The Kedarnath Yatra , a revered pilgrimage to the Kedarnath Temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, attracts millions of devotees annually. For those deterred by the challenging trek, helicopter services offer a convenient alternative, especially for seniors, individuals with medical concerns, or those short on time. Helicopter bookings for the 2025 Yatra officially opened on April 8, 2025, coinciding with the temple’s opening on May 2, 2025. Early booking is recommended due to expected high demand.
Booking details

• When and where: Bookings are available exclusively via the IRCTC Heli Yatra website (www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in) starting April 8, 2025. Mandatory registration must first be completed on the Uttarakhand Tourism Portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in).
  
• Process: Register on the Uttarakhand portal, sign up on the IRCTC site with personal details, enter your registration or group ID, select dates and helipads, input passenger details (up to 6 per ID, 12 for groups), verify with OTP, pay, and download the ticket. A valid photo ID is required.
  

Ticket prices (one-way)

• Phata to Kedarnath: INR 6,074
  
• Sersi to Kedarnath: INR 6,072
  
• Guptkashi to Kedarnath: INR 8,426 These fares, set by aviation operators with the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), reflect a 5% increase from the previous year.
  

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Helipad options

• Phata: 31 km from Kedarnath, 9-minute flight, INR 2,500 one-way, near Guptkashi (14 km) and Sonprayag (16 km).
  
• Sersi: 23 km from Kedarnath, 11-minute flight, INR 2,500 one-way, near Guptkashi (20 km) and Sonprayag (9 km).
  
• Guptkashi: 45 km from Kedarnath, 15-minute flight, INR 3,800 one-way. Dehradun flights connect only to Sersi, requiring a chopper change.
  

Premium packagesLuxury packages range from INR 1 lakh to INR 2.5 lakh, including round-trip flights, priority darshan, assistance, meals, and optional overnight stays.
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Passenger guidelines

• Children aged 2 and above require full-fare seats; infants under 2 fly free without seats.
  
• Maximum per flight: 4 adults, 2 children, 2 infants (weight-dependent).
  
• Excess weight (over 80 kg) incurs INR 150/kg.
  
• Original ID (including birth certificates/Aadhaar for infants) is mandatory; screenshots or incomplete tickets are invalid.
  
• Arrive 1 hour before the slot, 2 hours for security checks. Seating may vary based on weight and operational needs. Dynamic pricing applies per UCADA policy.