Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Ultimate Guide: Price, Time, Safety Etc.
‘Om Namah Shivay,’ an adoration of Lord Shiva, is a sacred chant mantra. It is believed that ‘Lord Shiva ‘ is the universe; he is everywhere in and around us. According to Hindu mythology, there are various sacred and holy stories regarding Lord Shiva and his residing places.
Kedarnath temple is one of twelve Jyotirlinga, believed to be 1200 years old. It was built by Lord Shiva after being pleased by the Pandavas from Mahabharat. During their exile, the Pandavas worshiped Lord Shiva at the present place of the temple. It is believed Lord Shiva came down to earth, and the Linga was built with natural elements and a temple with rock and stones. Since 1200 years, the temple has remained the same and natural.
‘Kedarnath temple ‘ is located at a high altitude of 11760 feet from sea level and is blessed amidst natural mountains and tough terrain beauty. This holy place is not easy for every devotee to reach. The government has always tried to arrange the best facilities for Hindu pilgrims to get blessed with the ‘Darshan ‘ of this holy Jyotirlinga.
A helicopter makes Kedarnath easy and time-saving.
Choosing a Helicopter to reach Kedarnath is always a wise decision. A helicopter not only saves your time but also gives an amazing flying experience in mountain terrain and snow-capped hills. Helicopter services in Kedarnath are dedicated to pilgrims, making the trip easier and more comfortable.
Why choose Helicopter services?
The government started a helicopter yatra to make people ‘darshan’ easier. Steep rocky paths and valleys are not safe for elderly people and people with health-related issues. Though there are options like palki, donkeys, and many more, helicopter service is best to make the yatra more comfortable and save time.
Helicopter Booking Process at Kedarnath
Beware! Many fraud companies and agents claim to book helicopter tickets. The Helicopter Yatra for ‘Kedarnath Dham ‘ can be booked directly from IRCTC ‘s official website. However, the ticket window for the public at IRCTC is open until 31 October 2024-25.
Only two companies operate helicopter yatra during the monsoon period of July and August.
- Trans Bharat
- Himalayan Heli
Note: The above-stated company tickets are available only on IRCTC ‘s official website. The booking process and confirmation will be through the IRCTC website.
Guide to booking your ticket
- Open the IRCTC website and choose www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in
- Sign Up or Login with personal details like mobile number and password
- Open Chardham Registration option for helicopter booking in groups or individuals, with the respected ID provided for Chardham Yatra.
- Choose the operator and time slot to book helicopter service
- Enter passenger details
- Validate OTP received over registered mobile number or email ID
- Post OTP verification, navigate to the payment option and proceed by accepting all terms and conditions
- Enter the amount and initiate the payment amount; wait for the payment process
- Once payment is complete, the page will automatically redirected to the booking confirmation page with full details
- Download the page
- Carry this ticket proof along with valid ID proof
The best time to visit Kedarnath
As Kedarnath temple is in the lap of the Himalayas and mountains, it remains closed during winter because of heavy snowfall. The best suggested time to visit Kedarnath is April to June to look after the climate and nature. Monsoons are always recommended to be avoided because of heavy rainfall and unpredictable calamities. September and October are again the best suggested times to plan the yatra.
Suggested Itinerary: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package 2024-25
Helipad locations
Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi are three marked points for helicopter take-off. Taxi and other means of transport are easily available to reach these three destinations.
Helicopter Ticket prices and packages
- Guptkashi – Kedarnath – Guptkashi = INR 7740/- per person
- Phata – Kedarnath – Phata = INR 5500/- per person
- Sersi – Kedarnath – Sersi = INR 5498/- per person
- Other packages include a VIP darshan, a night stay, and an excursion to the nearby area.
Cancellation and refund policy
- Time of cancellation – more than 5 days before departure time slot – 75% of the ticket booking amount (refund)
- Time of cancellation – before 48 hrs – 5 days before departure time slot – 50% of the ticket booking amount (refund)
- Time of cancellation – between 24n hrs – 48 hrs before departure time slot – 25% of the ticket booking amount (refund)
- Time of cancellation – less than 24 hours before departure time slot – No refund
- Not turned up at least before an hour of departure time slot at helipad – No refund
Note: in case of bad weather, if the helicopter take-off gets canceled, a full refund will be provided.
Safety measures during Helicopter ride
- Children below 2 years are allowed free but do not weigh more than 10kg.
- It is always important to carry a birth certificate as proof of age.
- The authorities are liable to ground unfit passengers who abuse or misbehave with staff, are sick or mentally disturbed, and are intoxicated.
- All COVID-19 protocols are followed as safety measures.
Allowed to carry
Passengers are allowed to carry only one bag with a maximum weight of 5 kg.
What to carry?
It is always advisable to pack only essential items, such as warm clothes, small snacks, ticket printouts, and valid ID proof, to maintain weight under 5kg and meet any requirements if needed.
Experience while flying
The beauty of the tough terrain from the sky is breathtaking. Snow scattered and covered the mountains, and helicopters flying over this terrain tearing the clouds is a next-level experience. Enjoy the flying time and capture the best moments from the clouds of this Himalayan range.
Suggested Itinerary: Char Dham Yatra Tour Package 2024-25
Nearby attractions
Vasuki Tal
Bhairavnath temple
Mandakini river
Accommodation options
There are a few luxury and comfortable hotels and guest houses near Kedarnath temple, where you can stay or spend a night in the mountains. Accommodation is available for every budget; choose one that fits your budget.
FAQ ‘s
Depending on the company you choose, the seating capacity is between 6 and 8 people.
The helicopter service operation in Kedarnath is under DGCA and UCADA. It is safe to fly in Kedarnath.
Yes, it is refundable. Please check the refund policy for full details.
The longest flight is from Guptkashi, and the shortest is from Sersi. Overall, it takes around 10 – 15 minutes to fly.
The helicopter service operates from 6 am to 6 pm.
The distance from Helipad to the temple is just 500m.
No one-side booking is not available.
Children below 2 years are free to board, but children above 2 years are considered the same as adult booking amount.
If the weather goes bad or the helicopter is unable to take off, the flight will be canceled only for this reason. The full amount will be initiated to source payment, deducting GST.
Yes, every passenger is weighed before boarding the flight. A weight of more than 80 kg is charged INR 150/—per kg.
It is believed that people come to Kedarnath only when Baba Kedar wants pooja from the devotees. This holy place is serene and peaceful, Lord Shiva’s place, which can never be expressed in words. Give yourself a chance to seek the blessing of Baba Kedarnath. Kedarnath temple is now easily accessible by helicopter; book your tickets in advance for 2024-25.
Suggested Itinerary: Char Dham Yatra (Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, Yamunotri) Tour Package 2024-25