Step by Step Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking Guide – 2024

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Travelling

Traveling to Vaishno Devi, which is located in the Katra town of Jammu and Kashmir, is a spiritual pilgrimage that millions of followers throughout the world look forward to. There are 3 ways to reach the Bhawan from Katra.

1. 14 KM Hill Trek
2. Horse Ride or Halfway Battery Cars
3. Helicopter Service (Katra to Sanjichat)

How devotees reach Bhawan depends on their personal choice. But if you prefer Helicopter Services, this article will guide you step by step to get the Vaishno Devi Helicopter booking with a complete boarding process.

Vaishno Devi Helicopter Service

Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking: The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) Katra provides the helicopter service. The Helicopter services offer unmatched convenience and safety, guaranteeing a smooth trip to Vaishno Devi’s Sanjitchat from Katra.

In this in-depth guide, we’ll go over all you need to know about the Vaishno Devi helicopter booking, including ticket costs, booking processes, helicopter services, and more. Together, let’s go off on this spiritual journey.

Helicopter Routes

There are 3 route options for the Vaishno Devi Helicopter booking

• Katra-Sanjichat (One-Way)
• Sanjichat-Katra (One-Way)
• Katra-Sanjichat-Katra (Two-way)

Please note:- From Sanjichat there is about a 3 KM distance to the main Bhawan, devotees may reach Bhawan by foot which takes about 1 hour, else take a Horse ride or Palki, which are easily available at Sanjichat Helipad.

Vaishno Devi Helicopter Ticket Price 2024 (Revised)

The Vaishno Devi Helicopter Ticket Price has been revised, The new one-way price is Rs. 2100 per person and the Two-way price is Rs. 4200 per person, below is the complete breakup of price fare with route details

Timings

7.00 AM – 5.30 PM: The helicopter service timing depends on Sunrise and Sunset also depends on weather conditions. But the usual times start around 7.00 AM and it operates until sunlight in the evening which is usually 5.30 PM but in summer day light it may extend until 6.30 AM.

Helicopter Operators

There are 2 operators for Helicopters Service in Vaishnodevi:

• Himalayan
• Global Vector

Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking modes

Online Booking

Offline Booking

1. Online Advance Booking (New Rules)

New Rule Alert! Vaishno Devi helicopter booking slots open at the start of every month (new Policy) for the next to next month. For ex: In December’s first week the booking slot will be opened for February.

Once booking starts, the Vaishno Devi Helicopter tickets can be booked online up to 2 days in advance through the official website MaaVaishnoDevi.Org. It’s advisable to book tickets well in advance as soon as booking starts, especially during peak seasons, to secure your preferred travel slots.

2. Offline Booking (Current Booking)

Current Booking is being done through the Counter located in Katra and main Bhawan. Below are the counter Details:

Niharika Bhawan Counter (Katra)

• Location: Near Katra Bus Stand
• Routes Offer for booking:- Katra-Sanjichat (One-Way) & Katra-Sanjichat-Katra (Two-way)
• More Information:- You can easily find and reach Niharaka Bhawan, the current tickets can be booked (only on the date of Travel ) subject to availability. However, there can be a huge waiting time as people keep waiting there to try their luck to get the Ticket which may come through cancellation or any other reasons.

Tip:- If you prefer to book a Katra-Sanjichat-Katra (Two-Way) Helicopter ticket for same-day return. Then VIP passes for Darshan will be provided through which you can enter through Gate no. 5 (Army Gate) the idea here is that Devotees should reach back to the Helipad within the time given by the Helicopter operator.

Bhawan Counter (Main Bhawan)

1. Route: Sanjichat-Katra (One-way)
2. Location: Near Gate No.3 Bhawan
3. More Information:- This is just before Gate No. 3 of Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan for the Sanjichat to Katra one-way ticket. Usually, for this route tickets are available as devotees prefer mostly one-way tickets from Katra to Sanjichat so the probability here is very high for you to get the Katra side current tickets.

Read also How to Plan 3-Day Mata Vaishno Devi Trip Itinerary

Now, let’s check the complete boarding process of Vaishno Devi Helicopter

Step-by-Step Helicopter Boarding Guide

Katra: The devotee has to reach the Boarding Pass Counter, Helipad in Katra, situated 2 KM from Katra Main Market via Kashmere Route. You may take an Auto Rickshaw or ask your Hotel management to drop there by car which is usually provided by every Hotel nowadays.

