There is a conversation that happens in millions of Indian families every year.
Your mother mentions — again — that she has always wanted to do the Chardham Yatra. Your father nods quietly. You say “we will plan it soon.” And then life continues, the year passes, and the conversation happens again the following year.
For NRI families, this conversation carries an additional weight. You are thousands of miles away. Your parents are getting older. The window is not unlimited. And the traditional road route — 10 to 12 days across high-altitude mountain roads, with physical trekking at each temple — is genuinely not possible for most elderly parents.
This page exists for you. Not for your parents — for you. The son in New Jersey. The daughter in London. The nephew in Dubai. The family in Mumbai who cannot take three weeks off work. The person who has been carrying this responsibility and does not know exactly how to fulfil it.
We are going to tell you exactly how this works, what it costs, what you need to do, and how Udan Aviation has helped thousands of families just like yours make this happen.
Why Your Parents Cannot Do Chardham by Road?
The Chardham Yatra — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — is one of Hinduism’s most sacred pilgrimage circuits. All four temples are situated in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand at altitudes between 3,100 to 3,583 metres above sea level.
The traditional road journey takes 10 to 12 days. It involves mountain roads with hairpin bends, river crossings, unpredictable weather, and physical trekking at each temple — most significantly the 16-kilometre round-trip trek to Kedarnath at 3,583 metres, which even young and physically fit pilgrims find demanding.
For a parent with any of the following conditions, the road route is not a realistic option:
- Arthritis or joint pain
- Post-knee or hip replacement
- Cardiac conditions or hypertension
- Controlled diabetes
- Any mobility limitation
- General age-related physical limitations above 70
Helicopter Yatra changes this completely.
With the Udan Aviation Chardham helicopter package, your parents depart from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun and reach each Dham by helicopter. There is no mountain trekking to Kedarnath — a 500-metre walk from the Kedarnath helipad to the temple is manageable for almost any elderly pilgrim, with additional assistance available. All four Dhams are completed in 6 days. Your parents return to Dehradun safely. The journey your family has been postponing for years is done.
Who Is This Service For
NRI Families Booking from USA, UK, Canada, Dubai -UAE, Australia, Mauritius, Germany and Singapore
This is one of Udan Aviation’s most significant audience segments. We regularly handle bookings from Indian families living abroad who are arranging the Chardham Yatra for their parents or grandparents in India.
The typical situation: your parents live in Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Mumbai, or another Indian city. You live abroad. Your parents are in their 70s. They have spoken about Chardham for years. You want to arrange it for them as a gift — for a significant birthday, a wedding anniversary, or simply because the time has come.
We understand every dimension of this booking process — time zones, digital communication, international payments, coordinating Delhi airport pickup if needed, and the particular need for constant, reliable communication throughout the journey while you are on the other side of the world.
Outstation Families from Across India
You live in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Bhubaneshwar,Vijayawada Jaipur, or anywhere else in India. You cannot accompany your parents for 10 to 12 days on the road route. Your parents cannot make the journey alone on mountain roads. The helicopter option means your parents travel to Dehradun — a single journey by flight or train — and from Dehradun our team takes complete responsibility for everything.
Families Where the Elderly Pilgrim Has Health Conditions
We have safely served pilgrims who have undergone knee replacements, hip replacements, heart surgeries, and those managing diabetes and hypertension. Before every departure, our team conducts a health discussion with each pilgrim and their family. Complimentary emergency oxygen is provided on all flights. Every helipad has boarding assistance. A named coordinator remains with your group throughout.
If your parents have a specific health condition and you are wondering whether helicopter Yatra is possible, call us. We will give you an honest answer based on 16 years of experience in pilgrimage tourism — not a sales answer.
The Complete Chardham Helicopter Package — What Your Parents Get
Package Overview
| Detail | Information |
| Route | Dehradun — Yamunotri — Gangotri — Kedarnath — Badrinath — Dehradun |
| Duration | 6 Days / 5 Nights |
| Price | ₹2,30,000 per person (all-inclusive) |
| Departure | Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun |
| Season | May to June 2026 and September to October 2026 |
Everything Included in the Price
Helicopter transfers — from Dehradun to each Dham and back. Your parents never sit on a mountain road bus. Every significant journey is by air.
VIP Darshan at all 4 temples — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. This means your parents do not wait in the general queue which can take 4 to 8 hours at peak season. They receive priority access directly to the sanctum for darshan. This is not just a comfort — for elderly parents with limited standing capacity, it is essential.
5 nights hotel accommodation — one night at each Dham plus arrival night in Dehradun. Hotels are comfortable, clean, and appropriate for elderly guests.
