Shri Mata Vaishno Devi shrine is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the country. This holy shrine is located on the Trikuta Hill, 13 km from Katra, Jammu.
Getting here requires a trek of approximately 13 km, but not everyone can complete the trek due to physical limitations or time constraints; therefore, they can take advantage of the Vaishno Devi helicopter service. If a person takes a two-way helicopter ride, they are eligible for VIP darshan of Vaishno Devi. Now, you may be wondering how to book a Vaishno Devi helicopter VIP darshan tour, its price, and the timing. Keep reading this blog to get complete details on the Vaishno Devi helicopter booking and more.How to plan Vaishno Devi Yatra by Helicopter?
One has to reach Katra to visit the holy shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi, which is located 50 km from Jammu. Katra serves as the base camp for Yatra and is well-connected with the rest of the country. Here is the list of things that one must keep in mind while planning a Maa Vaishno Devi Yatra Helicopter: With our Vaishno Devi and Kashmir tour package, you can immerse yourself in the peaceful ambiance of Vaishno Devi and then relax in the serene beauty of Kashmir.- Registration for Yatra is mandatory, and it is free of charge. The registration counter is available at the main market in Katra, or registration can be done in advance from the official website of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board. Obtain the Yatra Parchi from the registration counter or carry a printout of the Yatra Access Slip.
- The helicopter service is available from Katra to Sanjichhat, from where the shrine is just 2.5 km. A one-way or two-way helicopter service is also available, which can be reserved online through the official website. Those planning to undertake the Vaishno Devi yatra by helicopter are advised to book their tickets in advance.
- Upon reaching Bhawan, take a holy bath at the bathing ghat before heading towards the Bhawan for Darshan.
- It is advisable to carry heavy woolen clothes during the winter season and light woolens in summer. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for the Yatra.
- Information centers, refreshment kiosks, and public utilities are available throughout the route. Medical stores, banks, and accommodations are also available at the Bhawan for the convenience of travelers.
- Carry required documents, tickets, and sufficient cash during the Yatra.
Vaishno Devi Helicopter Price 2025
The one-way helicopter ticket price from Katra to Sanjichhat is Rs. 2,210, while a round-trip ticket costs Rs. 4,420.How can pilgrims book a helicopter ride to Vaishno Devi in advance?
For devotees who cannot walk or have limited time, they can book Maa Vaishno Devi helicopter tickets through the Shrine Board’s official website.
Advance booking of the helicopter can be done 60 days prior to the journey. Passengers must carry a valid photo ID, address proof, and a debit/credit card for payment. In the absence of any of the documents, boarding can be denied.
On-the-spot booking of Helicopter ticket from Katra to Sanjichhat
Vaishno Devi Helicopter tickets can be booked offline at the Current-Heli ticket counter, where you must present valid ID proof and travel documents. Offline ticket booking is subject to seat availability.Timings of Helicopter Services
Helicopter services start from Katra to Sanjichhat at 8:00 AM, and it takes 8 minutes to reach the designated spot. The last ride departs at approximately 7:00 PM. There are helicopter flights every 20 minutes from Katra and Sanjichhat.How can I go for a VIP Vaishno Devi Darshan?
A two-way helicopter ticket to Vaishno Devi is considered a VIP Pass, which allows VIP Darshan at the Bhawan. A one-way ticket from Katra to Sanjichhat or from Sanjichhat to Katra is not considered a VIP Pass.
Devotees arriving at the Bhawan by trekking or any other mode than a helicopter cannot get VIP Pass and are not allowed for VIP Darshan at the Bhawan.Can I book a Yatra Parchi in advance?
Yatra slip can be booked in advance from the official website of the Shrine Board, a maximum of 60 days and a minimum of 4 days in advance from the date of the journey. Online booking opens exactly 60 days in advance at 10:00 AM. Devotees must carry a print-out of the Yatra slip and a valid photo ID during the journey.
Best Time to Visit Vaishno Devi
The yatra to the Maa Vaishno Devi shrine is open throughout the year. The winter season (October to March) and the monsoon season (July to August) is considered the best time for Vaishno Devi Darshan as the number of pilgrims visiting the holy shrine is less as compared to the summer season (May to July), festival seasons of Navratri, and New Year.
Pilgrims get a unique Darshan experience in December and January when the original holy cave of Shri Vaishno Devi opens. To know more about the best time to visit Vaishno Devi, click here.
Charges and Timing of Attka Aarti
Two types of Poojan are available at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine:- Individual Poojan – This Pooja is performed in the name of the devotee, and an individual Hawan is performed at the Yagyashala. The charges of the Aarti range from INR 1100 to INR 11,000. For this, the person has to register in advance.
- Sharadha Suman Vishesh Pooja – This Pooja is available for the devotees who wish to attend the Aarti. There are four categories under which pilgrims can attend the Aarti. The charges of the Aarti range from INR 26,000 to INR 1,21,000.
- Morning: 6:20 AM to 8:00 AM
- Evening: 7:20 PM to 8:30 PM
- Morning: 6:20 AM to 8:00 AM
- Evening: 6:20 PM to 8:00 PM
Guidelines for Availing Helicopter Ticket
- Yatra registration slip is compulsorily required for availing a Helicopter ticket at the ‘Current Heli-ticket Counter’.
- ID Proof of all the pilgrims (who wish to travel) will be required for booking.
- Online ticket booking can also be done at the official website of the shrine board.
- Register on the website and log in with the username. Click on helicopter services, travel dates, number of passengers, travel routes, travel time, etc.
- Payment can be done with a Credit Card or Debit Card.
- Passengers are requested to report at the heliport one hour before the departure time of the flight. Passengers reporting after the set time shall be treated as ‘NO SHOW’ and there will be no refund against the NO SHOW ticket.
- Children below 2 years of age will be carried free of cost and shall be carried in the lap of the accompanying adults.
- Online booking of the helicopter shall not be postponed or preponed. Although the ticket shall be canceled. Here are the policies for ticket cancellation and refund:
- Ticket cancellation shall be done only through the ONLINE MODE. Cancellation of tickets requested through any other mode shall not be entertained.
- Cancellation of the ticket can be made up to 4 days before the scheduled travel date, and 70% of the amount will be refunded.
- The refund shall be made by the Shrine Board within 15 days of the cancellation.
- The refund amount shall be reimbursed to the same Credit or Debit Card through which the payment was made at the time of booking.
- The ticket is non-transferable.
- In case of failed transactions on the Shrine Board website, a refund shall be made by the Shrine Board.
- A full refund will be made in the event of flight cancellation due to adverse weather conditions or technical issues. Passengers are requested to submit their printed ticket to the relevant helicopter operator, along with a proper receipt, to receive an online refund.






