Gauchar Airport in Gauchar
Currently Indian Army is operating it. Helicopter service for Char Dham tour and other army helicopters often use this Airport. It was properly constructed in 1998-2000 and later upgraded.
History behind this flat land of Gauchar
According to historians this flat land was the property of the Panwar kings of Garhwal Kingdom after which they donated it to Badrinath shrine. As this land became the property of Badrinath temple so it was not used for agriculture and other purpuse. Finding a flat region in tough mountains is very rare so the Indian army used this flat area to make a fine airstrip.
This airport is also constructed on agriculture land too as it need a giant space for a runway and administrative buildings. Gauchar earn his name firstly in 1920s when Lady Willingdon, wife of Viceroy of India landed here by air. After which the first Prime Minister of India Jawaharlal Nehru also came here with her sister Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit in 1938 during his visit to Badrinath.
Address of Gauchar Airport
Gauchar Airport,
National Highway 58,
Gaucher, District: Chamoli,
Uttarakhand, India
Location of Gauchar Airport
Gauchar Airport is located in Gauchar ( near Badrinath road on NH-58).
Location & How to Reach Gauchar Airport
As it is situated on National Highway 58 which is main route to famous Badrinath shrine of Hindusm, Gauchar Airport is easily approchable from both Garhwal and Kumaon region. Nearest railhead is Rishikesh which is approx 235 kms from here. Currently it is not open for domestic fligths for the nearest airport you have to visit Jolly Grant in Dehradun.