Chicago (ORD) to Dehradun: Char Dham Yatra in Just 6 Days by Helicopter

Namaste! I am Mayank, the founder of Clans Stays.

If you live in Chicago, you probably think the Char Dham Yatra is too long for your busy schedule. You might worry about the 10-day road trip, the traffic, and the rough mountain roads.

I have good news for you. You do not need two weeks off work. You do not need to drive on bumpy roads.

You can now complete the Char Dham Yatra from Chicago in just 6 days using a helicopter. This guide is specially written for NRIs living in the USA who want a quick, comfortable, and spiritual trip for themselves or their parents.

Let me show you exactly how to plan this luxury journey from O’Hare International Airport (ORD) all the way to the Himalayas.

Why Choose a Helicopter Yatra?

For our clients coming from the USA to Char Dham Yatra, time and comfort are the biggest concerns. The traditional road yatra takes 10 to 12 days and can be very tiring.

Here is why the Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter is the best choice for you:

• Save Time: You finish the whole pilgrimage in just 5 to 6 days (Dehradun to Dehradun).
• VIP Darshan: You get special entry at all temples (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath). No standing in long lines.
• Zero Fatigue: No long drives. You fly comfortably and enjoy beautiful views of the snow peaks.
• Luxury Stays: We provide the best hotels at every location, so you get the comfort you are used to in the US.

Complete Travel Logistics: Round Trip (Chicago ↔ Dehradun)

1. Chicago to Delhi (Going to India)

These are the best direct flights to reach Delhi.

Airline	Flight No.	Departure (Chicago – ORD)	Arrival (Delhi – DEL)	Duration
Air India	AI 127	1:30 PM	2:50 PM (Next Day)	~14h 50m
United	UA 898	6:10 PM	8:00 PM (Next Day)	~14h 20m

2. Delhi to Chicago (Returning to USA)

These flights depart late at night, so you land in Chicago in the morning on the same calendar day.

Airline	Flight No.	Departure (Delhi – DEL)	Arrival (Chicago – ORD)	Duration
Air India	AI 126	2:40 AM	7:30 AM (Same Day)	~16h 20m
United	UA 899	1:55 AM	5:40 AM (Same Day)	~16h 15m

(Note: Flight timings can change slightly depending on the season. Please check the airline website before booking.)

Getting from Delhi to Dehradun

Once you land in Delhi, you need to reach Dehradun. The helicopter tour starts from Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad).

You have two easy choices:

1. By Air (Fastest): Take a connecting flight from Delhi to Dehradun (Jolly Grant Airport). It takes only 45 minutes.
2. By Train (Scenic & Comfortable): If you land in Delhi by evening, rest for the night and take the Vande Bharat Express the next morning. It is very clean and fast.
3. By Road: Hire a private luxury cab from Delhi Airport. With the new Delhi-Dehradun Expressway, the drive is smooth and takes just 5 to 6 hour.

The 6-Day Itinerary: Day by Day

This is how your Luxury Char Dham Yatra Packages work. This includes your arrival in Dehradun and the 5-day flying tour.

Day 1: Arrival in Dehradun (The Base)

• Arrive at Dehradun Airport or Railway Station.
• Our team from Clans Stays will pick you up.
• Transfer to a luxury hotel (like the Hyatt or similar).
• Evening: Relax and pack your small duffle bag for the helicopter (helicopters have strict weight limits, usually 5 kg per person).

Day 2: Dehradun to Yamunotri

• Morning: Fly from Sahastradhara Helipad to Kharsali.
• The Yatra: From Kharsali, you will go to Yamunotri temple. You can use a Palki (sedan chair) or Pony. It is a 6 km trek, but the Palki makes it easy.
• Stay: Return to Kharsali for a night stay in a premium hotel.

Day 3: Yamunotri to Gangotri

• Morning: Fly from Kharsali to Harsil Valley. Harsil is very beautiful and looks like Switzerland.
• The Yatra: Drive 25 km to Gangotri Dham in a luxury car (Innova/Crysta).
• Darshan: VIP Darshan at the temple.
• Stay: Night stay in Harsil. Enjoy the clean air and apple orchards.

Day 4: Gangotri to Kedarnath

• Morning: Fly from Harsil to Sersi/Guptkashi base.
• Shuttle: Change to a smaller shuttle helicopter to land at Kedarnath helipad.
• The Yatra: The helipad is just 500 meters from the temple. You will have a special VIP Darshan of Lord Shiva.
• Stay: Night stay at Sersi or Guptkashi.

Day 5: Kedarnath to Badrinath

• Morning: Fly to Badrinath.
• The Yatra: Visit the Badrinath temple. You will also see the Mana Village (the first village of India).
• Stay: Night stay at a luxury hotel in Badrinath (like Sarovar Portico).

Day 6: Badrinath to Dehradun

• Morning: Participate in the morning Maha Abhishek Aarti (optional).
• Return: Fly back to Dehradun Sahastradhara Helipad.
• Departure: We will drop you at the airport or train station for your return to Delhi.

Important Tips for NRIs

Since you are traveling from the USA, here are some practical tips to make your Char Dham Yatra With Flights smoother:

• SIM Cards: Your US number might not work well in the high mountains. Buy a local Jio or Airtel SIM card in Delhi or Dehradun.
• Cash: Carry some Indian Rupee (INR) cash. Small shops in the mountains do not accept Apple Pay or Credit Cards.
• Altitude Sickness: Drink plenty of water. The helicopter goes up quickly, so staying hydrated helps your body adjust.
• Clothing: Even in summer (May/June), the nights at Kedarnath and Badrinath can be very cold. Bring a good warm jacket.

Conclusion

The Char Dham Yatra from Chicago is not just a dream anymore. With our helicopter packages, it is a comfortable reality. You can fulfill your parents’ wish or connect with your roots without stressing about time.

At Clans Stays, we handle everything—from your pickup in Dehradun to your VIP Darshan tickets.

Ready to book your journey?

Contact me (Mayank) today. I will personally help you plan the best itinerary for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the best time for Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter?

The best time is May to June and September to October. Avoid July and August because of heavy rains in Uttarakhand.

2. How much luggage can I carry on the helicopter?

You can only carry 5 kg per person in a soft duffle bag. You can leave your big suitcases at the Dehradun hotel cloakroom.

3. Is the helicopter safe for elderly people?

Yes, it is very safe and highly recommended for seniors. It avoids the physical stress of walking and driving on mountain roads.

4. Do I need a visa for this trip?

Yes, if you hold a US passport, you need an Indian Tourist Visa or OCI card. Please apply for it well in advance.

5. How far in advance should I book?

Helicopter tickets get sold out very fast. You should book at least 3 to 4 months in advance to get your preferred dates.

6. Is food included in the package?

Yes, our luxury packages include all meals (Vegetarian) at the hotels.

7. Can I do this trip in less than 5 days?

We also have a “Do Dham” package (Kedarnath & Badrinath) which can be done in just same day or 2 days if you are very short on time.