Description

Day 1 – Arrival at Srinagar

• Welcome & Transfer:
  Upon your arrival at Srinagar Airport, our friendly representative will greet you and escort you to a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle for a scenic transfer to your hotel.
• Hotel Check-In & Relaxation:
  Settle into your 4-star hotel, enjoy a delicious dinner, and relax for an overnight stay as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Day 2 – Helicopter Pilgrimage to Panchtarni & Holy Cave Darshan

• Morning Departure:
  After a fulfilling breakfast, proceed to the Srinagar Helipad where you will undergo necessary security checks and medical certificate verification before boarding the helicopter.
• Scenic Flight:
  Enjoy a breathtaking helicopter ride via Neelgrath to Panchtarni. Flight duration is typically 1-2 hours (subject to weather conditions).
• At Panchtarni:
  On landing, our helicopter crew will welcome you and assist with your onward journey.
• Optional Pony/Palki Hire:
  For the trek from the helipad to the Holy Cave, you may opt for a pony or palki service at an additional cost (paid directly to the service provider).
• Holy Cave Darshan:
  Enjoy approximately 2 hours for your sacred darshan at the Amarnath Cave.
• Return Journey:
  Board the helicopter for your return flight to Srinagar.
  • Important Note on Unforeseen Circumstances:
    Due to unpredictable weather, distance, and local restrictions on pony/palki services, some pilgrims may be unable to return on the same day. In such cases:
    • An overnight stay in a camp at Panchtarni will be arranged.
    • If returning the same day, additional hotel charges in Srinagar may apply.
• Evening:
  Upon arrival in Srinagar, our representative will transfer you back to your hotel for a relaxing dinner and overnight stay.

Day 3 – Srinagar Sightseeing & Departure

• Morning Sightseeing:
  After breakfast, enjoy a local sightseeing tour of Srinagar. Explore iconic landmarks such as the Mughal Gardens, Dal Lake, and the Shankaracharya Temple to experience the rich cultural heritage of the city.
• Departure:
  Later, you will be transferred to Srinagar Airport for your onward journey. Please ensure that you arrive at the airport at least 4 hours before your scheduled flight departure.

Package Inclusions

• Accommodations:
  • 4-star hotel stays as per itinerary. (For groups of three, an extra bed is provided.)
  • Camping (multi-sharing basis with separate beds provided during camp stays).
• Meals:
  • Breakfast & Dinner at the hotel (during camping stays, meals are served in Langars).
• Helicopter Charter:
  • Charter booking as per the route with a brief halt at Neelgrath Helipad for refueling and refreshment.
• Documentation & Assistance:
  • Registration Pass & Medical Form.
  • Assistance in obtaining your RFID Card.
• Ground Transportation:
  • Air-conditioned transport for pickup, drop-off, and sightseeing (Note: AC service is not available on hilly routes).
• Sightseeing:
  • Sightseeing tours as per the itinerary (till 2 PM only).

Package Exclusions

• Trekking Services:
  • Pony/Horse or Dolly charges for the 12 km trek from Panchtarni Helipad to Holy Cave and back (charges on an actual cost basis).
• Taxes & Fees:
  • GST 5% on all tour packages.
• Insurance & Tickets:
  • Travel insurance.
  • Air, train, or bus tickets from your location to Jammu/Srinagar.
• Personal Expenses:
  • Personal expenses such as laundry, tips, etc.
• Meals:
  • Lunch in hotels (during camping, all meals are provided free in Langars).
• Other Expenses:
  • Any other expenses not explicitly mentioned above.

Cancellation & Helicopter Flight Cancellation Policies

Cancellation Policy

• 30 Days or More Prior to Yatra:
  • Cancellation charges will be 75% of the package amount (provided full payment has been made).
• Within 0-30 Days of Yatra Start Date:
  • No refund will be provided if cancellation occurs after 1st June (for a yatra starting on 1st July).
• No Show/After Tour Commencement:
  • No refunds will be issued for no-shows or cancellations after the tour has commenced.
• Partial/Unused Services:
  • Charges for any partially used or unused services are non-refundable.

