• Offices: Dehradun, Uttarakhand | Dwarka Sector-1, New Delhi
  • Gauchar Airport Or Gauchar Airstrip

    Gauchar Airport in Uttarakhand offers essential air services to Kedarnath, Badrinath, & nearby destinations, aiding pilgrims & tourists to access remote regions



Gauchar Airport (Gauchar Airstrip) - Gauchar Airport, often referred to as Gauchar Airstrip, is a small but significant airport located in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It serves as an important gateway to the hilly regions surrounding the famous pilgrimage sites of Kedarnath and Badrinath. Due to the tough mountainous terrain and challenging accessibility in the area, air travel to Gauchar is considered a safer and faster mode of transportation for those looking to visit these sacred destinations.

Gauchar Airport is located in the town of Gauchar, situated in the Chamoli district of Uttarakhand, India. The town of Gauchar lies along the Alaknanda River, which is famous for its scenic beauty and religious significance. The airport serves as a vital transport hub connecting this remote region to major cities like Dehradun, Delhi, and Haridwar.

The airstrip was primarily established to cater to the growing demand for air travel to the Kedarnath and Badrinath temples. These pilgrimage sites are situated in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and are among the most visited religious spots in India. Gauchar is strategically located about 15 km from the famous Kedarnath shrine, making it a critical point of access for travellers seeking to visit the holy sites.

While it is a smaller airstrip compared to major commercial airports, Gauchar has an essential role in providing easy access to the region, especially during the summer months when the demand for travel peaks due to the pilgrimage season. It is an essential hub for helicopter services and smaller aircraft, particularly for those visiting the Char Dham (the four sacred shrines of Uttarakhand).

Flight Operations at Gauchar Airport

Gauchar Airport primarily serves as an airstrip for smaller aircraft and helicopters. There are no large-scale commercial passenger services operating from this airport due to the challenging geography and limited infrastructure. The airstrip is small, and only a few types of aircraft and helicopters can operate from this facility.

The most common flight services available at Gauchar Airport are helicopter services to Kedarnath, Badrinath, and other surrounding areas. These services are crucial during the Char Dham Yatra season, which attracts a large number of pilgrims. Helicopter companies operate from Gauchar to various points close to the Char Dham temples, offering quick access to these sacred shrines, especially for those who are unable to complete the arduous treks through the mountainous terrain.

One of the key features of the flight operations at Gauchar is its ability to support smaller aircraft like the Cessna 208 or Pilatus PC-12, which can land on short airstrips. These planes are used for airlifts to the higher regions, often taking tourists and pilgrims to remote areas. The airport has a relatively shorter runway and can accommodate these aircraft, although the number of daily flights is limited due to weather conditions and the small size of the airstrip.

The weather around Gauchar is often unpredictable, with dense fog, rain, and heavy snow in the winter months, which can impact flight schedules. Air traffic control is managed carefully to ensure safe landings and take-offs, and flight operations are largely dependent on the weather conditions.

Helicopter operators in the region work in close coordination with the government and local authorities to maintain high safety standards. Many passengers opt for helicopter services to avoid the physically demanding trek to Kedarnath, which can take hours or days depending on the route chosen.

Nearby Destinations

Gauchar is conveniently located for visitors traveling to several popular destinations in Uttarakhand. Its proximity to Kedarnath, Badrinath, and other scenic locations makes it a significant starting point for exploring this religious and adventure tourism hub.

1. Kedarnath

Kedarnath is one of the holiest temples in Hinduism, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and attracts millions of pilgrims every year. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,580 meters (11,750 feet) above sea level and can be reached by foot from Gaurikund, a town located about 16 kilometers from Kedarnath.

From Gauchar, visitors can easily access Kedarnath via helicopter services, which save time and provide a thrilling aerial view of the Himalayas. The town is also a hub for trekkers who come to enjoy the scenic beauty of the region, including snow-capped peaks, waterfalls, and lush green valleys.

2. Badrinath

Badrinath, located around 45 kilometers from Gauchar, is another key pilgrimage site, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. It is part of the Char Dham Yatra circuit, which includes Yamunotri, Gangotri, and Kedarnath. The Badrinath temple stands at an altitude of 3,133 meters (10,279 feet) and is a major attraction for both religious pilgrims and tourists.

The road to Badrinath is also rugged and mountainous, making the air services from Gauchar to Badrinath a convenient way for travelers to reach the temple. Visitors can also explore nearby attractions such as the Tapt Kund, a hot spring believed to have healing properties, and the Narad Kund, associated with several mythological tales.

3. Valley of Flowers National Park

The Valley of Flowers, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is another popular destination near Gauchar. Located in the Chamoli district, the park is known for its rich diversity of alpine flora, attracting botany enthusiasts and nature lovers. The valley is best visited during the monsoon season, when the flowers are in full bloom, typically from July to September.

Though it is a trekking destination, visitors can access nearby areas by helicopter or by taking a road trip from Gauchar to the town of Govindghat, where the trek to the Valley of Flowers begins. This site offers an escape into the pristine wilderness of the Garhwal region.

4. Auli

Auli is a famous ski resort located about 60 kilometers from Gauchar. It is known for its snow-capped peaks and scenic landscapes, offering skiing and adventure sports opportunities during the winter months. The town is also a gateway for trekkers, with several routes leading to Nanda Devi and the surrounding hills. Auli can be accessed via road from Gauchar, and it serves as a great destination for those seeking adventure, nature, and a break from the hectic pilgrimage circuit.

In conclusion, Gauchar Airport (Gauchar Airstrip) plays a vital role in facilitating travel to some of the most revered religious and natural sites in Uttarakhand, particularly for those visiting the Char Dham temples of Kedarnath and Badrinath. Although a smaller airstrip with limited operations, its strategic location and essential helicopter services make it a crucial point of access to this rugged mountainous region. Travelers to the area benefit from the convenience of air travel, especially when faced with the challenges posed by the difficult terrain and weather conditions.

With nearby destinations such as the Valley of Flowers, Auli, and other trekking routes, Gauchar remains a key transit point for tourists seeking both religious experiences and adventure. As air services continue to grow in importance for this region, Gauchar Airport is likely to remain a critical element in the tourism infrastructure of Uttarakhand for years to come.

1. Dehradun Airport - Jolly Grant Airport 2. Gauchar Airport Or Gauchar Airstrip 3. Maa Ganga Airport 4. Naini Saini Airport 5. Pantnagar Airport