All meals — breakfast, lunch, and dinner — throughout the journey. Vegetarian and Jain options available.
Pony or palki service at Yamunotri — the approach to Yamunotri temple involves a 6-kilometre trail from Kharsali helipad. Pony and palki (palanquin) service handles this for elderly and mobility-challenged pilgrims.
Ground transfers at every location — between helipads and temples, between hotels and departure points. Your parents are never left to navigate unfamiliar terrain alone.
Complimentary emergency oxygen — provided on all helicopter flights. High altitude affects different people differently. Oxygen availability is standard on every Udan Aviation departure.
Dedicated Yatra coordinator — a named member of the Udan Aviation team is assigned to your parents’ group from the moment they arrive in Dehradun to the moment they return. This person knows your parents’ itinerary, health information, and your contact details. You can reach them by phone or WhatsApp at any time during the journey.
What Is Not Included
We believe in complete transparency on pricing. The following are not included in the package price:
- Airfare or train fare to Dehradun and return
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Any puja offerings at the temples
- Travel insurance (recommended — we can advise on appropriate policies)
- Any expenses caused by additional days due to weather delays beyond the package dates
There are no hidden charges in the package itself. Everything above that line is included.
Day-by-Day Itinerary — What Your Parents Will Experience
Day 1 — Arrival in Dehradun
Your parents arrive in Dehradun by flight or train. Our coordinator meets them at the airport or railway station, carries their Name card in the exit gate and transfers them to their hotel. That evening, our team conducts a full pre-Yatra briefing — covering the next day’s departure time, what to pack in the 5 kg duffel bag, safety protocols, altitude health guidance, and answering any questions.
Complimentary dinner and overnight stay at a comfortable Dehradun hotel.
You — wherever you are in the world — receive a WhatsApp confirmation that your parents have arrived safely and are prepared for departure.
Day 2 — Yamunotri Dham
Early morning departure from Sahastradhara Helipad at 6:30 AM. Helicopter flight to Kharsali helipad, situated near Yamunotri. Pony or palki takes your parents on the 6-kilometre trail to Yamunotri temple — dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the sacred source of the Yamuna River.
VIP Darshan at Yamunotri. Your parents receive the blessings of the first Dham.
Overnight at Kharsali — a quiet Himalayan village at approximately 2,650 metres.
Day 3 — Gangotri Dham
Helicopter from Kharsali to Harsil helipad. A short road transfer to Gangotri temple — dedicated to Goddess Ganga, representing the selfless flow of grace and the source of the sacred Ganga River.
VIP Darshan at Gangotri. Optional visit to the Gangotri Glacier viewpoint for those who wish and are able.
Overnight at Harsil — one of the most beautiful overnight stops on the Chardham circuit, surrounded by deodar forests and the Bhagirathi River.
Day 4 — Kedarnath Dham
This is the most significant day of the Yatra for most pilgrims. Helicopter from Harsil to Guptkashi. From Guptkashi, a short government helicopter transfers to the Kedarnath helipad — just 500 metres from Kedarnath temple.
Kedarnath is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas — among the holiest shrines to Lord Shiva in all of Hinduism. Situated at 3,583 metres, it is the highest of the Chardham temples. The 500-metre walk from the helipad to the temple is gentle and manageable for most elderly pilgrims. Boarding assistance is available throughout.
VIP Darshan at Kedarnath. For many pilgrims, this is the moment they have waited a lifetime for.
Overnight at Guptkashi — at a lower altitude, which is better for elderly pilgrims after the high-altitude Kedarnath visit.
Day 5 — Badrinath Dham
Helicopter from Guptkashi to Badrinath — dedicated to Lord Vishnu, situated at 3,133 metres in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand.
VIP Darshan at Badrinath temple. After Darshan, a visit to Mana village — the last village of India before the Tibet border, and one of the most moving stops on the entire journey. Vyas Gufa, where sage Vyas is said to have composed the Mahabharata, and Bheem Pul — a natural stone bridge over the Saraswati River.
In the evening join and attend Syan Aarti at Badrinath temple. Overnight at Badrinath — the completion of all four Dhams.
Day 6 — Return to Dehradun
Optional early morning Maha Abhishek ceremony at Badrinath temple for those who wish to participate(and also depends on the time slot which will be decided a day before departure). The helicopter returned to Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun.
Your parents have completed the Chardham Yatra.
You receive a WhatsApp message from our coordinator: “Your parents have returned safely to Dehradun. The Yatra is complete.”
