Amarnath Yatra is reported to commence on June 30 and last for 43 days. The Centre is anticipating a huge crowd on this particular Amarnath Yatra and has requested the use of a helicopter to transport pilgrims directly from Srinagar to Panchtarni. It is the final drop-off point, and it’s about 6 km away from the shrine.
These helicopter services are now available to pilgrims starting in Pahalgam and Baltal to Panchtarni. From there, devotees must walk, ride or bring an amulet to Panchtarni to visit the Amarnath temple.
The two cities, Pahalgam and Baltal, are about 90km from Srinagar. An additional route is to be added starting from Budgam (near Baltal, near the Srinagar Airport) from the airport to Panchtarni in the coming year.
Read: Amarnath Yatra 2023 Travel Guide: Dates, Routes, Registration
According to an official, the government expects a heavy rush to the Yatra. Thus to ease the pressure, it was decided at an upcoming meeting that helicopter services could be offered to yatris directly from Srinagar. The minister also said that the Shri Amarnath Shrine Board (SASB) was also requested to determine whether it’s feasible to place the helicopters on the slopes of the Amarnath Cave.
At present, there are only choppers transporting VVIPs to the cave.
The official further stated that this service would not just reduce the distance but allow more yatris to visit the shrine in one day. He also said that a select group of pilgrims would only utilize the service due to the cost. So, the price for this flight is currently being determined.
According to the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) drafted following the directives of the Supreme Court of India, only 15000 pilgrims registered with the government are allowed to go beyond Pahalgam and Baltal during a single day, which includes 7500 from the Baltal as well as Pahalgam track.
