Shimla, Sep 1 (IANS) Himachal Pradesh has allowed private heli-taxi operators to ferry pilgrims during the sacred Hindu pilgrimage Manimahesh in the remote areas of Chamba district, an official said here Wednesday.

'Two companies - Shiva Heli Service and Virat Heli Service - were allowed to operate heli-taxis this week. They will operate choppers till the end of the pilgrimage (Sep 20),' Deputy Commissioner Devesh Kumar told IANS.

The choppers will ferry devotees between Bharmour town, the base camp of the pilgrimage, and Gauri Kund, just one km short of the lake.

'The chopper service operates daily, if the weather permits. The to-and-fro fare per person is Rs.7,500,' he said.

Every year, more than 500,000 devotees undertake the pilgrimage to the oval-shaped, glacial-fed Manimahesh Lake from where they can see Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and offer prayers.

The journey on foot starts from Hadsar at a height of 6,000 feet and concludes at 13,500 feet at the lake.