Vaishno Devi · Helicopter
The Vaishno Devi helicopter, Katra to Sanjichhat.
Helicopters fly from Katra to Sanjichhat, cutting most of the climb. Seats are sold online by the Shrine Board, they run out at busy times, and the fare went up on 1 November 2026, according to a news report.
Route
Katra to Sanjichhat
Fare reported from 1 Nov 2026
₹2,700 one way, ₹5,400 return
Earlier fare
₹2,320 one way
Booking
Online, Shrine Board site
The short answer
Book online with the Shrine Board, then walk the last stretch.
The helicopter flies from Katra to Sanjichhat. According to a PTI report, the fare rose from ₹2,320 to ₹2,700 per person one way, and from ₹4,640 to ₹5,400 return, from 1 November 2026. Tickets are booked online on the Shrine Board’s booking site. From Sanjichhat you continue to the Bhawan on foot or by pony. You still need your RFID yatra card. Flights depend on the weather, so keep a spare day if the helicopter is the only way an elderly yatri can make the climb.
By Shahid Parvez Khan (Local Operations Lead)·Published by Falcon Trails·Updated
Fare update (news report)
Fare change reported from 1 November 2026
The Katra–Sanjichhat helicopter fare rises from ₹2,320 to ₹2,700 per person one way, and from ₹4,640 to ₹5,400 return, effective 1 November 2026, as reported by PTI. The Shrine Board’s own pages we checked do not list the fare: confirm it on the booking site before you pay.
Source: The Tribune (PTI), 7 September 2026 · Checked
How booking works
1
Fix your dates first
Seats are limited and sell out around Navratri and the summer holidays. Book as soon as your travel dates are certain.
2
Book on the Shrine Board site
Helicopter tickets are sold on the Shrine Board's booking site in each yatri’s name.
3
Register for the yatra as well
A helicopter ticket does not replace the RFID Yatra Access Card. See registration.
4
Reach the Katra helipad early
Allow for traffic in Katra and the check-in at the helipad.
Who it suits, and the catch
- Elderly parents, anyone with knee or heart trouble, and families with only one day for the yatra.
- It does not reach the Bhawan: the last stretch from Sanjichhat is on foot or by pony.
- Flights depend on the weather. Without a spare day, plan a palki or pony as the fallback.
Editorial & Ground Verification
Published by local travel planners
Published by Shahid Parvez Khan
Founder & Lead Planner, Falcon Trails · Operating Kashmir mountain routes since 2010 · shahid.co.in
Published by our operations desk in Barbarshah / Munawara Abad, Srinagar. This guide supports planning; it is not a live status feed. Confirm mountain access, taxi charges and hotel heating for your exact dates before committing.
Ground Dispatch & Preferred Source
Ask our Srinagar desk about your proposed route, and check current official road and weather advice before travel.
Learn more about our team on the About page or contact our desk.
Content updated:
Questions
What people ask us.
What is the Vaishno Devi helicopter fare?
A PTI report gives ₹2,700 per person one way and ₹5,400 return from 1 November 2026, up from ₹2,320 and ₹4,640. Confirm on the Shrine Board’s booking site before paying.
Where do I book the helicopter?
Online, on the Shrine Board's booking site. Book in each yatri’s name.
Does the helicopter go to the Bhawan?
No. It lands at Sanjichhat. From there you walk or ride a pony to the Bhawan.
Do I still need the RFID card?
Yes. Every yatri needs the RFID Yatra Access Card, helicopter or not.
Plan your Vaishno Devi trip
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