A helicopter journey to Kedarnath is one of the most convenient ways to visit the divine destination. Kedarnath is a sacred destination that is visited by pilgrims as a part of the Char Dham Yatra. While the traditional journey to Kedarnath can be physically challenging as you have to trek to reach the temple. However, the Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter is a convenient and quicker way to embark on the journey. It is a great choice for seniors, those with limited mobility issues, or those looking to have a luxurious travel experience. During the helicopter Yatra, you can have breathtaking views of the Himalayas and experience the region’s natural beauty. Let’s take a look at the helicopter booking process for the Kedarnath Yatra.
Helipads that Operate Helicopters to Kedarnath
Near Kedarnath, there are three helipads including Sersi, Guptakashi, and Phata that operate flights to Kedarnath.
Guptkashi Helipad
From Kedarnath, Guptakashi is situated at a distance of around 45 km. From the Guptkashi helipad, the flight takes around 15 minutes to reach Kedarnath Helipad. If you book flights from Guptkashi Helipad, ticket prices will be a bit higher. For one way you will have to pay around 3800 rupees and 7740 rupees for the return journey.
- Distance from Kedarnath: Around 45 km
- First fight timing: 6:30 am
- Ticket Price: Rs.7740 (return ticket)
- Location: in Narayankoti
- Altitude: 1319 mts.
- Accommodation: Guptkashi is the main halt towards Kedarnath. You’ll find many budget, luxury, and deluxe rooms at Guptkashi.
Phata Helipad
Phata is the most preferred option for those looking to book a helicopter ride to Kedarnath. This helipad is situated at a distance of around 16 km from Sonprayag and 14 km from Guptakashi, the two main towns that serve as the base for Kedarnath Yatra. From Kedarnath, Phata helipad is around 31 km away and by air, it takes around 9 minutes to reach. For a one-way helicopter yatra from Phata Helipad, you’ll have to pay around 2500 rupees, and for a round trip, you’ll have to pay around 5500 rupees per person.
- Distance from Kedarnath: Around 31 km
- First fight timing: 6:30 am
- Ticket Price: Rs.5500 (return ticket)
- Location: 14 km from Guptkashi
- Altitude: 1,982 mts
- Accommodation: Deluxe and budget-friendly rooms at Phata and nearby towns such as Guptkashi.
Sersi Helipad
Sersi Helipad is the closest to Kedarnath situated at a distance of around 23 km. By air it takes around 11 minutes to reach Kedarnath from Sersi. It is situated at a distance of around 9 km from Sonprayag and 20 km from Guptakashi. The ticket price is similar to those who are traveling from Phata. You will have to pay around 2500 rupees one way and for the return journey, you will have to pay around 5000 rupees.
- Distance from Kedarnath: Around 23 km
- Ticket Price: Rs.5500 (return ticket)
- Location: 7 km from Phata, Sirsi village
- Time taken via Chopper to reach Kedarnath: 11 minutes
- Altitude: 6500 feet
- Accommodation: Deluxe and budget-friendly rooms at Sirsi and nearby towns such as Rampur, Guptkashi, Phata, and Sonprayag.
Helicopter Ticket Booking Process
We bring to you the step-by-step guide to booking the Kedarnath helicopter Yatra.
- On the Uttarakhand Government Portal, you will have to register yourself and get your Yatra Registration Number.
- For helicopter booking, you’ll have to sign up on the official portal of IRCTC – https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in/. Create your account on the portal by validating your mobile number via OTP and email ID. The mobile number you have registered will be your user ID.
- You can use these credentials to log in to the above portal and start the booking process of your helicopter.
- If you’re looking to book a helicopter for multiple persons, you’ll have to enter a group ID, and if you want to book for a single person you will have to enter a Unique Registration Number.
- A maximum of two tickets can be booked with one user ID, each allowing you to make the booking for up to six passengers. So for a maximum of 12 people, one person can book tickets. If you need more tickets, you will have to create a new user ID.
- To check for the availability of dates, on the Heliyatra website of IRCTC, you will have to check the calendar and choose from the dates that are available for booking.
- For toddlers who are younger than 2 years, no ticket will be charged, nor any additional seat will be offered. For those above 2 years, a full fare equal to a regular adult will be charged. They will also be offered with seats.
- Carry ID proof along with printouts/ physical copies of the tickets as submitted at the booking time for all passengers. Those who do not comply with this may not be allowed to fly. Digital copies or screenshots of the ticket won’t be valid.
- At least one hour before, passengers are advised to arrive at the helipad and at least two hours before the departure time of the flight to allow enough time for security check and check-in.
