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Uttarakhand, often referred to as the “Land of Gods,” is renowned for its majestic Himalayan peaks, serene rivers, and sacred pilgrimage sites. To enhance connectivity to this picturesque yet challenging terrain, the state boasts several airports in Uttarakhand and helipads that serve as crucial gateways. From bustling aviation hubs like Jolly Grant Airport to smaller regional airstrips such as Pantnagar and Gauchar, these facilities enable seamless travel for tourists, pilgrims, and locals alike.
6 Airports In Uttarakhand
Discover the six airports in Uttarakhand, serving as gateways to the region’s stunning landscapes and spiritual destinations.
1. Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
Photo: Anonymous8010 / Wikimedia Commons
Jolly Grant Airport (IATA: DED), located approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Dehradun, is the largest and most significant airport in Uttarakhand. It is well-connected to major Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bangalore through regular domestic flights. This airport is a gateway to popular destinations like Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Mussoorie, making it a vital hub for tourists and pilgrims. Equipped with modern facilities, the airport ensures a comfortable travel experience. It operates daily, with flights scheduled from early morning to late evening.
Location: Dehradun, 25 km southeast of the city center
2. Pantnagar Airport
Photo: Ekabhishek / Wikimedia Commons
Pantnagar Airport (IATA: PGH) is a prominent entry point to the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand. Located around 2 kilometers from Pantnagar town and 65 kilometers from Nainital, this airport is vital for accessing hill stations like Ranikhet and Almora, as well as Jim Corbett National Park. It mainly operates flights to and from Delhi, serving tourists and business travelers alike. The airport operates during daylight hours, with flight schedules varying seasonally. Its location makes it an essential gateway for exploring the pristine natural beauty of the Kumaon region. The best time to visit this area is from March to June and September to December, providing excellent conditions for sightseeing.
Location: Pantnagar town, 65 km from Nainital
3. Naini Saini Airport, Pithoragarh
Photo: ManojBora1988 / Wikimedia Commons
Naini Saini Airport, located about 5 kilometers from Pithoragarh town, is a lifeline for this remote Himalayan region. This airport facilitates limited flights under the regional connectivity scheme, enhancing access for locals and tourists. While primarily functional for government and emergency services, it occasionally operates small-scale commercial flights. The airport’s operations depend on demand and weather conditions, particularly in winter. Pithoragarh, surrounded by scenic vistas, is best visited between October and June, avoiding the heavy monsoon rains.
Location: Near Pithoragarh town, 5 km away
4. Gauchar Airport
Photo: Imposingsoftware / Wikimedia Commons
Gauchar Airport, situated in the Chamoli district, is a vital heliport during the Char Dham Yatra season. Located 92 kilometers from Kedarnath, this airport supports helicopter services for pilgrims and travelers visiting the high-altitude shrines. While it lacks regular commercial flights, its seasonal helicopter operations are invaluable for religious tourism. Services typically run from April to June and September to October, avoiding the monsoon season. The airport is also used for emergency operations and local events.
Location: Chamoli district, 92 km from Kedarnath
5. Chinyalisaur Airport
Photo: isnewsroom / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Chinyalisaur Airport, situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, is a small but strategically significant airstrip. Located approximately 100 kilometers from Dehradun, this airstrip is primarily used for emergency services, government operations, and occasional regional connectivity flights. It plays an essential role during disaster relief efforts and supports critical connectivity for the remote regions of Uttarkashi. The airstrip is surrounded by picturesque landscapes, offering potential for future development in tourism and transport infrastructure.
Location: Uttarkashi district, approximately 100 km from Dehradun
6. Chaukhutia Airport
Photo: isnewsroom / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Chaukhutia Airport, located near Chaukhutia town in the Almora district, is a small airstrip primarily used for emergency and government-related operations. The airport doesn’t cater to regular passenger flights but plays a pivotal role in enhancing connectivity for this remote region. Surrounded by serene landscapes, Chaukutia is an emerging destination for eco-tourism and local exploration. The best time to visit this area is from March to June and September to November, when the weather is most favorable.
