New dimension of faith! Air travel to Adi Kailash and Om Parvat begins. Loktej Business, Regional News

In a unique initiative aimed at promoting religious tourism, Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) has launched India’s first helicopter tour in collaboration with Noida-based Trip to Temples on Monday, April 1, 2024. This air journey has been started to the holy Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. On a historic Monday, the first inaugural flight gave a divine and picturesque aerial view of the sacred Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. This unique initiative aims to ease and increase accessibility to these holy sites by eliminating the problems faced due to seasonal constraints and challenging rugged terrain, thereby encouraging devotees to undertake this spiritual journey in large numbers. UTDB has authorized Trip to Temples to accept travel registrations and manage non-heli part operations

Traditionally, pilgrims who wished to have a divine darshan of Lord Shiva and Parvati at Adi Kailash or to see the wonderful scenic view of Om Parvat had to face difficult conditions during the journey. They could reach these holy places only after walking for several days. In 2021, travel was converted to a combination of car travel and walking after construction of some roads, still limited to certain months. However, with the introduction of helicopter travel, a new transformative unique chapter has begun.

On April 1, 18 pilgrims enjoyed this historic helicopter tour, which has opened a new door to visit these holy sites. Byasdev Rana, one of the pilgrims, said, “I am extremely happy to see a lifelong dream coming true through this inaugural journey. This collaborative initiative of Trip to Temples and the Government of Uttarakhand has made it possible not only for me, but also for many others struggling with time and physical limitations to visit these holy sites.” He further said that this is a very rare opportunity for senior citizens.

While Adi Kailash, located in the middle of the proverbial Vyas Valley of Uttarakhand, is an abode of spiritual enlightenment, Om Parvat, which looks similar to the Om symbol, is located on the borders of India, Nepal and Tibet. Earlier, the nearest point to visit Om Parvat used to be Nabhidhang, which was possible to reach only through arduous trekking. However, the joint efforts of Trip to Temples and Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board (UTDB) have brought a revolution in the pilgrimage scenario. Now devotees can have aerial darshan of both the sites in one day and return on the same day.

From April 15, another exciting aerial facility is going to be launched. The five-day helicopter journey departing from Pithoragarh will not only ease the journey of the pilgrims but will also provide a unique experience. The helicopters will land directly near the holy sites, eliminating the need for pilgrims to undertake long treks.

Vikas Mishra, CEO of Trip to Temples enthusiastically expressed the profound importance of this innovative endeavour, “Our mission is much more than just making access easier; It is meant to foster a spiritual connection beyond physical boundaries. By curating this unique pilgrimage experience, we are not only providing a seamless journey to the holy sites but also weaving threads of spiritual prosperity into the lives of the devotees. This initiative is a testament to our unwavering commitment to honoring our heritage, empowering communities and delivering transformative experiences that touch the soul. “Through our collective efforts, we wish to redefine the landscape of pilgrimage, ensuring that every seeker, regardless of their physical limitations, can embark on an exquisite journey of self-discovery and divine connection.”

The upcoming winter session yatra is set to be a pioneering initiative that will offer panoramic views of the snow covered Vyas Valley, Adi Kailash and Om Parvat. The arduous trek from Jyolingkong and Nabhidhang will be replaced by helicopter flights and All Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), guaranteeing a comfortable journey even through snowy terrain in winter.