Helicopter Flight Cancellation Policy

• Srinagar Departure Cancellations:
  • In case of helicopter flight cancellation at Srinagar due to weather conditions, our liability is limited to issuing a credit note for the charter price (up to Rs. 350,000, provided full package payment is made). This credit note can be used on any of our tours within one year from the date of issue.
• Return Flight Cancellations:
  • If the return helicopter from Panchtarni is cancelled, our liability is limited to Rs. 3,250 per person.
• Conditions:
  • A ticket stamp from the relevant helipad authority (Srinagar/Neelgrath or Panchtarni) is required to confirm that the cancellation was due to weather.
  • Issuance of the credit note is contingent upon receiving reimbursement from the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board.
• Additional Costs:
  • No additional expenses (accommodation, transportation, meals, etc.) will be reimbursed in the event of a flight cancellation.

Important Notes & Terms

1. COVID-19 & Health Protocols

• Mandatory Compliance:
  All passengers must strictly adhere to government-prescribed COVID-19 measures. Entry into Jammu & Kashmir requires either a COVID-negative report or a valid vaccination certificate.
• PPE & Sanitization:
  Prior to boarding, the helicopter operator will provide PPE kits—including gowns, masks, and sanitizers—to all passengers.
• Social Distancing & Masking:
  Passengers must maintain social distancing during darshan and wear a mask at all times while on board.
• Adherence to Updated Guidelines:
  All COVID-19-related measures issued by State and Central Governments will be communicated by the helicopter company 2–3 weeks before travel. Failure to comply may result in denied boarding without any refund.

2. Flight Operations, Weather & Force Majeure

• Weather Conditions:
  • Flying in hilly areas is subject to unpredictable weather. Flight cancellations and related inconveniences are highly likely during adverse conditions.
  • Passengers should be prepared for possible delays or extended waiting times at helipads by carrying warm clothing, torches, umbrellas, shawls, etc.
• Force Majeure Events:
  • Conditions such as bad weather, low visibility, delayed air traffic clearances, VVIP movements, NOTAM (valley flying by the Indian Air Force), technical snags, crew illness, or delayed guest reporting may impact flights.
  • In such cases, the helicopter will operate according to its policies as specified in the terms and conditions.
• Flight Timings & Schedule Flexibility:
  • The published flying times are not final and may vary based on weather conditions, Srinagar Airport arrival times, clearances from the Air Force and Civil Aviation, and other operational factors.
  • If flights are delayed due to NOTAM, bad weather, or clearance issues, the operator will notify passengers in advance.
• Departure Deadlines:
  • The last Estimated Time Departure (ETD) from the Lower-Cave helipad is 15:30 hrs. Passengers are advised to adhere to this cut-off to avoid missing connecting flights.
• Operational Adjustments:
  • The helicopter operator reserves the right to postpone flight timings. Any additional night-stay charges incurred due to bad weather will be borne by the client (apart from the one night included in the package).

3. Weight, Luggage & Boarding Regulations

• Accurate Weight Declaration:
  • Passengers must provide their exact weight at the time of booking. The helicopter has a maximum weight capacity of 450 kg (excluding baggage). Any significant discrepancies may result in deboarding and cancellation without refund.
• On-Board Weighing:
  • A mandatory weighing will be conducted at boarding. If the total weight exceeds limits, boarding will be denied. The operator reserves the right to redistribute passengers among available helicopters for safety reasons, which may result in passengers travelling separately.
• Luggage Allowance:
  • Each passenger is allowed one handbag weighing a maximum of 5 kg. Suitcases are not permitted on board.
  • There is very limited space; excess baggage will not be allowed.
• Boarding Based on Load and Temperature:
  • Boarding will depend on the aircraft’s load and ambient temperature conditions. The pilot’s decision is final in such matters.
• Pick-Up & Check-In Times:
  • Passengers arriving at Srinagar Airport should do so by 07:00 hrs to ensure timely completion of all formalities and to facilitate the same-day darshan return.

4. Documentation & Clearance Requirements

• Identification Documents:
  • All Indian passengers must provide AADHAR and PAN Card copies. Foreign nationals are required to present their passport.
• Advance Notice for NRIs/Foreign Nationals:
  • For flights involving foreign nationals or NRIs, a minimum of 7 working days’ notice is required to obtain the AOR clearance. Flights cannot be operated if this notice is not provided.

