Embarking on the spiritual Amarnath Yatra by helicopter offers a breathtaking yet structured pilgrimage. While a direct helicopter service from Jammu to the Holy Cave isn't available, the journey is seamlessly managed through a combination of road travel and aerial transfers.
Your expedition typically begins with a scenic road trip from Jammu to one of the helicopter base camps in Kashmir. The most common routes are to Neelgrath (near Baltal) or Pahalgam. The Jammu to Neelgrath drive takes approximately 8-10 hours, while Jammu to Pahalgam is about 7-8 hours. Many pilgrims opt for all-inclusive packages that cover this road transfer, accommodation, and helicopter tickets.
From Neelgrath or Pahalgam, you'll board a pre-booked helicopter to Panjtarni, a helipad situated close to the Amarnath Cave. Helicopter tickets are mandatory and serve as your Yatra Permit, so secure them well in advance via the Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) website or authorised operators.
Upon reaching Panjtarni, a final 6 km trek awaits to the revered Holy Cave. Ponies or palkis are available for hire to assist with this last leg of the journey. This multi-modal approach ensures a comfortable and expedited pilgrimage to the abode of Baba Barfani.