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Pick a Route
Each location below has its own documented animal-transport situation, and its own real, verified alternative, whether operational today or under construction. Select a location for the full picture.
Tracked Routes
Each location below has its own documented animal-transport situation and verified alternatives, whether operational or under construction to improve safety and health.
KEDARNATH
Uttarakhand, India
VAISHNO DEVI
Jammu, India
HELICOPTER
Status: Operational
Sold exclusively through IRCTC’s official HeliYatra portal (heliyatra.irctc.co.in), flying from three helipads: Guptkashi, Phata, and Sersi. Round-trip fares run roughly Rs 6,400 to 12,800 depending on helipad.
Operators: Himalayan Heli Services, Trans Bharat Aviation, Chipsan Aviation, Thumby Aviation, Pilgrimage Aviation, United Helicharters, Rajas Aerosports, Arrow Aircraft, Heritage Aviation, Pawan Hans, and Aryan Aviation.
Booking: heliyatra.irctc.co.in
Fare: Rs 6,400 to 12,800 round-trip
ROPEWAY
Status: Under Construction
A Rs 4,081 crore, 12.9 km ropeway from Sonprayag to Kedarnath, approved by the Union Cabinet, using Tri-Cable Detachable Gondola (3S) technology capable of moving 1,800 passengers per hour in each direction. Expected to reduce the journey from 8 to 9 hours down to 36 minutes. Construction began in late 2025.
BATTERY-OPERATED E-RICKSHAWS
Status: Operational
Run directly by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board on the Ardhkuwari to Bhawan stretch, on a dedicated animal-free route (Himkoti Marg). Currently prioritized for pilgrims aged 60 and above and those with a medical certificate.
Booking: maavaishnodevi.org or physical counters
Fare: Rs 300 to 450 one-way
ROPEWAY TO BHAIRON TEMPLE
Status: Operational
Shrine Board-run ropeway connecting Bhawan to the nearby Bhairon Temple.
ALTERNATE PEDESTRIAN TRACK
Status: Operational
A gentler-gradient walking track, opened in the 1990s, that excludes pack animals entirely, giving pilgrims a no-cost, animal-free walking route.
HEMKUND SAHIB
Uttarakhand, India
GOVINDGHAT TO HEMKUND ROPEWAY
Status: Under Construction
A 12.4 km ropeway, approximately Rs 2,730 crore, approved under the same PPP/DBFOT model used for Kedarnath's ropeway.
HELICOPTER
Status: Operational
A Govindghat to Ghangaria shuttle exists, but it does not cover the final and steepest 6 km to Hemkund Sahib itself, which currently still requires mule, doli, or foot travel.
YAMUNOTRI
Uttarakhand, India
KHARSALI TO YAMUNOTRI ROPEWAY
Status: Under Construction
A 3.3 km, approximately Rs 1,200 crore ropeway built as a public-private partnership between SRM Engineering Solutions and FIL Industries, using European POMA SAS ropeway technology. Land transfers are complete.
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