Manimahesh Yatra set to get new wings

For the first time, pilgrims undertaking the Manimahesh Yatra will be able to avail heli-taxi service from Holi to Gaurikund. Until now, this service was only available from Bharmour.

With the Manimahesh Trust having finalised the tender process, two aviation companies — Chipsan Aviation and Thumbi Aviation — will provide services at a fare of Rs 4,995 per passenger for a one-way trip.

The development comes after local people and political leaders had raised the demand to start heli-taxi service from Holi before the Minister for Tribal Affairs Jagat Singh Negi during the preparations for the yatra.

The minister had instructed the district and Bharmour administration to invite tenders for starting heli-taxi services from Holi during the yatra. In compliance of the minister’s directive, the Manimahesh Temple Trust initiated the tender process, which concluded on Thursday.

Bharmour Additional District Magistrate Kulbir Singh Rana, who also chairs the Manimahesh Temple Trust, confirmed that two companies have come forward to operate heli-taxi services from Holi to Gaurikund. Both have agreed to provide the service at Rs 4,995 per passenger, one-way.

We are now in process of issuing the Letter of Award and signing agreements with the selected companies, he said.

Rana also said final formalities, including clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) and the Ministry of Defence, are awaited. “Once those are complete, flights from Holi to Gaurikund will begin,” he added. The helicopter ride from Holi is expected to take between 12 to 15 minutes, though the exact duration will be confirmed in trial runs.

The move is being hailed as a major step toward boosting pilgrimage tourism in the tribal region. “If the heli-taxi service from Holi begins successfully, not only will devotees’ benefit, but tourism in the area will also receive a significant boost,” said Rana.

Meanwhile, helicopter services from Bharmour to Gaurikund, available in past years, will continue to operate. This year, two firms, Himalayan Heli Service and RAJAS Aerosport, will operate the services, charging Rs 3,340 for a one-way ticket and Rs 6,680 for a round trip.

Every year, lakhs of pilgrims undertake the pilgrimage to seek blessings at Manimahesh Lake, nestled at an altitude of nearly 13,500 feet in Bharmour subdivision. Last year, more than 6 lakh devotees had visited the lake for a holy dip.

This year, Manimahesh Yatra will begin on August 16, coinciding with Janmashtami, the birthday of Lord Krishna and conclude on August 31 with Radha Ashtami.