Jammu, June 16 (Udaipur Kiran) – The long-awaited online helicopter ticket booking service for the Shri Amarnath Yatra has finally commenced, bringing relief to eager pilgrims. The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has initiated this service for the Baltal and Pahalgam routes. The annual pilgrimage to Baba Amarnath is scheduled to begin on June 29 and will conclude on August 19, coinciding with Raksha Bandhan.
Helicopter Service Routes and Booking Details
According to official details, helicopter services are being provided on the Neelgrath-Panjtarni-Neelgrath route for the Baltal pathway and on the Pahalgam-Panjtarni-Pahalgam route for the Pahalgam pathway. Pilgrims can book these helicopter services online through the official website, with bookings being processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Fare Structure and Requirements
The fare for a one-way trip from Pahalgam to Panjtarni is ₹4,900, while a round trip costs ₹9,800. For the Neelgrath to Panjtarni route, the one-way fare is ₹3,250, and the round trip is ₹6,500. Pilgrims must possess a health certificate when booking helicopter tickets. Given the time taken to travel from the Panjtarni helipad to the holy cave and back, the available slots for pilgrims will show intervals of at least 5 to 6 hours between trips.
Essential Guidelines for Pilgrims
An official stated that during the pilgrimage, travelers must carry their original photo identification and health certificate. Additionally, pilgrims must arrive at the respective helipad at least 30 minutes before their booked slot time. Charter bookings are only permitted for travel between Srinagar and Neelgrath, including priority seats in the connecting service between Neelgrath and Panjtarni.
Pre-Registration and Additional Arrangements
Advance registration for the pilgrims began on April 15. This year, permission has been granted for 125 langars (community kitchens) along the route to the holy cave. Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has extended an invitation to pilgrims from across the country and abroad for this year’s Shri Amarnath Yatra.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.