Passengers and tourists can now travel by air between the border district of Pithoragarh and the cultural city of Almora, with a new helicopter service launched for the first time between the two districts. The flight, which takes only 20 minutes, offers a quick and convenient way to travel between Pithoragarh and Almora.

The helicopter service began on December 10, 2024, operating between Naini Saini Airport in Pithoragarh and Tatik Helipad in Almora. The 20-minute flight is priced at INR 2,625 per person.

This tent-based homestay initiative in Pithoragarh aligns with the Vibrant Villages Program, aimed at rejuvenating rural communities. It seeks to attract tourists and provide new economic opportunities, encouraging residents to return to these border areas. The project promotes sustainable tourism, blending environmental care with cultural immersion, to boost local economies in remote regions.

The Uttarakhand tourist department is organizing a six-day expedition for adventure bloggers to highlight tourism opportunities in three valleys of Dharchula tehsil in Pithoragarh, starting from Oct 16. Bloggers will travel through the hallowed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route, across destinations including Askot, Jauljibi, Askot Musk Deer Sanctuary, Narayan Ashram, Om Parvat, Adi Kailash, and others.

The schedule of flights between Dehradun & Pithoragarh changes from today. Daily commercial flights from Pithoragarh started from 30 Jan 2024 with 18 seater plane operated by Flybig, flying from Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun to land at Naini Saini Aiport in Pithoragarh.

Direct flight cost between Dehradun and Pithoragarh : Approx. INR 4198/- to 6300/- (one sided) For Adults. Flight is operational only on Monday, Tuesday and Friday.

Adi Kailash is located in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand, which is considered very sensitive from the disaster point of view during monsoons. In view of which the District Administration Pithoragarh has stopped the Adi Kailash Yatra till further orders. To reach here, the Tawaghat Lipulekh road has been built, which directly connects the China border, but there are many danger zones on this road, which can prove to be fatal many times during the rainy season.

Pithoragarh District Magistrate Reena Joshi said that incidents of landslides are seen a lot on the Tawaghat Lipulekh road during the rainy season. Keeping in view the safety of the travelers, the Adi Kailash Yatra has been stopped for the time being, she said that this journey will be started again soon.

Under the UDAAN Scheme, Uttarakhand Government has started Helicopter Services from Haldwani to Pithoragarh, Munsiyari & Champawat from 22 Feb 2024. Heli Services from Haldwani will be available from Gaulapar Helipad to Pithoragarh, Munsiyari & Champawat.

A seven seater helicopter will operated by Air Heritage fly 2 times a day from Haldwani to each destination. The ticket price for helicopter service from Haldwani will be INR 2500 per person for Champawat, INR 3000 for Pithoragarh and INR 3500 for Munsiyari. 

Helicopter Services between Haldwani and Pithoragarh, Munsiyari & Champawat