With the holy Amarnath pilgrimage to commence from July, the registration has already started and online bookings for helicopter tickets will commence on May 1, according to officials.
The Amarnathji Shrine Board has made arrangements with the Himalaya Heli Services Private Limited and the Global Vectra Helicorp Ltd for the Neelgrath – Panjtari sector. Another arrangement has been made with UTair India Private limited for the Pahalgam- Panjtari sector.
Online bookings are available on the websites of these helicopter companies, an official statement said. The fare for one way in the Neelgrath – Panjtari sector is Rs 1,804 (inclusive of all taxes) and the fare for Pahalgam- Panjtari sector is Rs 3,104.
The pilgrims who book their helicopter tickets do not need an advance registration for the yatra as this ticket is considered the permit for the pilgrimage. The pilgrims who want to have the helicopter service have to produce Compulsory Health Certificate.
The 46 day long pilgrimage would commence on July 1 on Masik Shivarathri day and conclude on Shravan Purnima that falls on August 15. Officials said that more than 50,000 people have already registered for the pilgrimage till now.
As per the Supreme Court Directions, only 15,000 pilgrims are allowed to take the pilgrimage a day beyond Baltal and Pahalgam.