Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter

It will save you time and ensure you can have the best experience of your life. Enjoy the breathtaking views of Uttarakhand’s spectacular landscapes from hundreds of meters above the sky with the helicopter yatra. It is a preferred travel mode for those who do not want to undertake the road journey. Many devotees have started opting for helicopters to make their yatra more convenient and cut short their travel time. Book the Kedarnath Yatra by Helicopter now to have a seamless travel experience to the sacred site.

Best Time to Visit Kedarnath

Let’s take a look at the best time to visit Kedarnath to have a memorable travel experience.

• Best Time: April to June
• Weather: Clear skies, pleasant weather
• Travel Conditions: Milder temperatures, comfortable travel conditions
• Considerations: Avoid traveling in monsoon due to the chances of frequent fog and showers and increased chances of flight cancellation.

Helipads that Operate Flights to Kedarnath

Near Kedarnath, there are three helipads that operate regular flights- Guptakashi, Phata, and Sersi. From Dehradun also you can book a helicopter, but you will be dropped at Sirsi. You’ll have to change flights from Sersi. We have listed the approximate charges and distance from these helipads to the Kedarnath helipad:

1- Phata Helipad

When booking a helicopter ride to Kedarnath Phata can be the best choice. It is situated at a distance of around 16 km from Sonprayag and 14 km from Guptakashi, the two major towns which are chosen by pilgrims as base for their Yatra. It is situated at a distance of around 31 km from Kedarnath and by air it takes around 9 minutes to reach the sacred site. You’ll have to pay 2500 rupees one way and for the return journey, you will have to pay 5000 rupees, per person.

2- Sersi Helipad

Sersi Helipad is situated at a distance of around 23 km from Kedarnath and by air it takes around 11 minutes to reach Kedarnath from Sersi. This helipad is situated around 9 km from Sonprayag and 20 km away from Guptakashi. It is the closest to Kedarnath. The ticket price is similar to those who have boarded the flight from Phata —5000 rupees return and 2500 rupees one way.

3- Guptakashi Helipad

Guptakashi is situated at a distance of around 45 km from Kedarnath. By flight, it takes about 15 minutes to reach Kedarnath Helipad. The prices of tickets are slightly higher with 7700 rupees return and around 3800 rupees one way.

Guidelines and Process of Booking Helicopter Tickets

• 1. On the Uttarakhand Government Portal, you will have to register yourself and then you will get your Yatra Registration Number.
• 2. Then you’ll have to sign up for helicopter booking on the official IRCTC portal – https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in/. After visiting the website you will have to create your account by validating your mobile number via OTP. Your registered mobile number will be used as your user ID.
• 3. Using these credentials you will have to log in on the above portal and then you will start your helicopter booking process.
• 4. If you want to book the ticket for multiple persons, you will have to enter enter Unique Registration Number or group ID if you want to book for a single person.
• 5. With one user ID, you can book a maximum of two tickets. Each ticket allows up to six passengers. So one person can only book tickets for a maximum of 12 people. You will have to create a new user ID if you require more tickets.
• 6. To check for the availability of dates, you can see the Heliyatra website of IRCTC’s calendar and choose from the dates shown as available.
• 7. You won’t have to pay any charges for toddlers younger than the age of 2 years as they won’t be offered any additional seats. Full fare will be charged for those who are 2 years or older and they’ll be offered seats.
• 8. Carry the tickets' physical printouts/copies along with the ID proof as submitted at the booking time for all passengers. If you do not comply with this you may not be allowed to fly. Digital copies or screenshots of the ticket won’t be considered valid.
• 9. At least an hour before, passengers should arrive at the helipad. At least two hours before you should arrive at the entry point before the scheduled departure time to allow optimum time for security check and check-in.
• 10. There is an 80 kg per passenger weight limit. If you’re carrying an infant, then together their weight should be under 80 kg. You will have to pay an extra charge of INR 150 per kg above this weight limit for the extra weight.
• 11. Before the travel date, you’re advised to book your tickets between fifteen to twenty before the travel date for the best rate, after which, based on UCADA’s dynamic pricing policy the prices may increase.

Tips for Visiting Kedarnath

We have curated a list of the tips you need to follow if you want to visit Kedarnath.

• The Kedarnath Temple is situated at more than 3,500 meters altitude above sea level. To reach the temple you have to deal with cold temperatures and uneven terrain. If you have a physical disorder, you should consult a physician before undertaking this journey.
• At all times during the yatra, you should carry a water bottle as well as energy or protein bars with you.
• Carry a high-SPF sunscreen as well as a moisturizer or a cold cream with you to protect yourself against ultraviolet radiation and the sun.
• Use sturdy and comfortable trekking shoes and avoid low-quality shoes or flip flops as you’ll be walking and hiking alot.
• If you are pregnant, you should refrain from undertaking this pilgrimage.
• Infants who are 2 years old or less won’t have to pay any charges for helicopter yatra. However, the child’s weight should not exceed 10 kg. Normal ticket prices will be charged to those above 2 years of age just like adults.
• For same-day helicopter return tickets only 2 hours of darshan time will be given. So, within the time limit, you’re advised to cover your darshan or you can buy a special darshan ticket to avoid standing in long lines at the temple.

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