Chamba: Helicopter services for the annual Manimahesh Yatra began in Himachal Pradesh on Wednesday, bringing relief to pilgrims who prefer to avoid the arduous trek to the revered Manimahesh Lake.
The heli-taxi operations commenced after the required clearance was received from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The service will ferry devotees to Gaurikund, from where Manimahesh Shiv Kund is located about a kilometre away.
The facility is expected to be particularly useful for pilgrims travelling from distant parts of the country who wish to pay obeisance at Manimahesh Kailash and take a holy dip in the sacred lake.
Flights Available From Two Locations
Pilgrims can board helicopter services from Bharmour and Holi. The flight from Holi to Gaurikund takes around 10 minutes, while the journey from Bharmour is approximately seven minutes.
Four heli-taxi services are being operated during the pilgrimage period, with two helicopters deployed on the Bharmour-Gaurikund route and another two serving the Holi-Gaurikund sector.
The administration has asked devotees to exercise caution while purchasing tickets. Pilgrims have been advised to use only the official Manimahesh Yatra portal for bookings and avoid private agents, unauthorised websites or links circulated through unknown sources.
Officials have specifically warned pilgrims about the possibility of fraudulent ticketing. Offline bookings, where permitted, may be available only in exceptional circumstances for passengers seeking return services from Gaurikund to Bharmour.
Services Delayed on Tuesday
The launch of the helicopter facility came a day after several pilgrims were left disappointed at the helipad on Tuesday. Operations could not begin as some of the mandatory DGCA formalities were still pending.
With the regulatory clearances now in place, the administration has started the service and is working to ensure that arrangements remain smooth and safe throughout the pilgrimage.
Trek Starts From Hadsar
For pilgrims travelling by road, the traditional route to Manimahesh begins at Hadsar, around 11 kilometres beyond Bharmour. After reaching Hadsar by road from Bharmour, devotees have to continue the remaining journey on foot.
The trek from Hadsar to Manimahesh Lake stretches for more than 13 kilometres and includes steep sections. The high altitude and reduced oxygen levels can make the journey physically demanding, particularly for elderly pilgrims and those unaccustomed to trekking in mountainous terrain.
Temporary accommodation has been arranged at several points along the route, including Dhanchho, Sundrasi, Gauri Kund and areas close to Manimahesh Shiv Kund. Tent facilities are available at rates ranging from ₹250 to ₹350 per bed.
Registration Mandatory for Pilgrims
Pilgrims undertaking the yatra are required to complete registration through the Manimahesh Trust’s official portal. The registration fee has been fixed at ₹50, and devotees are not permitted to undertake the pilgrimage without completing the registration process.
Manimahesh Lake, revered as Shiv Kund, is situated at an elevation of around 13,000 feet above sea level, while the towering Manimahesh Kailash peak rises beyond 18,000 feet.
Given the altitude and difficult terrain, pilgrims have been advised to prepare adequately and follow instructions issued by the administration during the journey.
Yatra to Conclude on September 19
The 2026 Manimahesh Yatra will continue until September 19, coinciding with Radhashtami. The designated period for the auspicious holy dip begins at 1 pm on September 18 and will remain open until 3:26 pm on September 19.
Authorities have appealed to pilgrims to complete registration in advance, rely only on official channels for travel and helicopter bookings, and follow safety guidelines throughout the pilgrimage.
