Uttarakhand will introduce helicopters to Adi Kailash, Nabhidang and Jalikang in Pithoragarh district in a massive move to improve connectivity to the remote parts of the Himalayas and to boost religious tourism. The project will greatly save the time taken by pilgrims and tourists to these spiritual sites located at high altitudes along the India-China border.
Adi Kailash or Chhota Kailash is believed to be a divine residence of Lord Shiva and has an unparalleled religious significance to Hindu worshippers. Every year hundreds of pilgrims make a dangerous journey through wild mountainous territories to request blessings at the sacred site. Important destinations in this pilgrimage circuit are Nabhidang and Jalikang, which are picturesque places of spiritual importance in the Vyas Valley, and which have a clear view of the sacred Om Parvat.
So far, it took days of hard struggle through the highways and long road trips with tedious walking to such places, which usually took several days depending on the weather and the condition of the road. The journey has been physically challenging, especially for the aged pilgrims due to landslides, unpredictable weather and poor infrastructure.
Devotees will have easy access to these holy places with the introduction of heli services. The helicopter services will probably be operated out of the nearby hubs like Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh, by which the pilgrims shall be directly linked to the designated helipads near the pilgrimage sites. This step will reduce the travelling time significantly and allow visiting within the same day or in a short period of time.
The heli service is seen by the state government as an extension of the bigger plan to advance the religious and adventure tourism, coupled with safer travels in the mountainous terrain. Better air connectivity should also create more jobs for the local communities and give the hospitality industry in the region a boost.
The authorities have highlighted the fact that safety measures and weather surveillance services will be well observed to facilitate the normal operations in the high altitude region. The service will probably be held when the weather is favourable and during the high pilgrimage season.
The introduction of the heli connectivity to Adi Kailash, Nabhidang and Jalikang is an indicator that the tourism infrastructure in Uttarakhand has taken a major leap. Spirituality, along with better accessibility, will help the state to make the Adi Kailash circuit a leading pilgrimage spot like the Char Dham route. In addition, the state will conserve the natural and cultural heritage of the Himalayan region.
