What Is the Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra?
Most devotees know Vaishno Devi mandir is in the Trikuta Mountains of Jammu and Kashmir. What many do not realise is just how physically demanding the full trekking route can be, especially for senior citizens, people with mobility challenges, or families travelling with toddlers.
The Vaishno Devi helicopter yatra solves that challenge beautifully.
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Detail
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Information
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Departure Helipad
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Serli Helipad, Katra
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Arrival Helipad
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Sanjichhat Helipad
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Flight Duration
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5 to 8 minutes (one way)
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Distance to Bhawan from Sanjichhat
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Approximately 2.5 km
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Who Operates It
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Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) with contracted operators
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Route Direction
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Both ways: Katra to Sanjichhat and Sanjichhat to Katra
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From Sanjichhat, you can either walk the gentle 2.5 km track to Bhawan or hire an authorised palki or pony. Either way, you arrive feeling refreshed rather than exhausted, which, honestly, is how your darshan should begin.
Who Should Consider the Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra?
This yatra option is genuinely life-changing for:
- Senior citizens who love the yatra but find long treks difficult
- Devotees with permanent locomotor disabilities or vision impairment
- Families travelling with infants or very young children
- Pilgrims who have limited time but deep faith
- Anyone recovering from surgery or managing a health condition
Swan Tours, as one of the experienced travel agents in India, strongly recommends the helicopter route for any pilgrim above the age of 60 or any family travelling with children under 5. The savings in physical energy translate directly into a more peaceful and emotionally fulfilling darshan experience.
Where and How to Book Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra?
The Vaishno Devi helicopter booking must be done only through the official Shrine Board portal. There are many websites and agents online who claim to offer confirmed helicopter tickets. Most of them are either misleading or outright fraudulent. Even the helicopter operators themselves publicly redirect yatris to the official SMVDSB channels.
Official booking options:
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Platform
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Details
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Website
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maavaishnodevi.org
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Mobile App
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"Mata Vaishnodevi" (available on Android and iOS)
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Same Day / Current Quota
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In person at Niharika Bhawan, Katra
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Special Priority Quota- small daily quota (10 seats/day)
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At helipads as per SMVDSB SOP (limited seats)
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Swan Tours is one of the few honest travel agents in India that will tell you directly: we cannot book your helicopter ticket for you through any shortcut. Anyone who claims otherwise is taking a risk with your yatra.
Booking Window and Advance Planning: When Does It Open?
Timing your booking correctly is where most pilgrims trip up. Here is how it works:
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Booking Type
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Key Details
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Advance Booking Window
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Opens 60 days before the journey date
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Closing Date for Advance Booking
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2 days before travel
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Monthly System Opening
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10:00 AM on the 1st of each month for the month falling 60 days later
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Example
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On 1st March, booking opens for the entire month of May
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Same-Day Quota
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Limited seats available in person at Niharika Bhawan, Katra
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Practical advice from Swan Tours:
Mark your calendar. Set a reminder for exactly two months before your intended yatra date. At 10:00 AM sharp on the 1st of the relevant month, log into the official portal and book. Seats fill up fast, particularly around Navratri, school holidays, and long weekends.
If you are combining your Vaishno Devi pilgrimage with wider Kashmir tour packages, plan your overall itinerary first, then lock your helicopter slot around it. Our team at Swan Tours can help you build that full itinerary.
Special Priority Quota: For Those Who Need It Most
The SMVDSB reserves a daily quota of 10 seats specifically for:
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Category
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Eligibility
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Senior Citizens
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Age 65 years and above
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Specially Abled Devotees
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Permanent locomotor disability or vision impairment
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Infirm Yatris
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Those medically unable to undertake the walking route
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Attendants
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One attendant allowed per eligible passenger
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This is a deeply compassionate provision by the Shrine Board and one that we at Swan Tours always communicate clearly to families travelling with elderly members.
Step-by-Step Online Booking Process for Helicopter Yatra
Here is how to complete your Vaishno Devi helicopter booking on the official portal:
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Step
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Action
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Step 1
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Create or log in to your account on the official SMVDSB website or app
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Step 2
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Go to Travel, then Helicopter, and choose the Katra to Sanjichhat sector
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Step 3
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Select your date and number of passengers
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Step 4
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Enter each passenger's details exactly as they appear on their government ID
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Step 5
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Pay online securely
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Step 6
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Download and save your booking receipt (keep both a digital and printed copy)
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Step 7
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Collect your RFID Yatra Access Card if you registered online
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The name on your e-ticket must match the name on your ID document exactly. Even a small spelling difference can result in being denied boarding. Please double-check before you submit your booking.