Documents Required for Kedarnath Helicopter Yatra
We bring to you a list of the documents required to undertake the Kedarnath helicopter Yatra.
- A government-issued valid ID proof, such as a Voter ID, Aadhaar Card or Passport.
- Additionally, depending on the requirements of the helicopter operator you may have to provide certificates related to your health condition.
Aviation Companies for Kedarnath Helicopter Services
Until last year, you could directly book heli services to Kedarnath from Guptkashi, Phata, and Sirsi from the approved operators below. However, this year, you can only make the bookings from the Government website.
Aryan Aviation
Aryan Aviation is one of the leading aviation companies which provides their chopper services to Kedarnath. Aryan Aviation Pvt Ltd is a non-scheduled professionally managed helicopter services company that has been promoted by an Ex-services pilot. For the past 15 years, he has been a part of the civil aviation industry.
Aryan Aviation flies pilgrims to Kedarnath by one 5 seater Bell 407 helicopter and one 5 seater Eurocopter AS350B3 near Guptkashi from Narayankoti.
- The flight originates from: Guptkashi, Narayankoti (For updates check with Aryan Aviation)
- Aryan Aviation Website: aryanaviation.com
- Address: 7, Koldongri CHS, Sahar Road, Andheri East, Mumbai- 400099
Himalayan Heli
Himalayan Heli is an experienced company that provides helicopter services to Kedarnath. At BizAvIndia Bangalore Aero India Show 2015, it was awarded as operator of the year.
- One Way Ticket: Rs.2750 (Sersi – Kedarnath or Kedarnath – Sersi)
- Next Day and Same Day Return: Rs.5498 (Sersi – Kedarnath – Sersi)
- Flight originates from: Sersi
- Address: Himalayan Heli Services Pvt. Ltd., 7, Local Shopping Centre, Madangir, New Delhi, 110062, India
Pawan Hans
Pawan Hans is a well-known provider of heli services to Kedarnath Dham. From Phata they use Ecureuil B3 helicopters/6-seater Bell 407. Pawan Hans Limited has received an award for operating helicopter services for the 2021 Kedarnath Yatra from Phata.
- Office Address: Pawan Hans Limited C-14, Sector, 1, Block C, Sector 1, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
- The flight originates from: Phata
- Website: booking.pawanhans.co.in
Arrow Air Craft
For those on the lookout for comfort and safety during their Kedarnath Yatra, Arrow Aircraft is the best choice. It is the leading boutique aviation company in India. It operates in five main segments –Aircraft Sales, Aircraft Charters, Jet Aviation MRO services, Char Dham Yatra, and Aircraft Management & Acquisition Advisory.
- Day-to-day timings: 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM
- Type of Helicopter: Bell 407
- The flight originates from: Guptkashi
- Seating capacity: 6 passengers
- Route: Gupta Kashi – Kedarnath – Gupta Kashi (Overnight and same day options available)
- Average trip time: 7 minutes (One-way)
- Address: Arrow Air Crafts, 503, G+5 Building, Opp. Terminal 1C, Domestic Airport, New Delhi-110037, India
- Website: arrowaircraft.com
UT Air India
UT Air India is registered under the Indian Companies Act, of 1956. It is a private limited Company headquartered in New Delhi. It is an ISO 9001: 2015 certified company with the highest safety and maintenance standards. It is a subsidiary of the biggest helicopter company, UT Air Aviation JSC, Russia. The Indian Company promotes the Group’s helicopter business in South East Asia.
The flight originates from: Phata
- Address: UT Air India, Office No.2, 24, Ferozeshah Road, New Delhi – 110001, INDIA
- Website: kedarnath.utair-india.com
Refunds & Cancellation Policy
- If you want to cancel your Kedarnath Yatra tickets that you booked online, you will have to go to the website of IRCTC helicopter booking. Tickets can’t be cancelled offline.
- If your Kedarnath Yatra gets canceled due to technical reasons or bad weather, you will get a full refund. To claim the refund, you will have to present your boarding pass or IRCTC ticket at the check-in counter of the helipad as soon as possible. To confirm the cancellation get it duly stamped.
Conclusion
The helicopter Yatra to Kedarnath is a completely unique experience allowing you to relish the breathtaking Himalayan views. It is a quick and convenient way to undertake the sacred Yatra bypassing the challenges that you may have to encounter if you opt for the traditional Yatra. You can follow the above-mentioned guide to book the helicopter to Kedarnath and have a hassle-free journey.
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