Airport or railway station transfer arranged for onward journey home.
The Safety Record You Need to Know
We understand that asking you to trust us with your parents’ safety in the Himalayas is not a small thing. Here is what you should know.
ISO Quality Management Certified — Udan Aviation holds ISO certification, a quality management standard that very few private pilgrimage helicopter operators in India have pursued or achieved. It means our entire operation — from booking to boarding to safe return — is independently verified against a documented quality standard.
Zero safety incidents across all operating seasons — across every season we have operated, across every flight, Udan Aviation has maintained a perfect safety record. Every pilgrim who has flown with us has returned safely. We state this as an operational fact, not a marketing claim.
Aviation partners with DGCA-licensed pilots — all flights are operated through aviation partners whose pilots hold valid Commercial Pilot Licences with high-altitude endorsements specific to Himalayan operations.
Strict weather protocol — no Udan Aviation flight departs unless our aviation team certifies conditions as safe. Commercial pressure, schedule adherence, passenger impatience — none of these override the safety decision. When weather delays occur, your parents are accommodated, you are informed, and departure is rescheduled at the earliest safe opportunity.
Complimentary emergency oxygen — provided on all flights as standard. Not available on request — provided automatically.
Pre-flight health briefing — before every departure, our team conducts a health discussion with each pilgrim. Passengers with declared health conditions receive specific altitude guidance.
If your parents have a cardiac condition, a recent surgery, or any health concern, call us before booking. We will tell you honestly whether the Yatra is advisable and what precautions to take. We would rather give you an honest answer than take a booking that should not happen.
The Complete NRI Booking Process — Step by Step
We have handled hundreds of NRI bookings. Here is exactly how it works.
Step 1 — Initial Contact
WhatsApp or call us at +91 93104 19931. Tell us where you are, who is travelling (age, number of people, any health conditions), and your preferred travel dates. This takes 5 minutes.
We respond within 2 hours during business hours (9 AM to 7 PM IST, Monday to Saturday) and within 4 hours otherwise during the season.
Step 2 — Seat Availability and Date Confirmation
We check seat availability on your preferred dates and confirm whether we can accommodate your group. Helicopter seats are limited — the season runs May to June and September to October — and popular dates fill 60 to 90 days in advance. We recommend booking as early as possible.
Step 3 — Package Details and Price Confirmation
We send you a complete written itinerary, full price breakdown, and inclusions list via WhatsApp or email. Everything is in writing before any payment is requested. You have time to read, review, and ask questions.
Step 4 — Passenger Information
You share passenger details for each traveller:
- Full name (as on government ID)
- Age
- Gender
- Government ID type and number (Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID)
- Contact number
- Emergency contact number
- Body weight (approximate — for helicopter weight compliance)
- Any health conditions we should know about
This can be done entirely digitally — no physical paperwork needed.
Step 5 — Chardham Registration
All pilgrims must register on the official Uttarakhand Government Chardham Yatra portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) to receive a Yatra Registration Number. This is mandatory for all helicopter bookings. We will guide you through this process — it takes approximately 15 minutes per person and can be done online from anywhere in the world.
Step 6 — Advance Payment
We request a 25% advance payment to confirm and hold the seats on your preferred dates. The balance is payable 30 days before departure.
International payment options:
- Bank wire transfer (SWIFT)
- Online bank transfer from Indian accounts
- UPI (if you have an Indian bank account linked)
- We can discuss other payment arrangements for NRI customers on request
Step 7 — Booking Confirmation
Once advance payment is received, we send you a formal booking confirmation with your exact departure date, check-in time, coordinator’s name and direct contact number, and a complete pre-departure checklist for your parents.
Step 8 — Pre-Departure Coordination
Approximately one week before departure, our coordinator contacts your parents directly on their phone and WhatsApp. They confirm the departure details, answer any questions, and ensure your parents feel prepared and confident.
Step 9 — Delhi Airport Pickup (Optional)
If your parents are flying into Delhi from their home city or arriving from abroad, we can coordinate road transportation from Delhi airport to Dehradun (approximately 5 to 6 hours by car). Please inform us when booking if this is needed.
Step 10 — During the Yatra — You Are Always Informed
Our coordinator sends you a WhatsApp update at the end of each Yatra day confirming your parents’ safe arrival at the next destination. You are never left wondering what is happening. If there is any delay, change, or development, you hear from us before you have a reason to worry.
Booking for Your Parents When You Cannot Be There
“What if something happens and my parents need medical attention?”
