Kedarnath helicopter service begins: ticket price, booking website, and other details

The famous Kedarnath Yatra brings lakhs of devotees to Uttarakhand every year. Kedarnath Temple, located in the Garhwal Himalayas, is one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites. Due to its high altitude and tough terrain, many people choose to visit Kedarnath by helicopter. The helicopter services help make the journey faster and easier, especially for the elderly and those unable to walk long distances.

For 2025, the helicopter services will run between May 2 and May 31. Online booking for these services has now started. Devotees who plan to travel during this period can book their helicopter tickets through the official Heliyatra portal by IRCTC.

However, before booking a helicopter ticket, pilgrims must register for the Kedarnath Yatra on the official Uttarakhand tourism government website. Without this registration, they won’t be able to book their helicopter ride.

A beautiful view of Kedarnath was recently captured by ANI. The region is still partially covered in snow, adding to the spiritual and natural beauty of the area. Despite the difficult conditions, the yatra attracts people from all parts of India and even from other countries.

How to register and book

If you want to visit Kedarnath by helicopter, there are two main steps you need to follow—first, register for the yatra, and second, book your helicopter ticket.

Steps to register for Kedarnath Yatra:

1. Go to the official portal for Uttarakhand tourism.

2. If you’re new to the portal, sign up by providing your details. If you already have an account, just log in.

3. Create your tour plan by choosing the start and end dates of your journey.

4. Enter the number of people travelling with you and their respective visiting dates.

5. Complete the registration by giving pilgrimage details and download your Yatra letter.

6. You’ll need this Yatra registration number to book the helicopter later.

Steps to book helicopter tickets:

1. Visit the official Heliyatra IRCTC website.

2. Create a new account with your mobile number and email ID.

3. You’ll receive an OTP to verify your contact details.

4. After creating your account, log in using your details.

5. Enter the Yatra registration number that you received earlier.

6. Choose your desired date, time slot, and the number of travellers.

7. Pay the fare using your preferred online payment option.

8. You will then receive a booking confirmation.

Make sure you enter all details correctly to avoid any issues. It's also recommended to book early as tickets sell out fast due to high demand.

Ticket prices and travel routes

For 2025, helicopter shuttle services will be available from Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi. These locations are base points from where helicopters take off for Kedarnath. Below are the prices for round-trip tickets from each location:

• From Phata: ₹6,063

• From Sirsi: ₹6,061

• From Guptkashi: ₹8,533

These prices are as per the latest updates from the eUttaranchal website.

It’s important to know that each user can book a maximum of 2 tickets only, and each ticket can include up to 6 passengers. So if you’re travelling in a bigger group, multiple users will need to make bookings.

Cancellation and refund rules

If you cancel your ticket, the refund will be processed within 5 to 7 working days. However, there are some rules:

• There will be a cancellation charge for each ticket.

• No refund will be provided if you cancel less than 24 hours before your scheduled flight time.

So if you need to cancel your ticket, try to do it well in advance to avoid losing your money.

Important things to remember

• Registration for Kedarnath Yatra is mandatory before helicopter booking.

• Book tickets only from the official Heliyatra portal by IRCTC.

• Avoid third-party agents or unofficial websites to stay safe from fraud.

• Keep your Yatra letter, ID proof, and helicopter ticket with you during travel.

• Always arrive at the helipad at least 1 hour before the scheduled flight time.

• Helicopter service is weather-dependent. In case of bad weather, flights may get delayed or cancelled.

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Kedarnath’s spiritual significance

Kedarnath Temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and holds great importance in Hindu mythology. It is believed to be one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and is a vital stop in the Char Dham Yatra. Reaching Kedarnath is not just a physical journey but a spiritual one too.

For many, the helicopter service is a blessing. It allows people who may not be physically strong enough to complete the long trek to still get the opportunity to offer prayers at the temple.

Every year, the Uttarakhand government takes extra steps to make the yatra smoother for pilgrims. With the help of digital platforms and IRCTC’s support, booking systems have become easier and more transparent.

The 2025 Kedarnath Yatra is expected to witness a large number of visitors again. If you’re planning to be a part of this sacred journey, make sure to complete your registration and book your helicopter ticket early.