Our Team
The People Behind Your Char Dham Yatra
Helicopter Yatras are made by people, not aircraft. Behind every Saffron Chariot booking is a small, intentional team of tourism veterans, certified travel professionals, and Uttarakhand specialists - each personally accountable for the trips we run.
Founder of Uttaranchal Holidays and a veteran of the Indian tourism industry. Two decades of B2B travel excellence and an encyclopedic knowledge of Uttarakhand built from firsthand exploration.
The Journey of an Avid Explorer
Shri Rajkumar's relationship with the Indian landscape began long before his professional venture. An avid traveller since 1990, he has traversed the length and breadth of the country, developing an encyclopedic knowledge of its diverse terrains.
This wanderlust eventually narrowed its focus toward the mystical "Land of the Gods", Uttarakhand (formerly Uttaranchal). In 2004, he channelled this expertise into the founding of Uttaranchal Holidays, a company built on the foundation of firsthand experience and authentic discovery.
Professional Milestones & Academic Background
Shri Rajkumar's leadership is backed by a blend of academic rigor and diverse administrative experience.
- Academic Excellence: M.B.A. in Marketing (1997-1999) from the prestigious Gurukula Kangri Vishwavidyalaya, providing him with the strategic mindset to build a renowned brand.
- Administrative Leadership: Served as a District Extension Officer for the Uttaranchal Poultry Development Project (2002-2006), demonstrating his ability to manage large-scale regional initiatives.
- Industry Renown: Within the travel fraternity he is celebrated as a highly respected B2B seller, known for his integrity, reliability, and deep-rooted industry connections.
The "Personal Touch" Philosophy
What sets Shri Rajkumar apart is his meticulous approach to quality control. Unlike traditional operators, he has personally visited almost every property and destination where Uttaranchal Holidays accommodates its clients.
His hobby isn't just travelling; it's understanding the soul of a place. This ensures that every client doesn't just visit a destination, they experience it through the eyes of a local expert.
By merging his marketing acumen with his extensive field knowledge, he has positioned Uttaranchal Holidays as a trusted partner for travel agents across the country - a clear-visioned leader who believes that successful travel management is rooted in the perfect harmony of professional logistics and personal passion.
PhD in Tourism with a decade of academic teaching, Scopus-indexed research on sustainable homestays, and active membership in the Travel Agents Association of Uttarakhand and ATOAI.
Academic Foundations
Dr. Pankaj Singh Chandel holds a PhD in Tourism from Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya. Over a decade teaching tourism at Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya (2014-2025) and AAFT University of Media and Arts (2025-present), where he heads Hospitality & Tourism Management, he has authored Scopus-indexed publications on homestays and sustainability and earned recognition as a keynote speaker.
Entrepreneurial Shift
Specialising in homestay tourism and rural entrepreneurship, Dr. Chandel bridges research with industry through memberships in the Travel Agents Association of Uttarakhand and ATOAI, fostering sustainable travel models. His work empowers local communities via nature-based wellness and agro-tourism ventures - a perspective that shapes how Saffron Chariot designs ground experiences around its helicopter Yatras.
Tourism and travel professional with over a decade of industry experience in operations, reservations, and IATA-certified ticketing across global distribution systems.
Experience & Expertise
Swati Kumari is a highly accomplished tourism and travel professional with over 10 years of industry experience in travel operations, reservations, and ticketing. She holds a strong academic foundation with a B.A. and M.B.A. in Tourism and Travel Management, and has built her career on practical expertise, professionalism, and customer-focused service.
Her profile is further strengthened by industry-recognised certifications in IATA GDS and ticketing, reflecting her technical competence in global distribution systems and airline reservation processes.
Certifications & Training
She has successfully completed professional training in Computerised Reservation System and Ticketing with distinction, along with IATA Global Distribution Systems Fares and Ticketing - Amadeus, demonstrating both theoretical knowledge and applied skill in airline booking, fare construction, and travel documentation.
These certifications highlight her ability to work with modern travel technology and deliver accurate, efficient, and reliable services to every pilgrim Saffron Chariot serves.
Dehradun-based travel and tourism professional with eight years at Uttaranchal Holidays specialising in customised itineraries, vendor coordination, and end-to-end pilgrim support.
Role at Saffron Chariot
Rashmita Sharma is an accomplished travel and tourism professional based in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, with over eight years of experience in the industry. Currently associated with Uttaranchal Holidays, she specialises in designing customised travel itineraries, managing tours, and fostering strong partnerships across the hospitality network.
With a background in commerce and a sharp understanding of business operations, Rashmita expertly bridges travel planning and client satisfaction. Her work encompasses itinerary development, vendor and client relations, accounting coordination, and customer support, ensuring a seamless travel experience from start to finish.
A Pilgrim Advocate at Heart
Passionate about promoting her home region's natural and cultural beauty, Rashmita takes pride in curating travel experiences that connect visitors deeply with Uttarakhand's landscapes, heritage, and spirituality. Known for her interpersonal warmth, leadership skills, and professional integrity, she continues to inspire travellers to explore both familiar and offbeat destinations with confidence.
Tour Reservation Specialist based in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Native to the region, with a deep-rooted connection to its culture, heritage, and "Devbhoomi" (Land of the Gods) spirit.
Crafting Seamless Reservations
Ankit Saini is a dedicated travel professional based in the spiritual heart of India, Haridwar. As Tour Reservation Specialist at Saffron Chariot, he focuses on crafting seamless and memorable travel experiences for visitors exploring the diverse landscapes of Uttarakhand and beyond - from helicopter Char Dham itineraries to Do Dham, Ek Dham, and ground extensions across the Garhwal and Kumaon hills.
A Devbhoomi Native
Being a native of Haridwar, Ankit has a deep-rooted connection to the region's culture, heritage, and "Devbhoomi" (Land of the Gods) spirit. That local lens shapes every reservation he confirms - from the small details of which hotel sits closest to the Ganga Aarti at Har Ki Pauri to which helipad transfer fits a senior pilgrim's pace.
Operations Manager and trek leader from Uttarakhand. Handles day-to-day pilgrim operations with focus, efficiency, and the calm grounding of someone who grew up in the Garhwal hills.
Operations and Ground Leadership
Ritika Tomar is a young, dynamic trek leader from Uttarakhand who has stepped into the Operations Manager role at Saffron Chariot. She handles operational responsibilities with focus, efficiency, and dedication, ensuring every booked Yatra runs smoothly from arrival to departure. From vendor coordination and ground transport sequencing to last-minute itinerary adjustments when weather shifts in the higher reaches, the operational rhythm of each pilgrim group passes through her desk.
Rooted in the Mountains
Growing up around the natural landscapes of Uttarakhand has shaped Ritika into someone calm, positive, and grounded. The mountains are not a destination for her - they are the everyday context of her life. This first-hand familiarity with the terrain, weather patterns, and pilgrim concerns of the Garhwal Himalayas translates directly into how she manages ground operations for every trip.
Personal Philosophy
Beyond work, Ritika enjoys music, peaceful moments, and the simple pleasures of life. She believes in staying consistent, thinking positively, and moving forward with confidence - values that show up in her day-to-day work with pilgrims, vendors, and the wider Saffron Chariot team.
Where to next?
About Saffron Chariot →
Read the story behind the company, our values, and our DGCA-compliant operations.
Char Dham by Helicopter →
See itineraries, prices, and what is included in our 5N/6D and Do Dham packages.
Pilgrim Testimonials →
4.9★ from 215+ verified pilgrims who have travelled with our team.