HELICOPTER PILGRIMAGES

GVHL operates several helicopters dedicated to Religious Tourism, servicing a range of significant sites, primarily in Northern India. GVHL was the first company to introduce the H125 helicopter to these operations and once again, GVHL became the first company to introduce the all new Airbus H130T2 helicopter, providing our guests with the ultimate experience in safety and comfort. With our second H130T2 having recently entered service, the pilgrims for Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra shall enjoy an unmatched and truly elite flying experience.

Some of the popular pilgrim sites of GVHL helicopter operations include:

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Yatra

Vaishno Devi is one of the most sacred and popular pilgrim destinations in the country, the Holy Cave of the Maa Vaishno is situated at an altitude of 5200 ft. GVHL has been conducting Shuttle Operations since 2010, facilitating movement of pilgrims from Katra to Sanjichat and back. Over the last 10 years we have ferried over three million passengers on this sector.

Shri Amarnathji Yatra

The most famous Hindu Shrine is located at 13,000 ft and is surrounded by snowy mountains, the trek is extremely tough due to the treacherous terrain and weather conditions. The Yatra is generally held for about 6 to 7 weeks starting at the end of June or early July each year and concludes on the auspicious day of Shravan Purnima which is also known as Raksha Bandhan. The safest way to travel to this shrine is by the helicopter.

• GVHL has been conducting Shuttle / Charter Operations for Shri Amarnath Yatra in Jammu and Kashmir since 2010
• The operations entail conducting shuttle flying from Neelgrath at 9000 ft and landing at Panchtarni 13000ft
• The operations are extremely intense, where we ferry almost 40,000 pilgrims per year

Kedarnath Yatra and Char Dham Yatra

Kedarnath is one of the most famous ‘Jyotirlings’ in India. Helicopter flying is undertaken from the helipad located at Sitapur, which is adjacent to Sonprayag (the road head for Kedarnath). Services are available from Akshay Tritiya till Bhai Dooj with a break in flying during the monsoon.

• GVHL has been conducting Shuttle / Charter Operations for Shri Kedarnath Yatra and the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand since 2011
• The Shuttle Operation involves landing at Kedarnath Temple situated at 11000ft
• GVHL has also been operating Charter Services ex Dehradun on the Char Dham Sector – Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath which involves frequently crossing passes over 12000ft and landing at 11000ft

Machail Yatra

A lesser-known pilgrim destination in the Kishtwar district of Jammu and Kashmir is the Machail Mata. GVHL operates helicopters from Gulabgarh to Machail and now makes it possible to complete the three-day Yatra in one day. The Yatra takes place in the months of July / August each year.

Mani Mahesh Yatra

In the scenic abode of the Gods in Chamba District of Himachal Pradesh, is the picturesque pilgrim destination of Mani Mahesh. Helicopters operate from Bharmour to Gaurikund during the month of August every year.

Hemkund Sahib

Hemkund Sahib is the highest Sikh place of worship and is located in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 15,000 feet. Helicopter operations take place from Govindghat to Govinddham, making it possible to complete this three-day trek in one day. Operations take place from end of May to end of September / early October each year.

Tailored Tourism

In addition to the Religious Tourism sector, GVHL provides a variety of aircraft and location options for tailored tourism activities and we welcome any enquiry at: globalhelicorp@gvhl.in and charters@gvhl.in

Important Clarification: GVHL does not engage in sale of Helicopter Tickets for SHRI MATA VAISHNO DEVI. Helicopter Tickets can be booked only via the official website: www.maavaishnodevi.org