On the Day of Your Helicopter Yatra at Vaishno Devi: What to Expect
Arriving at the helipad unprepared is one of the most common reasons pilgrims miss their slots. Here is a clear checklist:
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Requirement
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Details
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Report Time
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At least 1 hour before your scheduled flight time
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Documents Required
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Original ID used during booking plus booking receipt
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RFID Yatra Access Card
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Mandatory for all passengers
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Baggage Allowance
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Up to 10 kg per passenger; only small soft bags allowed
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Infants Under 2 Years
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Travel free on lap; valid proof of age required
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Ticket Transfer
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Not allowed under any circumstances
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Prepone or Postpone
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Not permitted after booking
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Sector Change
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Not permitted after booking
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If your train or flight is delayed and you are running behind, reach Serli Helipad by 2:00 PM. The operator may accommodate you subject to available seats, but this is not guaranteed.
From the Sanjichhat helipad, Bhawan is approximately 2.5 km away. You can walk this short, scenic route or hire an authorised palki or pony from the official counters near the helipad.
Cancellations and Refunds: Know Your Rights
Life is unpredictable. Illness, emergencies, and weather delays happen. Here is exactly how the refund system works:
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Scenario
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Refund Amount
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Process
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Online cancellation 2+ days before travel
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70% of ticket fare plus full GST
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Cancel through the official portal online
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Bad weather causing full-day cancellation
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100% refund including GST
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Processed automatically by SMVDSB
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Partial service disruption
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Visit a listed counter same day
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Or email within 3 days as per SMVDSB SOP
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No-show (not reporting on time)
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No refund
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Treated as a forfeit
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Counter cancellations for online tickets
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Not available
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Must cancel through the portal only
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Refunds for online cancellations are processed back to the original bank account within approximately 15 working days.
A gentle but important reminder: if you booked through any unofficial source or third-party agent, SMVDSB refund rules will not apply to you. This is yet another reason to book only on the official portal.
Does the Helicopter Ticket Include VIP Darshan?
This is one of the most frequently asked questions we receive at Swan Tours. The answer is no.
The helicopter ticket covers your aerial transport from Katra to Sanjichhat. It does not automatically grant you VIP darshan or a specific place in the queue at the Bhawan sanctum. Darshan management during peak seasons is handled separately by the Shrine Board.
Always check the SMVDSB website and the daily advisories at Katra and Bhawan for the latest darshan timing and queue management instructions.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter Ride- Safety, Weather, and Flying Hours
The helicopter service operates during daylight hours only. Exact timings shift based on the season and sunrise-sunset cycles.
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Factor
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Impact
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Bad weather (fog, heavy rain)
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Flights paused; full refund processed automatically
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Strong winds
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Operations may be delayed or suspended temporarily
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Seasonal variation
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Daily flying hours change; check the portal for current timings
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Night flying
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Not available
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The SMVDSB and contracted operators prioritise passenger safety above all else. If conditions are unsafe, the service pauses. This is the right call, even if it is disappointing at the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra
How long does the helicopter flight take?
The flight from Serli Helipad in Katra to Sanjichhat takes approximately 5 to 8 minutes.
How far is Bhawan from Sanjichhat?
Bhawan is approximately 2.5 km from the Sanjichhat helipad. You can walk or take an authorized palki or pony.
When should I book?
Book exactly 60 days in advance. Slots open on the 1st of each month at 10:00 AM for the period two months ahead.
What ID do I carry?
The original government-issued ID used at the time of booking. The name on the ID must exactly match the name on the ticket.
What if it rains?
In case of a full-day weather disruption, a 100% refund is automatically processed by SMVDSB. For partial disruptions, visit the listed counter on the same day.
What is the current fare?
Fares may change. Always check the official SMVDSB portal at maavaishnodevi.org for the most current pricing before booking.
Can I book through Swan Tours directly?
Swan Tours can guide you through the full booking process, help you understand every step, build your complete pilgrimage and Kashmir tour packages itinerary, and make your entire journey smooth. We will walk you through it.
Is the ticket transferable?
No. The ticket is strictly non-transferable and is valid only for the named passenger.
Are there luggage restrictions?
Yes. Each passenger is allowed a maximum of 10 kg in small soft bags only.
What about infants?
Children below 2 years of age can travel on a lap and are not charged. Carry valid age proof.
