Good news for all those who can’t afford to give more time to travel, and visit more places in less time. As per the latest PTI reports, daily helicopter services connecting Shimla with Bhunter in Kullu and Reckong Peo in Kinnaur will begin from January 14, offering travellers a faster and more scenic way to explore some of Himachal Pradesh’s most striking regions. This service has been made possible through the Center’s “UDAN” initiative launched under the “Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik” campaign, which focuses on connecting remote locations. It will be operated by Heritage Aviation. There will be a six-seated Airbus H125 helicopter flying on these routes, as revealed by officials. This new service has been wholeheartedly supported by the state government of Himachal Pradesh, as trial flights took place earlier this week.“We will operate two flights daily on the Shimla-Kullu route, and the fare per person will be INR 3,500. Initially, one flight a day will be started on the Shimla-Reckong Peo route, costing INR 4,000 per person,” said the founder and CEO of Heritage Aviation Rohit Mathur in a statement issued here.Read more: Which is the oldest river in the world which is around 400 million years old and older than dinosaursThis announcement could change the way tourists experience the state considerably. Road journeys from Shimla to Kullu or Kinnaur take upwards of eight to twelve hours with weather and traffic conditions. The helicopter services may cut the time drastically, and visitors with short schedules are now more accessible for short and high-altitude trips.
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Shimla to Kullu: Gateway to valleys and adventure The Shimla-Bhunter corridor provides a quick flyway access route to the Kullu Valley and is often called the adventure sports hub of Himachal itself. One could then take a drive down an hour’s journey to Manali for skiing in the Solang Valley or just sit in the cafés of Old Manali. Cultural enthusiasts could visit the Naggar Castle and other local temples lining the Beas River. One could then plan a three-day adventure trip of river rafting, visits to the local apple orchards, or a trekking trip to some of the surrounding villages.
Shimla to Reckong Peo: Into Kinnaur’s high mountainsPeople who are looking for less crowded and more peaceful sightseeing will surely be attracted to the Shimla-Reckong Peo train. Reckong Peo is the headquarters of Kinnaur and the base for excursions into the marvelous landscapes of the region. Various options are available here for tourists. They include exploring the monasteries, moving on to Kalpa to see the range of Kinnaur Kailash peaks, or exploring the apple-growing settlements that are nestled on the edges of deep valleys. Their travel plan can include a day in Reckong Peo, a night in Kalpa, and a side trip to the Sangla Valley.Read more: 10 most iconic wetlands from around the worldBoost for regional tourismApart from its easy accessibility, the helicopter services could be an impetus to unconventional tourism in Kinnaur, which remains inaccessible in winters. The development in accessibility is expected to help homestay, guides, and small-scale businesses, rather than act as an incentive to visit unplanned areas in and around hills stations.With the launch of these daily flights, Himachal Pradesh’s skies are set to become a new route for travellers—offering not just speed, but sweeping views of snow-lined ridges, river valleys and remote settlements that define the state’s appeal.
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