The much-anticipated Amarnath Yatra 2024, a significant pilgrimage in the Hindu calendar, is set to commence with new and improved helicopter services. The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) has started online bookings for helicopter rides, making the journey more accessible for pilgrims. Here’s everything you need to know:
Copter Booking Details for Amarnath Yatra
- Start Date for Bookings: Online helicopter booking has officially begun and is available through the SASB’s official portal.
- Yatra Duration: This year’s pilgrimage will run from July 1 to August 31, 2024, providing a 62-day window for devotees to visit the holy shrine.
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Routes and Fare Structure
- Helicopter Routes:
- Neelgrath to Panjtarni
- Pahalgam to Panjtarni
- Srinagar to Neelgrath
- Srinagar to Pahalgam
- Fare Details:
- Baltal Route:
- Neelgrath to Panjtarni (Round Trip): ₹6,999
- Neelgrath to Panjtarni (One Way): ₹3,500
- Pahalgam Route:
- Pahalgam to Panjtarni (Round Trip): ₹8,999
- Pahalgam to Panjtarni (One Way): ₹5,000
- Baltal Route:
- Special Considerations:
- Children below two years of age travel free of cost but must be seated on an accompanying adult’s lap.
Helicopter Booking Process for Amarnath Yatra
- How to Book: Pilgrims can book their helicopter tickets through the official SASB website here.
- Health Requirements: Pilgrims must provide a Compulsory Health Certificate (CHC) issued by authorized doctors. The list of authorized medical institutions is available on the SASB website.
Additional Services
- New Sectors Introduced: The SASB has introduced new routes from Srinagar, allowing pilgrims to start their journey directly from Srinagar to Panjtarni or Neelgrath, and complete their pilgrimage in a single day if desired.
- Ease of Travel: The introduction of these helicopter services across multiple sectors aims to reduce the physical strain and time required for the pilgrimage, making it accessible to a broader range of devotees, including the elderly and those with health conditions.
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Other Important Information
- Yatra Permits: Helicopter tickets double as Yatra permits, eliminating the need for separate advance registration through designated bank branches. However, the CHC is still mandatory.
- Langar Services: Approximately 125 community kitchens (langars) will be set up along the pilgrimage routes to provide free food to pilgrims.
Amarnath Yatra (Pilgrimage) Significance
The Amarnath Yatra is a revered journey to the Amarnath Cave, located at an altitude of 3,888 meters in the Himalayas. The cave houses an ice stalagmite believed to be a physical manifestation of Lord Shiva, making it a significant site for Hindu devotees. The pilgrimage, known for its challenging terrain, symbolizes a spiritual journey towards moksha (liberation).
For more detailed information and to book your helicopter tickets, visit the official Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board website.
Dr. Suvankar Das is a scientific advisor by profession, associated with a CRO organization. He pursued his doctoral degree in Chemistry in 2015. Later, he worked as a postdoctoral researcher & scientist in a couple of institutes/companies.
Besides his scientific journey, Dr. Das is also a passionate traveler and travel blogger. He loves to share all his travel experiences with other travelers so that everyone can enjoy hassle-free holidays with their own tour plans.
He believes, the most beautiful thing in this world is the WORLD itself. so there is no way to live like a clock; rather live it like a compass!
