Shri Amarnath Shrine Board Launches Online Helicopter Booking for Amarnath Yatra Pilgrims
Over 2.5 Lakh Devotees Register Online for Amarnath Yatra, Helicopter Booking in Full Swing
17-06-2023 : The Shri Amarnath Shrine Board has recently opened online helicopter booking for the pilgrims of the Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 1. This annual pilgrimage spans 62 days, concluding on August 30, coinciding with the festival of Rakshabandhan. Pilgrims can now book helicopter services through the official website of the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) for the routes of Srinagar, Baltal, and Pahalgam.
One notable aspect is that the fare for this year’s yatra has not been increased, providing relief to the devotees. Currently, over 2.5 lakh individuals have registered online for the yatra, and it is estimated that around five lakh devotees will visit the cave Shrine this year.
For the Baltal route, the helicopter services will be provided by Global Vectra Helicorp Limited and Arrow Aircraft Private Limited. Meanwhile, Heritage Aviation Pvt Ltd will operate the helicopter services for the Pahalgam route. Additionally, M S Pawan Hans Limited operators will offer their services for transportation between Srinagar and the holy cave.
Extensive preparations are underway to welcome the pilgrims, and the respective district administrations have been instructed to complete all arrangements from the gateway at Lakhanpur to Kashmir by June 20. These arrangements include facilities and infrastructure required for the smooth conduct of the yatra, such as accommodations, medical facilities, security measures, and transportation services.
The Amarnath Yatra holds great religious significance for devotees of Lord Shiva. Pilgrims undertake a challenging trek to reach the Amarnath cave, located at an altitude of approximately 3,888 meters (12,756 feet) in the Himalayas. Inside the cave, an ice formation that symbolizes Lord Shiva’s lingam is believed to naturally manifest during the yatra period.
The opening of online helicopter booking offers a convenient and time-saving option for pilgrims who may have limitations in undertaking the arduous trek. It also allows for smoother management of the yatra by ensuring better crowd control and facilitating the movement of a larger number of devotees.
Overall, the initiation of online helicopter booking for the Amarnath Yatra is expected to enhance accessibility, convenience, and safety for the pilgrims undertaking this sacred journey.