Every Chardham helipad has basic medical facilities and trained first aid personnel. Our coordinator is first aid trained and accompanies the group throughout. In the event of any health concern, our team acts immediately — our coordinator has direct lines to local medical facilities at each Dham.
Before your parents depart, share their medical history with our team. We will advise on appropriate precautions and ensure the coordinator has all necessary information.
“What if the weather delays the Yatra?”
Weather delays happen in the Himalayas. When they do, our ground team manages everything — accommodation, meals, and family communication. We reschedule at the earliest safe opportunity. Additional accommodation costs during weather delays at any of the Dhams are absorbed by Passenger Directly.
“Can I speak to the coordinator during the Yatra?”
Yes. Your parents’ coordinator’s direct WhatsApp number is given to you before departure. You can contact them at any time. They will respond within minutes during waking hours.
“What if my parents want to extend their stay at a particular Dham?”
Not possible as everything is booked in advance, on the last day at Badrinath if passengers want to stay a few days more they can, from Badrinath to Dehradun, passengers can do it themselves. Means we can book a cab from Badrinath to Dehradun but passengers have to pay for that. That is not part of our package. Additional costs for extended stay are charged directly at the hotel and are not part of the package.
“What happens if my parents’ health condition means they cannot complete the full Yatra?”
If at any point during the Yatra our team or your parents determine that continuing is not advisable, we arrange a safe return to Dehradun immediately. No pilgrim is ever pressured to continue when their health is the concern. We have managed early returns before and we handle them with full care and dignity, if any additional charges occurred will be paid by Passenger directly
“Is there someone who speaks Gujarati / Tamil / Telugu/Kankada/ Bengali with my parents?”
Our team is fluent in Hindi and English. For other regional languages, we rely on Hindi as the common language. Most elderly pilgrims from across India are comfortable in Hindi for practical communication.
What Our Families Say
“My mother is 78 and has been wanting to do Chardham her whole life. After my father passed away, I thought it would never happen. I found Udan Aviation online and called Rashmi ji directly. She spoke to me for 45 minutes — not about the package, but about my mother’s health, her mobility, her concerns. I knew then that this was the right operator. My mother completed all 4 Dhams and came back a different person. She said it was the most important week of her life. I cried when the coordinator sent me the photo of her at Kedarnath.” — Nikhil S., New Jersey, USA
“We are a family of 3 sisters living in Bengaluru. Our parents are 74 and 71. We could not take 12 days off for the road Yatra and our parents could not manage it physically. Udan Aviation handled everything — from picking them up at the Dehradun station to dropping them back after the Yatra. Every evening we received a WhatsApp update with a photo. Our parents said the coordinator Shubham ji was always calm and helpful. We will recommend Udan Aviation to every family we know.” — Priya M., Bengaluru
“My parents live in Ahmedabad. I am in Canada. I was very nervous about organising this from so far away. The Udan Aviation team explained every step clearly, accepted international wire transfer for payment, and kept me informed throughout the 6 days. When the coordinator sent me the video of my father doing darshan at Badrinath, I realised this was worth every rupee. My father is 76 and said this was the best decision of his life.” — Rohan P., Toronto, Canada
The Package Options — Choose What Suits Your Parents
Complete Chardham — 6 Days 5 Nights — ₹2,30,000 per person
All 4 Dhams — Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath — at a comfortable pace of one Dham per day. Recommended for most elderly pilgrims. Allows time to rest, absorb the spiritual experience, and recover between temple visits.
Do Dham — Same Day — ₹1,35,000 per person
Kedarnath and Badrinath in a single day from Dehradun. Ideal if your parents specifically want the two Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu shrines and time or budget is a consideration. Highly suited to elderly parents who prefer not to stay overnight in the mountains.
Kedarnath Only — Same Day — ₹90,000 per person
Kedarnath alone — the most sought-after single Dham. For parents who particularly wish to visit the Jyotirlinga at 3,583 metres and return the same day.
Badrinath Only — Same Day — ₹90,000 per person
Badrinath alone — Lord Vishnu’s abode at 3,133 metres, including Mana village visit. Same-day return to Dehradun.
Group Booking — If Your Extended Family Is Coming Together
Many families arrange Chardham Yatra as a family gathering — siblings coordinating from different cities and countries, bringing parents or grandparents together for this sacred journey.
Udan Aviation accommodates groups of 2 to 24 people on dedicated departures. For groups of 6 or more, contact us for group pricing and dedicated coordinator arrangements.
A family group Yatra — where children and grandchildren accompany elderly parents on this journey — is one of the most meaningful experiences we facilitate. Several families do this every year, turning the Chardham Yatra into a multi-generational family memory.