5. Payment, Cancellation & Rescheduling Policies

• Advance Payment:
  • Full (100%) payment is required prior to the commencement of the charter. No boarding or tour commencement will be allowed without full payment.
• Alterations & Rescheduling:
  • The quoted charter cost is valid only if all conditions are strictly met. Any alteration in plans will incur extra charges.
  • Rescheduling the travel date (to a future or previous date) is generally not permitted. If rescheduling is possible, a 50% rescheduling charge will apply.
• Cancellation & Refund Conditions:
  • In cases where a one-way sector is cancelled due to technical or force majeure reasons, a proportionate charter cost may be refunded; however, Shrine Board royalty and any additional service charges will still apply.
  • If the entire yatra is cancelled or disrupted by force majeure, a credit voucher (valid for one year) may be issued for future helicopter tours or charter services.
  • Should the charter be cancelled, only the amount refunded by the Shrine Board will be returned (this will be disclosed at the boarding point).
  • In the event of flight cancellations, delays, or if a group cancels their tour after boarding (e.g., at Panchtarni helipad), no refunds or reimbursements for additional expenses (accommodation, transportation, meals, etc.) will be provided.
• Post-Commencement Charges:
  • If, after the charter commences, the aircraft is required to return mid-flight due to weather or force majeure, passengers will be charged for the cancelled flying time at INR 110,000/hr plus GST, in addition to any extra services rendered.

6. Operational Rights & Additional Charges

• Flight Confirmation:
  • Flight confirmation is subject to machine availability and necessary government permissions. All landing and administrative clearances are the responsibility of the helicopter operator.
• Charter Duration & Planning:
  • The helicopter operator’s obligation is limited to the scheduled flying date. Under no circumstances will the charter duration be extended or carried forward to another date.
  • The crew reserves the sole right to plan the flight schedule for each charter group, especially under adverse weather or force majeure conditions.
• Additional Ferry Flights:
  • No extra ferry flights will be provided by the operator. Should passengers require an emergency ferry flight on personal request, the cost will be charged at INR 110,000/hr plus GST.
• Extension for Crew Layover:
  • In cases where an extension leads to a crew layover, the hiring party must arrange for boarding, lodging, and local transport at a 5-star level, or Amarnathjiyatra.com will provide arrangements at an extra charge.

7. Passenger Conduct & Safety

• Behavioral Standards:
  • The helicopter operator reserves the right to cancel the boarding of any unruly, abusive, intoxicated, or otherwise unsafe passenger without any refund.
• Medical Advice:
  • The operator is not liable for any medical emergencies that occur on the ground. Passengers are advised to consult a doctor and undergo a medical check-up prior to the yatra, especially if they have existing health conditions.
• High-Altitude Preparedness:
  • Passengers should be aware of the risk of high-altitude sickness. It is advisable to hire a Palki/Pony during the darshan to avoid excessive exertion and to carry essential items such as jackets, a torch, an umbrella, a raincoat, and a charged mobile phone.

8. Prohibited Items & Legal Provisions

• Prohibited Items:
  • The carriage of dangerous goods (e.g., compressed gases, corrosives, explosives, flammable liquids, radioactive materials, infectious substances) and items such as briefcases with installed alarm devices is strictly prohibited.
• Aerial Photography:
  • Aerial photography from the helicopter is illegal and strictly prohibited. Photography at helipads is also not allowed.
• Infant Policy:
  • Infants below 2 years of age or weighing under 12 kg travel free of charge. Age verification via ID proof or birth certificate is required.
• Legal & Jurisdictional Matters:
  • The carriage of passengers is subject to the conditions of the Carriage by Air Act, 1972. Liability for any damage, injury, or loss during carriage will be governed by the applicable legal provisions.
  • Any disputes arising from the interpretation or performance of these terms will be governed by the laws of the Noida jurisdiction.

9. Helicopter Capacity & Limitations

• Seating Capacity:
  • The maximum seating capacity of the helicopter is 6 passengers plus 1 crew member.
• Load Restrictions:
  • Boarding will be permitted only if the total weight (including passengers and baggage) is within the aircraft’s permissible limit.

10. Miscellaneous

• No Refund for Post-Boarding Cancellations:
  • No refund will be provided if a passenger cancels the charter and requests a return to base after the commencement of flying. Acceptance of these terms is a prerequisite for booking.

Important Reminders

• Helicopter tickets are provided for both up and down journeys.
• A medical certificate is required for all pilgrims.
• Pilgrims must carry their Aadhaar card for Indian/ Passport for Foreigners.
• Pilgrims must be in good physical condition to undertake the journey.

Additional Tips

• Book your Package in advance, especially if you are traveling during peak season 1 Jul- 20 Jul.
• Pack light, comfortable clothing and shoes.
• Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Carry snacks and drinks with you for the journey.
• Be aware of your surroundings and take precautions against theft.

May your Amarnath Yatra be a safe and fulfilling experience!