Mata Vaishno Devi Charter

Only postpaid mobile numbers work in Jammu & Kashmir.

We operate Airbus AS350 B3 single engine helicopters. This helicopter is known for its high altitude performance. The helicopter can seat a total of 6 passengers, maximum total weight permissible is 450 kgs.

Only one handbag weighing a maximum of 5 kgs is allowed per passenger.

Q.1: What will happen incase of bad weather?
Ans : Incase of bad weather at Sanjichhat, we will divert to Katra Helipad. We will escort you to the passenger lounge where we will wait till the weather clears up.

Q.2: Can I buy current tickets?
Ans : Yes. Current booking tickets (only on date of travel) are available on the ticket counter of SMVDSB, Niharika Bhawan, Katra. Please refer to google map below for exact location.

Q.3: How much time will I get for darshan?
Ans :2 hours is more than enough for Darshan. If you require more time kindly let us know.

Q.4: What kind of clothing should I be bring?
Ans : During the winters, Sanjichhat can get quite cold, you should wear warm clothes and carry an additional set just incase.

Q.5: Which telephone networks work?
Ans : Only postpaid mobile numbers work in Jammu & Kashmir. At Katra most mobile networks like Airtel, Vodafone, Jio, Aircel and BSNL work. However data services may or may not work. At Sanjichhat only Airtel and Vodafone network work well. Aircel and BSNL work very poorly and Jio does not work at all.

Q.6: Will we be escorted through out our Darshan?
Ans : You will never walk alone, you will always be escorted by our crew through out your yatra.

Q.7: What is the distance of the shrine from the Sanjichat Helipad?
Ans : The holy cave of Mata Vaishno Devi is situated at a distance of 2.5 km from Sanjichat Helipad The time Required for on foot journey depends on your Health/Age. However for a normal healthy person it takes about 30 to 40 minutes on foot.

Only postpaid mobile numbers work in Jammu & Kashmir.

At Katra most mobile networks like Airtel, Vodafone, Jio, Aircel and BSNL work. However data services may or may not work.

Katra also has a Speed post facilities. To go online a few Cyber Café’s are also functional.

At Sanjichhat only Airtel and Vodafone network work well. Aircel and BSNL work very poorly and Jio does not work at all.

April – June
Katra gets quite hot in the summers. Light summer clothes are good. At Sanjichhat, there is moderate temperature. A light sweater should be good enough incase you wish to spend the night at Sanjichhat.

July – October
Katra and Sanjichhat both witness heavy rainfall during the monsoon season. Pilgrims are advised to carry waterproof / warm clothes, raincoats and umbrellas.

November - March
Katra gets as cold as Jammu or Delhi, passengers are advised to carry warm woolen clothes.
At Sanjichhat, temperatures can be sub zero as there can be heavy snowfall during the month of December, January & February, pilgrims are advised to carry heavy woolen clothing during these times.

There are lots of landslide prone areas along the track. Please avoid resting near landslide prone areas.
Avoid using routes closed for repairs. This can prove extremely dangerous.
Don’t crowd anywhere Instead keep moving.
Yatries with any kind of medical problems are strongly advised against using the stairs.
Avoid carrying too much cash, Jewellery and valuables. Take proper care whatever you carry and beware of pickpockets and petty thieves.

CARRIAGE BY AIR ACT, 1972
The carriage is subject to Himalayan Heli Services regulations relating to the conditions of Non-International Carriage (Passenger and Baggage) framed in accordance with The Carriage by Air Act, 1972 and Notification regarding application of the carriage which is non-international. The liability of the company for damage sustained in the event of the death or wounding of a passenger or any other bodily injuiry suffered by passenger or by his registered baggage during the course of carriage by air will be governed by the provisions of sections 4,5,6 and the rules contained in the second Schedule of Carriage by Air Act 1972 with certain exceptions, adaptations, modifications, etc as notified in the Govt. of India, Ministry of Civil Aviation Notification and as amended from time to time.

HAND BAGGAGE ALLOWANCE
Only one handbag weighing a maximum of 5 kgs is allowed per passenger.

INCASE OF BAD WEATHER / TECHNICAL SNAG
Chances of flight cancellation due to bad weather are common during monsoon. Incase of flight cancellation due to technical reason/bad weather or other unforeseen reasons beyond our control, an amount of Rs. 20,000/- against flight preparation charges will be levied. If due to bad weather / technical reason the charter cannot be completed, then refund will be given for the remaining sectors as per actual flight times. HHSPL bears no other liability to the passenger. Incase of diversions due to bad weather, the charterer has to bear the cost of extra flying /extra overnight halt / waiting etc. No accommodation, meals or cost of transport or any such cost would be reimbursed or compensated.

NO AERIAL PHOTOPGRAPHY
Aerial Photography from Helicopter is illegal and punishable by law and photography at the helipad is strictly prohibited.

RIGHT TO CANCEL UNSAFE PASSSNGERS
HHSPL reserves the right to cancel passengers who are A. Unruly or Abusive B. Intoxicated C. Sick / Mentally unbalanced or anyone whom we deem unfit/unsafe to fly.

INFANTS
Infant below 2 years/10kg are carried free of charge in case of dispute age proof certificate shall prevail.

DISPUTES
Disputes as to legality, interpretation, application or performance of service or any of its terms and conditions shall be governed by the laws of Delhi Jurisdiction.

CANCELLATION POLICY
Incase of cancellation the following cancellation charges shall be applicable,
25% of the total estimated charter cost will be levied if the flight is cancelled any time after blocking of the aircraft till 48 hours of the scheduled departure.
50% of the total estimated charter cost will be levied if the flight is cancelled within 48 to 24 hrs of the scheduled departure.
100 % of the total estimated charter cost will be levied if the flight is cancelled within 24 hrs of the scheduled departure.
An amount of Rs. 20,000/- against flight preparation charges will be levied if flight is cancelled due to “force majeure” reasons.
In case the flight is cancelled by the Charterer due to delay in departure due to “Force Majeure” reasons like weather/visibility, 100% of the Charter cost will be levied if updated in advance to the charterer about chances of such delay.