“Har Har Mahadev” all around, temple bells, highly energetic devotees, panoramic views of snow-capped mountains & icy cold winds describes Amarnath Yatra.
A journey that is on the bucket list of almost every Shiva Bhakt. Situated at an altitude of 3,888 meters, in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the holy Indian Shrine- Amarnath Cave is visited by Indians in abundance every year in July/August.
Amarnath Cave is a Hindu Pilgrimage where a Shivlinga appears naturally in the form of ice, holds significant religious importance, and is considered as the holiest shrine by Hindus all over the world. Legend has it that the Amarnath Yatra was undertaken by Lord Shiva himself along with Goddess Parvati, where Shiva narrated the immortality lessons to Parvati.
According to the Hindu Calendar, the Shravan months of July and August are auspicious and it’s during this time when Amarnath Yatra opens and is visited by approx. 6,00,000 devotees every year. The Lord Shiva temple inside the cave is 40 meters high.
The Route:
Amarnath cave is situated approx. 45 km from Pahalgam and 141 km from Srinagar. There are possibly two ways to reach the sacred Amarnath Cave –
A) The Baltal route (Jammu – Baltal – Domail – Barari – Holy Cave) is 14km and takes 1-2 days. This route is preferred for returning.
B) The Pahalgam route (Jammu – Pahalgam – Chandanwari – Pishu Top – Sheshnag – Panjtarni – Holy Cave) is 36-48 km and can take up to 3-5 days.
The Yatra:
This Holy Yatra is believed to be “fit to test the Gods“. Imagine how it would be for Humans! It is tough & challenging enough to test not only the physical but mental strength as well. It is a difficult journey through rocky mountains and steep terrains. The weather is chilly, even in the summer months. Sickness and deaths en-route are not something unbelievable, because for multiple reasons. This yatra is a test of both faith & physique. Therefore yatris are suggested to start preparing at least 1-2 months before the yatra and build their stamina.
Amarnath Yatra via Helicopter:
Apart from trekking or taking ponys, Amarnath Yatra can also be completed via helicopter – which is the easiest and most comfortable way of undertaking this yatra. Himalayan Heli takes pride in sharing that we have been able to successfully fly Lakhs of pilgrims safely to this sacred shrine.
With the experience of over 15 years in the Amarnath region, Himalayan Heli is the oldest and the most experienced Helicopter services provider at Amarnath Ji.
The shuttle services are operated from the government helipad at Neelgrath and Pahalgam, as there are two sectors from where heli-services are operated. Initially, the services were operational from Baltal and not Neelgrath, however, in 2015, the location of Baltal heli-services route changed to Neelgrath. Now, the Baltal route is only open for pilgrims going by trek. Himalayan Heli has been operating in the Neelgrath region since 2019, before which it operated from the Baltal and the Pahalgam route as well.
Neelgrath is 4 km from Sonmarg and 12 km from Baltal. Srinagar to Neelgrath distance is approx. 84 km.
Helicopter Services for Amarnath Yatra:
1. Shuttle Service:
One can book either a one-way or both-side Helicopter ride from Himalayan Heli. You will land at the Lower cave helipad which is 500 meters from the cave. One needs 2 hours to visit the cave and come back.
Route: Neelgrath – Lower Cave Helipad – Neelgrath
Before 2020, the helicopter shuttle services were operated till Panjtarni, however, from 2020 planning commenced for heli-services to operate until Holy-cave to maintain more safety and convenience for pilgrims traveling by helicopter.
One can Book Himalayan Heli Amarnath Shuttle services from here: https://www.himalayanheli.com/amarnath-yatra.php
(Bookings open generally in March every year for Shri Amarnath Ji shuttle tickets).
2. Charter Service
An exclusive, safe, and swift Helicopter trip can be booked directly from Srinagar Airport to Amarnath Ji. Maximum of 6 people can be accommodated in a helicopter, for a same-day charter.
Route: Srinagar – Lower Cave Helipad – Srinagar
You can check more about the Charter service here: https://www.himalayanheli.com/amarnath-charter.php
Amarnath Yatra is very special for Himalayan Heli also, because it’s the first Yatra we undertook and since then there has been no turning back. We have continuously served at this shrine for over 15 years.
Why Helicopter Ride for Amarnath Yatra:
As you already know, the Amarnath region is a high altitude and less oxygen zone. One needs to be fit to undertake this journey. Risks are high.
Taking a helicopter will not only remove all the risks involved but also makes the yatra extremely smooth and experiential.
It perfectly suits middle-aged people, elders, and those who are not physically fit. Also, the aerial view of the valley is beyond beautiful.
Amarnath Yatra Cancelled in 2020 and 2021:
2020 was a difficult year for the whole world. In June 2020, after the nationwide lockdown started getting unlocked, it was a sigh of relief, indeed. Talking specifically about Amarnath yatra, it was unsure whether it will be open for devotees or not. Since the expected dates for Yatra were 23rd June to 3rd August 2020, we started preparing for the operations keeping in mind the Covid safety protocols. Unfortunately, by July end, the official announcement was made by the state government of J&k for the yatra to remain closed in 2020.
In 2021, the yatra was certain and the dates decided were 28th June to 22nd August. However, after the devastation of the second wave and state lockdowns of different states in India, the J&K government decided to keep the Yatra closed in 2021.
Like last year, we at Himalayan Heli were fully prepared in our operations and it was very likely that State Government would open the yatra in mid-July with strict rules but eventually, decisions were made to cancel the yatra.
It’s the 2nd consecutive year that the yatra is closed. However, all the traditional rituals are being performed at the Shrine and they are live telecasted, to millions of devotees all over the world.
We at Himalayan Heli, are very hopeful that the Yatra will certainly open in 2022, and be one of the most memorable Amarnath Ji pilgrimages of all time. It has to be because we all have been away from Amarnath Ji for way too long now. Don’t you agree?
Himalayan Heli Safety Protocols:
Himalayan Heli is the oldest and the most experienced “Helicopter Tour” provider in the country. With the exceptionally trained pilots onboard and efficient flying machines, Himalayan Heli specialized in providing hassle-free, smooth, pleasant, cost-effective, and well-curated pilgrimage tours.
Apart from it, considering the current situation, every single safety protocol is taken with high importance and due diligence. We have always proudly acclaimed that “SAFETY IS OUR PRIORITY”.
– We strictly adhere to the government-prescribed safety protocols.
– Our helicopters are disinfected every day after every flight.
– Flyers are provided with PPE Kits, masks & sanitizers, etc.
– We operate keeping in mind the curfew and lockdown rules
– There is a strict Covid safety protocol followed at Heli base and during boarding.
We were fully prepared for undertaking Amarnath Yatra in 2020 and 2021 but at the same time, the government’s decision has been for the greater good of the public the past two years.
Along with Amarnath Yatra, Himalayan Heli also specializes in the below-mentioned Pilgrimage Tours:
– Ek Dham Same Day Tour
– Do-Dham Same Day Tour
– Hemkund Sahib Yatra
– Valley of Flowers
– Mata Vaishno Devi
– Kedarnath Yatra
You can check more about our Shuttle Services, Helicopter Tours and Charter Services here: https://www.himalayanheli.com/
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We are all set and excited to take devotees to Amarnath Yatra in 2022 and with Shiva’s grace, we will be able to have the darshan of Baba Barfani next year. And trust us, with Himalayan Heli, It will be a wonderful, safe and unforgettable journey for everyone.
Har Har Mahadev!