Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking from Katra to Sanjichhat
Katra is the base camp for the Vaishno Devi yatra and the starting point of the helicopter service to Sanjichhat. You can book the flight online on the Shrine Board portal up to about 60 days ahead, or try the helicopter ticket counter at Katra for unsold seats on the day. This page covers the Katra helipad, booking options, a day plan and the rules you should know.
Helicopter Booking from Katra: Quick Answer
The helicopter service from Katra flies to the Sanjichhat helipad, about 2 to 3 km short of the Bhawan. The flight takes roughly 8 to 10 minutes. You can book online on the Shrine Board portal or app, up to about 60 days before travel, or buy a current ticket at the helicopter counter in Katra if seats are left on that day.
Because the counter depends on unsold seats, fixed-date travellers, seniors and families should book online. If you are already in Katra and your date is flexible, the counter is a useful fallback in off-peak days.
How to Book the Helicopter from Katra
| Method | How it works | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Online (portal or app) | Register, select Katra to Sanjichhat, choose slot, add ID details and pay. Opens about 60 days before travel | Fixed dates, seniors, families, groups |
| Katra helicopter counter | Buy a current ticket for unsold seats on the day. Carry yatra slip and photo ID | Flexible travellers on off-peak days |
| Package with a planner | Planner arranges hotel, cab and timing. You still book the flight yourself on the official portal | People who want everything else handled |
Counter rules, timings and the ticket location can change, so confirm on the day or with the Shrine Board helpline.
Katra Helicopter Day Plan (Sample Itinerary)
Timings are approximate and change with slots, weather and queues.
Katra Helipad: What to Know
| Location | Katra helipad on Udhampur Road |
|---|---|
| Flight | Katra helipad to Sanjichhat helipad in about 8 to 10 minutes |
| Report time | At least one hour before departure |
| Check | E-ticket and original photo ID checked against the passenger list |
| Baggage | Limited. Leave heavy bags at the hotel or cloakroom |
| Children | Aged 2 years and above need their own ticket at the full fare |
After You Land at Sanjichhat
- Walk or ride to the Bhawan. The Bhawan is roughly 2 to 3 km from the Sanjichhat helipad. You can walk, or hire a pony or palki.
- Plan the darshan queue. Queue time changes with the crowd, from about an hour to several hours. Avoid the daily aarti break while planning.
- Return in time. Reach Sanjichhat well before your return slot. A missed flight is not guaranteed a refund.
- Have a backup. If your return flight is grounded, you can come down on foot, by pony or palki, or the battery car from Bhawan to Ardhkuwari.
See our guides on Vaishno Devi darshan times and Vaishno Devi guidelines for queue and yatra rules.
Tips for Helicopter Booking from Katra
- Book online if your date is fixed. Do not depend on the counter in peak season.
- Use the official channels only. Shrine Board has not authorised private travel agents for helicopter, aarti or accommodation bookings. Book only on the official website or the official mobile app.
- Keep a weather buffer. Do not schedule a train on the same evening as your return flight.
- Match your ID. Names on the ticket must match the original photo ID.
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Katra Packages with Helicopter
If you want your Katra stay, AC cab and yatra timing planned around the helicopter, choose one of these packages. We plan the trip, and you make the helicopter booking yourself on the official portal.
Vaishno Devi Tour Package by Helicopter
3 days 2 nights with return helicopter ticket.
From ₹12,500 per person
Vaishno Devi Package from Delhi with Helicopter
Start from Delhi and skip most of the climb.
From ₹12,500 per person
FAQs: Vaishno Devi Helicopter Booking from Katra
How to book a helicopter from Katra to Vaishno Devi?
Register on the Shrine Board portal or app, choose the Katra to Sanjichhat service, select your date and slot, enter photo ID details for each traveller and pay online. A counter at Katra sells unsold seats on the day.
Can I book the helicopter at Katra on the day?
Yes, current tickets are sold at the helicopter counter in Katra if seats are left. In peak season queues are long and seats may not be available.
Where is the Katra helipad?
The Katra helipad is on Udhampur Road. Your hotel cab can take you there in a few minutes.
How long does the helicopter take from Katra to Sanjichhat?
About 8 to 10 minutes each way.
How far is Sanjichhat from the Bhawan?
Roughly 2 to 3 km. You can walk or hire a pony or palki.
What is the Katra to Sanjichhat helicopter fare?
₹2,320 one way and ₹4,640 return until 31 October 2026, with a reported revision to ₹2,700 and ₹5,400 from 1 November 2026.
Do I need the yatra slip if I fly?
Yes. The free yatra registration slip is required for every pilgrim, including helicopter passengers.
Can seniors use the Katra helicopter?
Yes. Seniors can book like any passenger. Keep a pony or palki in mind for the short walk from Sanjichhat to the Bhawan.
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