Quick Answer
The Shrine Board's helicopter service connects Katra to the Sanjichhat helipad, a short flight followed by a flat ~2.5 km walk to Bhavan, and most pilgrims book it both ways. The current adult round-trip fare is ₹4,640, confirmed against the Shrine Board's published 2026 rate; child fares are lower and confirmed by our team at the time of booking, since they're updated by season. Tickets open 60 days in advance on the official Shrine Board site and typically sell out within minutes, so booking early matters more than almost anything else in this guide.
How Booking Actually Works
Helicopter tickets are released by the Shrine Board in batches and sell out quickly, especially in peak season. Tell us your travel dates when you build your itinerary and select "Helicopter," and we handle the booking window on your behalf rather than leaving you to compete for a slot manually.
Pricing
| Passenger | Round-Trip Fare |
|---|---|
| Adult | ₹4,640 (Shrine Board's published 2026 rate) |
| Child | Lower than the adult fare — confirmed at booking, since it's updated by season |
The wizard shows current per-person pricing live as you build your plan, so you'll always see an up-to-date number rather than a static figure.
Can I Book on the Day of Travel?
Same-day "current booking" tickets are sometimes available at the counter, but they are not guaranteed. Especially in peak season, when demand outstrips the same-day allocation. Booking in advance through us is strongly recommended if your dates are fixed.
What Happens If Weather Cancels Your Slot?
Helicopter services pause in poor weather for safety. If your slot is cancelled, you're rebooked onto the next available slot or offered a full refund for that portion of your booking. It isn't a lost booking, just a delay.
Weight Limits and Boarding
Shrine Board helicopter services apply passenger weight limits for safety. We share the current limit and any related guidance when we confirm your helicopter booking, so there are no surprises at the helipad. Plan to arrive 60–90 minutes before your scheduled slot to allow time for security checks and boarding formalities.
Helicopter vs. Trekking: What You're Actually Deciding
The helicopter doesn't eliminate walking entirely. It's a short flight to Sanjichhat followed by a flat ~2.5 km walk to Bhavan, versus the full trek from Banganga if you walk the whole way. It's the fastest option and the most popular add-on for pilgrims short on time or travelling with elderly family members, but pony, palki, and battery car options exist for most of the same route if you'd rather not fly.
Book Your Helicopter Slot With Your Full Itinerary
The safest way to avoid missing out on helicopter availability is to lock in your dates early. Build your full itinerary, select helicopter for one or both ways, and see the current fare calculated live.