The Hemkund Sahib Helipad is a designated area near the Sikh place of worship known as Gurudwara Hemkunt Sahib in Uttarakhand, India, where helicopters land and take off. It is used by pilgrims who opt for a helicopter service to access the gurudwara, which is situated at an altitude of approximately 4,600 meters above sea level.
Hemkund Sahib is located in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. It is set amidst the Himalayan mountains and is accessible by trek or helicopter services.
Hemkund Sahib, also known as Gurudwara Shri Hemkunt Sahib, is a highly revered Sikh pilgrimage site. It is said to be the meditation place of the tenth Sikh Guru, Guru Gobind Singh Ji. Pilgrims from around the world embark on a pilgrimage to this holy site to pay their respects and seek spiritual solace.
Tourists use the Hemkund Sahib Helipad primarily to avail helicopter services that ferry them from lower regions like Govindghat up to the vicinity of the Gurudwara. This service is especially helpful for those who are unable to undertake the arduous trek owing to health issues, time constraints, or personal preferences.
The best time to visit Hemkund Sahib is from June to September. The region is inaccessible during the winter months due to heavy snowfall. The weather during these months is relatively pleasant and the passage for trekking and helicopter services is open.
While there is no specific permission required to use the helipad, tourists need to book their helicopter ride through authorized service providers who manage the scheduling and required clearances for flying. It is advisable to check with the helicopter service operator for any specific guidelines or requirements.
Yes, all tourists can generally opt for the helicopter service, subject to availability, health conditions, and weather permits. Elderly, infirm pilgrims, and those short on time prefer this mode of transport although it is open to all looking for a faster and less strenuous route to the shrine.
Tourists should be aware of the high altitude of Hemkund Sahib and the associated risk of acute mountain sickness (AMS). Those flying directly to the site via helicopter should take precautionary measures, such as staying hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity immediately upon arrival. It is recommended to stay overnight at a lower altitude before ascending to Hemkund Sahib and seek medical advice if experiencing symptoms of AMS.
At Hemkund Sahib, the Gurudwara provides langar (community kitchen) facilities that offer free meals to all pilgrims. Basic accommodation in the form of dormitories or shared rooms is available at the Hemkund Sahib Gurudwara complex on a first-come, first-served basis. Private hotels and guesthouses are also available at Ghangaria, the base camp for Hemkund Sahib.
When opting for the helicopter service, pilgrims should carry essential items such as warm clothing, personal medication, ID proof, booking confirmation vouchers, and some dry snacks. Since luggage weight on helicopters is limited, it is recommended to travel light. Additionally, it's important to carry cash as ATMs may not be readily available or functional in these remote locations.
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