Location: Near Chaukhutia town, Almora district
6 Helipads In Uttarakhand
Explore the six helipads in Uttarakhand, providing convenient access to the region’s majestic mountains and revered pilgrimage sites for travelers.
1. Jolly Grant Helipad
Photo: KarelZe / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Adjacent to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, the Jolly Grant Helipad serves as a vital hub for helicopter services to various destinations, including the sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites. It offers convenience for pilgrims and tourists seeking faster and more direct access to the remote regions of Uttarakhand. Operational primarily during the Char Dham Yatra season from April to June and September to October, the helipad is equipped to handle passenger flow efficiently. Entry is limited to passengers with valid tickets, and flight schedules depend on the service providers.
Location: Adjacent to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
2. Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun
Photo: NathanKoop / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Located approximately 14 kilometers from Dehradun city center, Sahastradhara Helipad is a crucial point for helicopter services to destinations like Kedarnath, Badrinath, and other Char Dham sites. Nestled in a scenic area, the helipad provides a quick and convenient travel option for pilgrims and adventure seekers. Operations are primarily seasonal, with flights concentrated during the pilgrimage period from April to June and September to October. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills during their transit. Service charges depend on the helicopter provider, and the timings usually range from early morning to late afternoon.
Location: Sahastradhara, approximately 14 km from Dehradun
3. Phata Helipad
Photo: Camera-man / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Situated in the Rudraprayag district, Phata Helipad is a vital transit point for pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath. Located about 32 kilometers from the Kedarnath shrine, it provides quick and safe transportation for those seeking to avoid long treks. The helipad operates extensively during the Char Dham Yatra season, typically from April to June and September to October. Helicopter services are frequent, ensuring convenience for visitors. Pilgrims can enjoy aerial views of the lush landscapes and rugged mountains en route. Entry is free for passengers, but helicopter ride charges apply.
Location: Rudraprayag district, 32 km from Kedarnath
4. Kedarnath Helipad
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Located just a short distance from the Kedarnath temple, Kedarnath Helipad is an essential point for pilgrims seeking a quick journey to this sacred site. It is operational during the Char Dham Yatra season, from April to June and September to October. The helipad provides direct access to the temple area, cutting down the arduous trek significantly. Entry is limited to passengers with tickets, and helicopter service charges vary by operator. The service offers a breathtaking aerial view of the surrounding Himalayan ranges.
Location: Near Kedarnath temple
5. Harsil Helipad
Photo: AJEL / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Harsil Helipad, located in the beautiful Harsil Valley in Uttarkashi district, serves as a key point for helicopter services to Gangotri, one of the Char Dham sites. The helipad is surrounded by dense forests, flowing rivers, and snow-capped mountains, offering a serene atmosphere. It operates mainly during the pilgrimage season, from April to June and September to October. The helipad provides quick access to Gangotri and the surrounding trekking routes, making it ideal for spiritual travelers and adventure enthusiasts alike. Entry is limited to ticketed passengers, with flight timings aligned to service schedules.
Location: Harsil Valley, Uttarkashi district
6. Yamunotri Helipad
Photo: artellliii72 / Pixabay / Image For Representation Only
Situated near Janki Chatti, Yamunotri Helipad offers helicopter services to the Yamunotri temple, significantly reducing travel time for pilgrims. It serves as a convenient option for visitors who wish to avoid the steep trek to the temple. The helipad operates seasonally during the Char Dham Yatra, typically from April to June and September to October. The serene surroundings and panoramic views make the helicopter journey a memorable experience. Flights run from early morning until afternoon, with no entry fee for passengers; however, helicopter service charges apply.
Location: Near Janki Chatti, Yamunotri
The airports in Uttarakhand are pivotal in bridging the gap between the state’s rugged geography and its global appeal. They not only facilitate tourism and pilgrimage but also contribute significantly to local development and emergency connectivity. Together, they ensure that Uttarakhand’s breathtaking beauty and spiritual heritage remain accessible to all, making air travel an integral part of the state’s journey toward progress and tourism excellence. Book your trip to Uttarakhand with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Aniket Mandish / Unsplash
