Edit Content
Facebook Twitter Youtube

Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra

If you want a fast, safe, and easy way to reach Mata Vaishno Devi Bhawan, the Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra is the quickest option. In just 5–8 minutes, the chopper flies from Katra (Serli Helipad) to Sanjichhat Helipad, and then you cover the last ~2.5 km to Bhawan by walking or hiring a palki/pony.

What exactly is the Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra?

  • Route: Katra (Serli Helipad) ↔ Sanjichhat Helipad. From Sanjichhat, Bhawan is about 5 km. The flight itself takes around 5–8 minutes.
  • Who runs it: The service is operated under the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) with contracted operators. 
  • Why use it: It saves time and energy, especially for elders, kids, and devotees with less walking capacity.

Where and when to book (official only)

Always book on the Shrine Board’s official portal/app:

  • Website: maavaishnodevi.org
  • App: “Mata Vaishnodevi”
    The SOP clearly states that advance booking shall be done only on these official channels. Even the operators ask you to buy only via SMVDSB.

Booking window (advance):

  • Tickets open 60 days before the journey and close 2 days
  • The system opens at 10:00 AM on the 1st of each month for the month falling after 60 days (two months ahead). Example: on 1 March, booking opens for the whole of May.

Same-day / current booking (limited):

  • A limited “current” quota is issued in person at Niharika Bhawan, Katra (and at helipads as per SOP).
  • RFID Yatra Access Card is mandatory for current-day heli tickets; carry original ID for every passenger.

Special/priority quota for certain devotees:

  • The SOP reserves a small daily quota (10 seats/day) for senior citizens (65+), specially-abled (e.g., vision impairment, permanent locomotor disability), and infirm yatris—with one attendant allowed if needed.

Important: Many private sites show “book here” buttons. Operators themselves warn: don’t buy tickets from third parties—use the Shrine Board portal only.

How to book online — step by step

  1. Create/Login to account on the official SMVDSB site/app.
  2. Go to Travel → Helicopter and choose Katra ↔ Sanjichhat sector, date, and passenger count.
  3. Enter passenger details exactly as per ID proof (names must match the e-ticket).
  4. Pay online and download/print the Booking Receipt (carry a soft copy too).
  5. On the travel day, report 1 hour before your slot at the helipad verification counter with the same ID used for booking.

Pro tip: Keep your RFID Yatra Access Card handy (the portal shows where to collect if you registered online).

On the day of travel — what to expect

  • Report time: 1 hour before your flight time as printed on your receipt.
  • ID check: Staff cross-checks ID name = ticket name. Different name = not allowed.
  • Baggage: Up to 10 kg per passenger (small/soft bags only).
  • Infants: Below 2 years (in lap) travel free; carry valid proof of age.
  • Ticket rules: Ticket is non-transferable, and prepone/postpone or sector change is not allowed.
  • If trains/flights are delayed: Reach Serli Helipad by 2 PM; the operator may adjust subject to seat availability.

From Sanjichhat to Bhawan: Walk the ~2.5 km track, or hire a palki/pony from authorized counters.

Cancellations, bad weather, and refunds (official rules)

  • Cancel online (for online bookings) up to 2 days before the travel date. No counter cancellations for online tickets.
  • Refund amount for online cancellations: 70% of ticket fare + full GST (30% is processing). Refunds are processed to the same bank account in ~15 working days.
  • Full-day bad weather: 100% refund (including GST) is processed automatically for the day.
  • Partial disruption: Visit a listed counter in person the same day to start the refund process; otherwise email within 3 days (address in SOP).
  • No-show: If you do not report at the scheduled time, it is treated as No Show and no refund is given.

Is there “VIP Darshan” with the helicopter ticket?

The helicopter ticket does not automatically mean VIP darshan. The Shrine Board publishes separate instructions for darshan management during peak days. Always follow current notices at Katra/Bhawan. (Check the SMVDSB site for daily advisories.)

Safety, operators, and timing notes

  • Daily flying hours are daylight dependent and can change with weather. If conditions are unsafe, services pause.
  • Operators themselves publicly tell yatris to book only at the Shrine Board website—another sign to avoid agents and unofficial links.

Quick FAQ’s for Vaishno Devi Yatra

About 5–8 minutes one way.

Roughly 2.5 km. Hire palki/pony if needed.

Exactly 60 days before travel, tickets go live at 10 AM. They close 2 days before the date.

Carry the same photo ID you used on the ticket; names must match.

If full day flying stops, you get a 100% refund automatically. If flights run partly, follow the SOP steps for refund.

The official price appears at checkout on the Shrine Board portal. Operator pages suggest ~₹2,210–₹2,320 one-way in 2025, but always confirm on the official site before paying.

Takeaway

We mapped the complete Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra journey from official SOPs and operator advisories.

We cite SMVDSB’s booking/cancellation/refund SOP (dated 07-06-2024) and show what it means for you in simple words.

We reference the SMVDSB portal and operator sites that themselves redirect you to official booking only.

Where prices vary online, we clearly say “check official portal for final fare.”

Book the Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra only on the SMVDSB website/app, be ready 60 days in advance at 10 AM, reach the helipad 1 hour early, and keep your ID + RFID card handy—so your darshan stays smooth and blessed.

If you want, I can also turn this into a print-ready checklist (booking window, documents, helipad map, refund steps) for your website.