Boarding Process at Katra

• Identity Verification: every devotee has to provide Valid ID Proof like an Adhaar Card, Driving License, PAN, Passport, etc. which should match the details provided in the ticket. If there is a mismatch they may reject your ticket
• Weight Check: After your ID has been verified, go to the appropriate adjacent Helicopter service provider Boarding Pass desk. There, they will ask you to stand on the weighing machine to have your weight checked. After that, they’ll ask you to wait till they call your name.
• Boarding Pass: It depends on their adjustment and queue it may take some time to get your number for boarding. Once, they call your name to come to the boarding pass counter, they will give you the boarding pass and Queue number and will immediately ask you to proceed to the helipad.
• Helipad: The main helipad is situated about 1 KM from the Boarding Pass Counter. The Shrine Board will drop you off at the Helipad in their own Omini Car (no Extra Charge)
• RFID Card: Before reaching the waiting area of the Helipad, there is a counter where you can get your RFID card.
• Helipad Waiting Hall: This is the final stage before boarding the helipad. Here, you must wait for your group number to appear, which is displayed on screen and often stated by staff. Following the announcement of your group number, please proceed to check in your luggage using a frisking system. After that, walk upstairs to the helipad, where personnel will retrieve your cell phones and assist the group in boarding the helicopter.
• Sanjhichat: Within 5 minutes from the take-off, the helicopter will reach the Sanjhichat helipad and after onboarding the staff will provide you the Mobile Phones and Checked-in Bags. From Sanjhichat you can reach Bhawan which is a downward slope trek of 3 KM. You may also take a horse ride from there.

Boarding Process from Sanjichat

If you have a return ticket then there is not much process as you already have your boarding pass available you need to reach back to Sanjichat Helipad and usually on the return journey there is comparatively less queue, so waiting time is less and you should be boarding within a while to return to Katra.

Cancellation Policy

General Cancellation

• Online tickets booked through the Shrine Board website will be canceled through online mode only
• Request for online ticket cancellation through any mode will not be entertained other than online cancellation
• Cancellation of ticket for round trip will be considered for the entire route, partial cancellation of the route will not be considered
• Cancellation can be made up to 2 days before the scheduled day of travel
• 70% amount will be refunded to the passengers as per the above deadline, and the remaining 30% amount of the booked ticket will be deposited to the Shrine Board as a processing fee.
• Tickets will be refunded by the Shrine Board within 15 working days from the date of cancellation.
• The refund amount will be reimbursed online in the original method of payment used to book the tickets

Cancellation due to bad Weather

• 100% of the payment will be reimbursed if inclement weather prevents the helicopter service from operating. But, in order to receive a refund, one must go to the Helipad in Katra and proceed to the Boarding Pass Counter. There, a representative with authorization from the helicopter provider will stamp the ticket as canceled and start the refund process. If the reservation was made online, the money will be returned within 15 working days, while if it was made offline, it will happen right away.

Tips for a Memorable Helicopter Pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi

• Advance Booking: It is advised to purchase helicopter tickets in advance to prevent hassles at the last minute.
• Weather Conditions: Helicopter services are subject to weather conditions. It’s advisable to check weather forecasts before planning your journey.
• Valid ID Proof: Carry a valid ID proof for ticket verification at the helipad.

Pro Tip:- If you have a hard luck getting a helicopter ticket. You can book the up-down tickets for the Battery Car from Adhkawari to Bhawan with return tickets. In this way, you only have to reach Adhkawari by foot or horse which would take less time but you will directly reach Bhawan by car whereas through helicopter there is still a 3 KM trek to Bhawan.

Conclusion: Embark on Your Spiritual Journey with Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking

As you prepare for your pilgrimage to Vaishno Devi, let the convenience of helicopter travel enhance your spiritual experience. With our comprehensive guide to Vaishno Devi helicopter booking, you can embark on this sacred journey with confidence and ease. Book your tickets, immerse yourself in devotion, and revel in the divine aura of Vaishno Devi.

Jai Mata Di!!!

Please also check the below useful Articles for the Vaishno Devi Trip

For trips hints for other destinations. Please visit https://www.triphintsguru.com