors: Business travelers or short-duration pilgrims
Medical Conditions: Heart, asthma, or joint issues (subject to clearance)

Important Note

Only 5–6 passengers per helicopter
Strict luggage limit of 5 kg per person
Must report 1.5 to 2 hours before departure
ID proof is mandatory at check-in

Travel from Sanjichhat to Vaishno Devi Bhawan

Once you land at Sanjichhat, you still need to walk 2.5 km (or hire pony/palki) to reach the Bhawan for darshan.

Options include:

On Foot: 30–40 minutes via paved path
Pony: ₹400–₹600 approx.
Palki (Palanquin): ₹1,200–₹2,000 approx.
Battery Car (limited): Available for senior citizens and persons with disabilities.

Explore Now – Your Dream Itinerary Awaits!

2: Booking, Cost, Rules & Travel Tips for Vaishno Devi Helicopter Service

Booking Helicopter Tickets to Vaishno Devi

All bookings must be done only through the official portal of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board.

Website: https://www.maavaishnodevi.org

The Shrine Board does not authorize any third-party websites or travel agents to book helicopter tickets. Avoid fraud.

Booking Process (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Visit www.maavaishnodevi.org

Create an account using your email ID, phone number, and personal details.

Step 2: Login and Select “Helicopter Booking”

After login, select your journey date, route (Katra–Sanjichhat–Katra) and number of passengers.

Step 3: Enter Passenger Details

You must provide:

Full name
Age
Gender
Government ID details (Aadhaar, Voter ID, etc.)
Mobile number

Step 4: Make Payment

Use credit/debit card, UPI, or net banking. You’ll receive a confirmation receipt after successful payment.

Cost of Helicopter Ride to Vaishno Devi

The cost is regulated by the Shrine Board and updated periodically. As of the latest update:

Route	One-Way Fare (Per Person)	Round-Trip Fare (Per Person)
Katra to Sanjichhat	₹1,835	₹3,670

Prices include all applicable taxes.

Note: Fares may change during contract renewals or special periods (Navratri, festivals).

Booking Window

Opens: 60 days in advance
Closes: 4 days before travel (subject to availability)
Best Time to Book: As early as possible, especially during peak season

Ticket Cancellation & Refund Rules

Cancellation allowed only via the official website
Cancellation Charges: 50% of ticket fare
Deadline: Cancel at least 4 days before travel
No refund for cancellations within 4 days or no-shows

Refund is credited back to your original payment method within 7–15 business days.

Required Documents at Helipad

Each passenger must carry:

Printed helicopter ticket confirmation
Original government-issued ID proof
Valid Yatra Slip (available online or at Katra Registration Counter)

Without these, boarding will be denied.

Helicopter Boarding Points

Katra Helipad: Located near SMVDU, 2 km from Katra Bus Stand
Sanjichhat Helipad: 2.5 km from Bhawan

Weather Conditions and Delays

Helicopter services are weather dependent. In case of fog, rain, or snow, flights may be:

Delayed
Rescheduled
Cancelled

In such cases:

Full refund is issued for unused segments
You may have to take the regular trekking route

Check weather updates on the day of travel or call helipad counters.

Travel Tips for Helicopter Passengers

Report at least 1.5 hours early at the helipad
Wear comfortable walking shoes—you’ll need to walk 2.5 km from Sanjichhat
Avoid heavy luggage; only 5 kg cabin luggage allowed
Carry essentials only: water bottle, ID, light woollens
Pregnant women and infants below 2 years are generally not recommended for helicopter travel
Avoid booking return flight too close—account for delays or extended darshan

Accommodation at Sanjichhat or Bhawan

If you plan to stay overnight:

Book rooms at Shrine Board Guest Houses at Sanjichhat or Bhawan
Rooms can be reserved via the official website

Room Tariffs:

₹1,200 – ₹3,000 per night depending on room type
Dormitory and premium options available

Conclusion: Is the Helicopter to Vaishno Devi Worth It?

Choosing the helicopter service to Vaishno Devi is a matter of personal preference and physical capability.

Recommended For:

Elderly or physically challenged devotees
Travelers with tight schedules
Families with small children
Devotees seeking a more comfortable ascent

The spiritual experience of Vaishno Devi is priceless, but reaching Bhawan via helicopter offers convenience, time savings, and comfort—allowing you to focus entirely on Mata Rani’s blessings rather than physical strain.

Summary at a Glance Helicopter Services to Vaishno Devi

Feature	Details
Route	Katra to Sanjichhat (then 2.5 km walk to Bhawan)
Flight Duration	7–8 minutes
Fare (One-way)	₹1,835 per person
Booking Platform	www.maavaishnodevi.org (official Shrine Board website)
Cancellation Fee	50% (if cancelled 4+ days in advance)
Flight Timings	8:30 AM to 5:00 PM (daily)
Baggage Allowance	5 kg per person
ID Proof	Mandatory at helipad
Access to Bhawan from Helipad	By foot, pony, palki, or battery car

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Helicopter Services to Vaishno Devi: Booking, Prices, Routes & Travel Tips

1: Helicopter Services to Vaishno Devi – Availability, Route, and Timings