How to Reach Us — From Anywhere in the World
WhatsApp — Preferred for NRI Families +91 93104 19931 Available 24×7 during the Yatra season (May to June, September to October). Available 9 AM to 7 PM IST outside season.
For NRI families in USA — best time to reach us: 8 PM to 11 PM Eastern Time (which is morning IST) For NRI families in UK — best time to reach us: 3 PM to 8 PM UK time For NRI families in UAE — best time to reach us: 9 AM to 4 PM UAE time For NRI families in Australia — best time to reach us: 2 PM to 8 PM AEST
Phone +91 93104 19931
Email info@udanaviation.in
Website www.udanaviation.in
Office Address Lane No-1, Phase-1, Narmada Rawat, Rajeshwar Nagar, Dehradun, Uttarakhand 248001, India
Frequently Asked Questions — NRI and Outstation Families
How far in advance should I book for my parents?
Book 120 to 60 days before your preferred departure date. The Chardham helicopter season runs May to June and September to October. Popular dates — particularly in May and early June — fill 2 to 3 months in advance. If you are arranging this for a specific occasion such as a birthday or anniversary, book as early as possible.
Can I book from abroad and pay from an international bank account?
Yes. We accept international bank wire transfers (SWIFT), and can discuss other payment arrangements for NRI customers. Payment details are provided after your booking is confirmed verbally. We do not ask for payment before you have confirmed acceptance of the full package terms in writing.
My parents are coming from another city — do they need to travel to Dehradun themselves?
Yes — all departures are from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun. Your parents need to reach Dehradun the day before departure. Dehradun is well connected by Jolly Grant Airport (flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and other cities) and by Dehradun Railway Station. If your parents are flying into Delhi, we can arrange a private car transfer from Delhi airport to Dehradun. Inform us at the time of booking.
Can my parents travel without a family member accompanying them?
Yes. Many of our pilgrims travel without family members. Our dedicated coordinator accompanies the group throughout the 6 days. Your parents are never alone or unattended. You remain informed through WhatsApp updates throughout.
My mother has a knee replacement. Can she still do the Chardham helicopter Yatra?
In most cases, yes. We recommend them to travel in October where crowds are a bit less than May . The helicopter eliminates all mountain trekking. Yamunotri has a 6-kilometre trail that is covered by pony or palki service. Kedarnath involves a 500-metre walk from the helipad — relatively flat and manageable for most people with knee replacements. Badrinath and Gangotri involve minimal walking. Please call us and describe her specific condition — we will give you an honest assessment.
What documents does my parents need to carry?
Valid government photo ID — Aadhaar card, passport, or voter ID. Foreign nationals must carry their passport. A Chardham Yatra Registration Number from the official Uttarakhand Government portal is mandatory — we guide you through obtaining this.
Is travel insurance necessary?
We strongly recommend travel insurance covering medical evacuation and trip cancellation for all pilgrims — especially elderly travellers. We can advise on appropriate policy types. The insurance cost is separate from our package price and is the pilgrim’s responsibility.
What if the 2026 season is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances?
In the rare event of season cancellation by the government or unforeseen national emergency, we process refunds or credit notes. Our cancellation and refund policy is provided in writing with your booking confirmation before any payment is made.
My parent wants to do specific puja at Kedarnath. Can this be arranged?
Yes. Inform us at the time of booking which specific puja your parents wish to perform. We will coordinate with the temple trust in advance to the extent possible. Please note that puja fees are charged by the temple directly and are not part of our package price.
I want to accompany my parents. Can I book myself into the package too?
Absolutely. Many family members book themselves into the package alongside their parents. Inform us of the total number of travellers when booking.
Book Now — 2026 Season Is Open
The 2026 Chardham season opens in May. Helicopter seats are allocated on a first-confirmed basis and fill weeks in advance — particularly for May and early September departures.
If you have been carrying this responsibility and this conversation in your family for years — this is the moment to make it happen.
Your parents deserve to complete this journey. We will bring them back safely.
WhatsApp us now: +91 93104 19931
Tell us: how many people, approximate travel dates, and any health conditions we should know about. We will take it from there.
📞 Call: +91 93104 19931 💬 WhatsApp: +91 93104 19931 ✉ Email: info@udanaviation.in 🌐 www.udanaviation.in 📍 Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Udan Aviation — ISO-certified Chardham Yatra helicopter operator, Dehradun. Founded by Rashmi Negi, MBA Tourism Management, 16 years experience. 2,000+ pilgrims served. Zero safety incidents.