Plan Your Full Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage With Swan Tours
The Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra is one part of a much larger and deeply fulfilling journey. Many of our guests combine their Vaishno Devi pilgrimage with a broader exploration of Jammu and Kashmir, including Srinagar, the Dal Lake, Gulmarg, Pahalgam, and the Mughal Gardens.
Swan Tours offers carefully crafted Kashmir tour packages that weave together spiritual experiences and scenic Himalayan beauty into one seamless trip. As experienced travel agents in India, we handle your hotel bookings, transfers, local sightseeing, and complete pilgrimage logistics so that you can focus entirely on your faith and your family.
Whether you are travelling solo, with an elderly parent, with your children, or as a large family group, we have a plan that fits your budget and your heart.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking- Day-Wise Itinerary
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Day
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Route
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Highlights
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Day 1
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Jammu to Katra
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Airport pickup, hotel check-in, helicopter to Sanjichhat, Darshan at Bhawan (2.75 km trek, 30-45 mins), return chopper, overnight Katra
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Day 2
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Katra to Jammu
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Breakfast, hotel checkout, transfer to Jammu airport or railway station
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Vaishno Devi Package Pricing (Per Adult, Group of 30)
These are indicative rates per person on the basis of 30 guests traveling together in a group coach tour on specific dates. Rates will increase for smaller families and individuals.
Offers can also be customised with International branded hotels such as Marriott, Hilton, Taj, Oberois, Best Western, etc.
(Except for Festive Period, Long Weekends, Christmas & New Year Period)
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Hotel Category
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Cost Per Adult
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Budget
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Rs. 6,250
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Standard
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Rs. 6,750
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Deluxe
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Rs. 7,250
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Luxury
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Rs. 7,750
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Premium
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Rs. 8,250
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Please Note: Above cost based on minimum two adults traveling together, sharing one double room.
Accomodation in Katra
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Category
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Hotels
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Budget
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Hotel Ishan, Hotel Aashirwad, Hotel KK International, Shradhalu Niwas
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Standard
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Hotel Tridev, Hotel Dev Bhoomi, Hotel Vipul Palace, Hotel Kapoor Palace
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Deluxe
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Hotel Bhargav, Hotel AP Broadway, Hotel Gordon House
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Luxury
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Hotel Maharaja Inn, Hotel Vijay International, Bali Resort, Maa Trikuta Palace, Imperial Hotel
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Premium
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Ginger Katra, Lemon Tree, Hotel New Ashok, Hotel Shree Hari Niwas, Hotel Mount View
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Inclusions vs Exclusions
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Included
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Excluded
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Return airport/railway transfers (Jammu to Katra)
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Airfare or train fare
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Return helicopter tickets (Katra to Sanjichhat)
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Personal expenses (laundry, tips, porterage)
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1 night accommodation in Katra
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Travel insurance
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Buffet breakfast
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Entrance fees and camera permits
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AC sedan transfers and sightseeing
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Meals not in itinerary
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Toll tax, parking, driver allowance
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Service tax 5% on total billing
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All applicable hotel taxes
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Costs due to natural calamities or strikes
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Book your Vaishno Devi Helicopter Yatra the right way. Plan ahead. Carry your documents. Trust the official portal. And let Swan Tours take care of everything else around your sacred journey.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter booking
'Chalo bulawa aya hai, Mata ne bulaya hai'.
Maa Vaishno Devi, is known by various names in different regions of India, such as Mata Rani, Vaishnavi and also Trikuta, according to beliefs the goddess is a manifestation of Mahalakshmi.i . Vaishno Devi Mandir is located at the Trikuta Mountains in Katra, Jammu in the state of Jammu and Kashmir. More than 10 million pilgrims visit this shrine every year. The Vaishno devi shrine is in the mountains of Trikuta is supposed to be the abode of thirty three deities. It is believed that at some point of time each one of these thirty three deities have prayed for Goddess Vaishno Mata, and left their unique marks inside. It is also believed that during the time of Aarti, these Devis and Devtas arrive at the Holy cave to pay their respect to Maa Vaishno Devi. There is a firm belief in Hindu religion that Mata darshan is not possible, unless she herself wants the particular devotee to visit her. We at Swan Tours can facilitate this visit by providing the return airport transfers from Jammu to Katra, helicopter tickets between Katra and SanjiChat and accommodation for one night with breakfast, This package - Vaishno Devi Helicopter booking, should be booked in advance, recommended period - one month in advance, to avoid the disappointment.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter booking From Delhi
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