Wings of faith: Pilgrims get new route from Holi to Gaurikund

For the first time, pilgrims undertaking the sacred Manimahesh Yatra will be able to avail heli-taxi services from Holi to Gaurikund, in addition to the existing facility from Bharmour.

This is for the first time that the heli-taxi service will operate from Holi, offering an additional option to pilgrims.

Two aviation companies, Chips Aviatioin and Thumbi Aviation, will operate flights from Holi. Helicopters of both the companies have already reached Holi to operate the service, however, the permission of Director General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was awaited.

After DGCA gave a go ahead on Monday, prayers were performed at the Holi helipad on Monday. The ceremony was attended by State Youth Congress vice president Chandramani Kuleti, pilots of the operating companies, and others, who prayed to Lord Shiva for the success of the heli-taxi service and the safe journey of all pilgrims.

This is the first time that heli-taxis will fly from Holi to Gaurikund during the yatra. Until now, the service was available only from Bharmour. Due to the heavy rush of pilgrims opting for helicopter travel, many devotees earlier failed to get seats, leaving some unable to complete the pilgrimage. This year, however, four helicopters will operate from both Bharmour and Holi, enabling a larger number of devotees to reach Gaurikund by air.

Bharmour Additional District (ADM) Kulbir Singh Rana said the one-way trip from Holi to Gaurikund will cost Rs 4,995 per passenger one-way for the Holi–Gaurikund route, while a round trip will cost Rs 9,990 per person. Tickets will be available online and offline. The flight from Holi to Gaurikund will take 14–15 minutes, compared to the 5–7 minutes flying time on the Bharmour–Gaurikund route.

The launch of heli-taxi services from Holi for the first time is expected to not only ease the journey for devotees but also give a major boost to tourism in the region.

Alongside the Holi flights, heli-taxi services from Bharmour to Gaurikund are already being operated by Himalayan Heli Service and Rajas Aero Sport since August 10. The fare on this route is Rs 3,340 one-way and Rs 6,680 round trip per passenger.

The official Manimahesh Yatra began on August 16 and will continue till August 31.