If you are planning to visit the sacred temples of Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, there is one of the most common questions that comes to everyone’s mind is, “Is a helicopter a better option or going by Road?” Both ways will lead you to the sacred destination, but the difference will be the experience, duration, and comfort you will find.
In this blog, you will have a detailed guide with a brief comparison of whether the Chardham Yatra by Helicopter is better than the Chardham Yatra by Road. Before moving forward, you should also check the Char Dham yatra Packages 2026 and make sure to have a look at the Char Dham yatra Opening & Closing Dates 2026. Keep reading to get the full information about the best way to complete your Chardham yatra.
Comparison Between The Total Time Duration
If we talk about doing the char dham yatra by helicopter, the total time taken will be 5 – 6 days, starting and ending at Dehradun. This tour package includes a round-trip helicopter journey to all four dhams, VIP Darshans, premium hotel stays, and many more. If you are travelling with your family with senior citizens, or have limited leaves, then completing your Chardham Yatra by helicopter is suitable for you.
Completing the Char Dham yatra by road usually takes around 9 – 12 days, depending on your route, hotel category, and sightseeing preferences. Most people prefer to start their journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh, using the most common route used by everyone doing their Char Dham Yatra. If you are travelling during your college leave with your friends, or want to explore more scenic views during your travel, completing the Char Dham yatra by road is what you can do.
Physical Effort & Trek Distance
If we talk about doing the Char Dham yatra by helicopter, it automatically reduces the trekking for you. There might be some small walking at the Yamunotri and Kedarnath; otherwise, there is no physical effort required for your Chardham Yatra by Helicopter.
Planning your Char Dham yatra by road can include a lot of physical effort, as there will be a Kedarnath trek for 16 km from Gaurikund. If you are travelling by road, it is necessary to pack your stuff accordingly.
Comfort & Travel
Planning your Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter can reduce your 8 – 10 hour-long journey to a 30 – 40 mins flight. You can spend your time resting and doing darshan instead of doing long and tiring travels. On the other hand, road trips can be scenic but also dangerous and tiring for you. If you are a nature photographer, then travelling by road can be a good call.
Darsham Time & Experience
By travelling with a helicopter, you also get VIP darshan in the package, so you don’t have to wait for long queues. People who usually travel by car can plan their own darshan time and can even plan several places to visit, such as Triyuginarayan, Guptakashi, Joshimath, and Mana Village. Helicopter travel can be time-efficient and less crowded, whereas travelling by road can be flexible and more immersive for spiritual seekers.
Costing Per Person
Planning through a helicopter can cost upto ₹2.2 – ₹2.5 Lakh per person, including the VIP darshans, stay at premium hotels, and meals. If you are travelling by road, then it will cost you around ₹40K – ₹1.2 lakh per person, depending on the hotel type and vehicle. If you are looking for comfor then travelling by helicopter can be suitable for you, and if you are looking for a budget trip, then travelling by road is what you can do.
Customisation & Flexibility
Conducting your Chardham Yatra by helicopter will not allow you to be flexible with the travel plans and timings. As the heli operations are approved by UCADA, they have to follow strict timings.
While planning your Chardham Yatra by Road, it is necessary to check the weather conditions and whether the roads are okay to travel on.
Which Is Better: a helicopter or Car
Chardham Yatra by Helicopter is suitable for senior citizens, NRIs, working professionals, and guests who are seeking a stress-free and luxurious journey.
Chardham yatra by Road is suitable for people who want to experience scenic beauty and want to witness the slow pace of Uttarakhand.
If you want to keep your comfort and convenience first, then you can travel by helicopter, but if you want to bond with himalayas and want to explore the scenic beauty, then travelling by road is what you choose for.
Meals & Accommodation
Staying at premium hotels, airport transfers, VIP Darshans, and veg buffets are what you get in a package while planning your Chardham yatra by Helicopter. All of these properties are hand-picked for comfort and hygiene.
If you are planning the Chardham yatra by Road, you are free to choose the accommodations, as you can stay in luxury hotels or if you want, you can stay at the lodges as well. Meals and amenities also depend on your budget. You can also try some local cafes and restaurants to experience the food culture of Uttarakhand as well.
Health & Safety Factors
If you are travelling by helicopter, you will have access to the oxygen cylinders, on-ground support teams, and there will be less physical strain. While travelling by road might include a lot of exposure to dust, if you are travelling with your family, or if you or any family members have any medical conditions, make sure to book a consultation with the doctor before starting your travel. Travelling by road will require a lot of stamina and frequent rest stops.
Spiritual & Travel Experience
When travelling by helicopter, you can solely focus on your darshan and can focus on efficiency, peace and comfort as well. Whereas when travelling by car, your whole journey will not just be about visiting Char Dhams, it will also be a unique experience and exploration of different cultures as well.
FAQs
Q1. How much time does it take to complete the Char Dham yatra by Helicopter as compared to road?
Ans. Doing the Chardham yatra by helicopter, you can complete your journey in 5 – 6 days, and when travelling by road, you can complete your journey in 9 – 12 days.
Q2. Which is a better way to travel for senior citizens?
Ans. During such cases, the Chardham yatra by helicopter is more suitable, as it reduces the stress of planning and bookings and also includes VIP darshans.
Q3. How much trekking is required during both options?
Ans. When travelling by helicopter, minimal trekking is required, but when travelling by car, you need to do 16 km of trek from Gaurikund.
Q4. How much difference is there between a helicopter yatra and a road yatra?
Ans. Helicopter packages start from Rs. 2.2 – 2.3 lakh per person, whereas travelling by road can cost up to Rs. 40,000 – 1.2 lakh per person.
Q5. Which option is better for a person who wants to explore both culture and divine places?
Ans. Doingthe Chardham yatra by road is perfect for you if you want to explore the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand and want to visit the sacred places as well.
