In an initiative to take tourism to the next level in the state, Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) and the tourism department jointly kickstarted the “Himalaya Darshan” initiative, under which up to five persons can take a 10-to-12 minute chopper ride and enjoy views of snow-covered peaks of the Garhwal Himalayas at Rs 3,000 per person.

Over 45 persons availed of the service on day one on Monday, with the choppers taking off from Auli and flying over picturesque locations near Joshimath.

Officials of Heritage Aviation, the firm operating the service, said they are also in talks with the state government to start the chopper rides in Haridwar for the Kumbh Mela on the lines of Prayagraj Kumbh, where they had operated similar services.

Talking to TOI, Sulabh Khaira, vice-president of business development at Heritage Aviation, said the firm is already in talks with the government to launch the Kumbh plan.

Ashish Chauhan, CEO, UCADA, said that chopper rides in Auli are being provided at the lowest possible fare. “The government is charging the aviation agency for only parking and flying,” he said.

Khaira said as the initiative is still in its initial stages. “As this is a pilot project, we are taking direct bookings at our counter in Auli,” said Khaira. Heritage Aviation offers similar chopper rides in Gujarat at the Statue of Unity and Govardhan Parvat in Mathura.

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