Adi Kailash, one of the Panch Kailash Mountains, is referred to as the resting place of Lord Shiva. The aerial Yatra of this highly revered Parvat presents an ideal chance to experience the divine presence of the deity with less or almost no exertion. It typically involves the journey via helicopter that benefits not only the elders but also the toddlers and their parents. And, the ones who have limited time on hand.
The reasons for it to become more popular these days are the facilities, time flexibilities, and easiness it offers to the seekers. Thousands of pilgrims have now grown to like this aerial experience, eliminating the physical challenges during their trek and participating in the journey of achieving bliss and peace.
It enables you to witness the enchanting beauty of the summit of Mount Adi Kailash, OM Parvat, Vyas Gufa, and other sacred sites that you may miss while trekking to the top.
For your information, the tour operators or the agencies first coordinate with the state’s tourism department and then let their executives curate safe and secure packages for the customers.
Benefits of Aerial Darshan Over Traditional Trek
Let’s have a glimpse at some of the benefits of Aerial Darshan of Adi Kailash:
- It lets you witness a glimpse of this sacred abode of lord Shiva without involving any risk in your pilgrimage.
- It is accessible for people of all ages, be it kids, adults, or elders.
- It also saves time, making the trip shorter yet profound and convenient.
- It lets you to enjoy a safe and comfortable air ride along with a holy encounter.
- These packages often include well-curated itineraries from picking you up to dropping you off, and hence, you need not exert yourself with such planning.
- The aerial Yatra is available throughout the year, making it possible to undertake in your suitable time.
- You also witness the breathtaking aerial views of the snow-capped mountains and spectacular Himalayan landscapes.
How Can you Book the Aerial Darshan Package
Here is the process through which you can easily book your Kailash Aerial Darshan Package.
- For Indian Citizens, Identity proofs, such as Aadhaar Card, PAN card, and voter ID, are needed while booking.
- For NRIs or Foreigners: A passport is a valid ID that will be required.
- You must start by filling out the registration form by providing your personal details, passport-size photographs, and documents.
- Afterwards you have to select the suitable and preferred package as per your requirements and negotiate with the selected agency.
- Then, it is the procedure to make a secure payment and book your deal with them.
- You might have to submit copies of your documents; I’d proof copy and photos, etc.
- The applicants can be asked to provide a medical certificate to ensure that they are perfectly fine to embark on this aerial journey.
- You should cross-check all the details and book your package with high concentration.
- It is advised to understand the instructions, rules, and regulations, follow the guidelines, and prepare accordingly.
- On the way to the Yatra, you must carry your original ID as well.
Starting Points and Route Map
Main Boarding Points:
- Pithoragarh: Near the Naini Saini airport, the Pithoragarh helipad serves as the official and main boarding point of the Adi Kailash aerial Yatra. All the helicopters depart and return to this point. You must arrive at Pithoragarh one day prior to the scheduled time to enjoy a hassle-free journey.
- Kathgodam: As an exception, some travel organizations treat Kathgodam as their starting point. On reaching there, they take you to Pithoragarh either by road or air.
Aerial View Spots
- Adi Kailash: The key attraction of the aerial Yatra is the Adi Kailash peak. It is also known as the ‘Chota Kailash’, signifying its religious significance in Hinduism after the Kailash Mansarovar.
- Om Parvat: A mountain with a natural snow formation of “OM”, spiritually significant for the devotees.
- Vyas Valley: The scenic Vyas Valley is also visible from the aerial Yatra, adding more fun to the overall journey.
- Jolingkong Lake: The base point of the Adi Kailash trekking route, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Route Map
- The helicopter travel to Adi Kailash is much easier, more direct, and shorter than the traditional route.
- The helicopter departs from the Pithoragarh Helipad and lands at its first stop, Gunji. After a halt, it proceeds to Jolingkong, the base of Adi Kailash, for aerial Darshan of this sacred mountain.
- From Gunji, it may also take you to Nabhidhang, from where you will get a close look at the OM Parvat.
- After Darshan of all the holy attractions, it returns to Pithoragarh.
Key Stops include:
- Gunji, Jolingkong and Nabhidhang.
Pithoragarh → Gunji → Jolingkong → Nabhidhang → Pithoragarh (return)
Permits and Documents Required
- Inner Line Permit, which is issued by the SDM of Dharchula and is required at checkpoints.
- Valid ID proofs, such as a Passport, Aadhaar, or PAN card.
- Passport-size photographs (4-5 copies)
- Medical Certificate
- Notarized Affidavit of Rs.30 stamp
Fitness and Safety Guidelines
Here we’re going to list some fitness and safety guidelines that you must consider:
- The aspiring pilgrims should maintain good physical health by engaging in regular exercise that helps in improving heart, BP, and asthma problems.
- You need to keep yourself hydrated even on the helicopter ride.
- It is wise to bring prescribed medicines with a regular first aid kit.
- Travellers should try to consume light and healthy meals and should not fast at such altitudes.
- You can keep your family and friends updated before boarding the plane, as you may not find networks up there.
- All the tourists should follow the instructions given by the pilot and the tour operators for their own safety.
What to Carry for Aerial Darshan?
- Government permits
- I’d proofs
- Mobile Charger and Power Bank
- Toiletries
- Dry fruits and other energy-giving snacks
- Good quality woolen clothes including socks, scarves, gloves, caps, etc.
- A medical kit
- Your personal hygiene essentials
- Pack a duffel bag to avoid extra luggage on a helicopter.
- Carry your personal water bottle
Conclusion
The Adi Kailash Darshan via helicopter offers a unique experience mixed with spiritualism. This modern aerial route represents itself as a boon to people with limited physical abilities and allows them to live through this soul-enriching moment. Hence, we have shared an elaborated guide on aerial Darshan of Adi Kailash and tried to convey it from all perspectives. Still if you have a few doubts, you can approach us by social media or email.
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