Now tourists can hover over snow-capped mountains of Ladakh on choppers

Now tourists can hover over snow-capped mountains of Ladakh on choppers
Representative image: Shutterstock/Murgermari

Undoubtedly, Ladakh is a dream land that is close to every traveller’s heart. Adventure enthusiasts, bike riders and backpackers are equally passionate about a visit to Ladakh and no other place in India can claim that enviable tag. Now there is one more reason to love this fascinating Himalayan territory. With the opening of the helicopter services for tourists and visitors, you can now fly over the majestic snow-capped mountains of the region, and the first batch of tourists got a bird’s eye view of this magical world on June 28.

The heli-services, which will cover Leh, Padum, Kargil, Lingshed, Neyrak, Srinagar, Jammu, Drass and Zanskar, are operated by the Civil Aviation Department in Ladakh. The ticket availability will be based on number of passengers, weather condition and operational curbs. The chopper services can be availed by local residents and tourists. Two helicopters – a five-seater B-3 and a larger Mi-172 – will be ferrying the passengers. The tickets can be reserved by visiting the website heliservice.ladakh.gov.in.

A special booking platform is available on the portal for passengers other than the residents of Ladakh.

How to book tickets

• Visit the website heliservice.ladakh.gov.in.

• Check ticket availability by feeding information such as date of journey, number of passengers and destination.

• Click on the ‘continue booking’ option.

• Provide contact details and other relevant information.

• Make payment for helicopter service.

• Print receipt.

The passengers have to follow the instructions given by the officials. The official website states that the visitors should not travel to high-altitude places such as Khardongla, Changla, Pangong Lake, Tsomoriri and Penzela before 48 hours from touching down at Leh.

It is mandatory for all passengers to carry a valid photo ID proof. It is noteworthy that food and accommodation will not be provided to passengers if the heli-service is cancelled for any reason. It is also worth noting that the ticket amount will be fully refunded if the service is cancelled or an alternate journey date, subject to weather conditions and availability of chopper, will be provided to the passengers.

The month of July is the best time to visit Ladakh. Besides tourists from the across the globe, nature lovers, adventure enthusiasts, and couples on honeymoon head to this rugged mountainous region in July. Though Ladakh is covered in snow throughout the year, the climate is pretty encouraging in the month of July.   

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