Chamba (Rajeev Sharma): The wait for helicopter services to the revered Manimahesh pilgrimage site ended on Wednesday, with heli-taxi operations beginning from Bharmour and Holi after receiving the necessary clearance from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
The service is aimed at making the journey easier for devotees travelling to Manimahesh Kailash and the sacred Manimahesh Lake. Helicopters will take pilgrims up to Gaurikund, situated roughly one kilometre below the Shiv Kund.
A flight from Bharmour to Gaurikund takes about seven minutes, while the journey from Holi is around 10 minutes. Four helicopters have been deployed for the pilgrimage, with two assigned to each of the two routes.
Administration Issues Fraud Warning
With demand for helicopter tickets expected to remain high, the Bharmour administration has issued a caution to pilgrims against purchasing tickets from unauthorised agents or websites.
Devotees have been asked to make their bookings only through the official Manimahesh Yatra website. Authorities said relying on unofficial portals, agents or suspicious links could expose pilgrims to fraudulent transactions.
Offline ticketing may be considered only in specific circumstances, particularly for return travel from Gaurikund to Bharmour. Pilgrims have been advised to check the official portal for the latest booking instructions before making any payment.
DGCA Clearance Delayed Launch
The helicopter service was originally expected to begin earlier, but a number of pilgrims had to return from the helipad on Tuesday after the mandatory aviation-related formalities were not completed.
Following the required DGCA approval, flights have now commenced. The local administration said arrangements are being monitored to ensure the movement of pilgrims remains orderly and safe during the yatra.
Hadsar Remains the Main Trek Point
For devotees undertaking the pilgrimage on foot, the journey traditionally begins at Hadsar, located around 11 kilometres beyond Bharmour.
Vehicles can be taken up to Hadsar, but the onward journey to Manimahesh Lake has to be completed on foot. The trek covers more than 13 kilometres and includes steep stretches, making it physically challenging.
Temporary tent accommodation has been arranged at Dhanchho, Sundrasi, Gauri Kund and near the Manimahesh Shiv Kund. Beds in these camps are available for approximately ₹250 to ₹350.
Registration Required Before Yatra
Pilgrims are required to register for the Manimahesh Yatra through the official Trust website. The registration fee has been fixed at ₹50, and devotees are not allowed to undertake the pilgrimage without completing the registration process.
Manimahesh Lake, also known as Shiv Kund, lies at an altitude of about 13,000 feet, while Manimahesh Kailash rises to more than 18,000 feet. The combination of steep terrain, high altitude and thinner air makes adequate preparation important for those travelling on foot.
Yatra Ends on September 19
The 2026 Manimahesh Yatra will conclude on September 19 on the occasion of Radhashtami. The period fixed for the auspicious holy dip will begin at 1 pm on September 18 and continue until 3:26 pm on September 19.
Officials have urged pilgrims to complete their registration beforehand, use authorised channels for helicopter tickets and follow instructions issued by the administration throughout the pilgrimage.
