Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2026: Price, How to Book, Helipads & Everything You Need to Know

For millions of devotees, the dream of visiting Kedarnath Temple is lifelong. But the journey — a steep 16 km trek from Gaurikund at over 3,500 meters above sea level — can be physically demanding, especially for senior citizens, families with young children, or those with health conditions. That’s where the Kedarnath helicopter service becomes a game-changer.

In just 7 to 15 minutes, a helicopter ride takes you from a base helipad to within 500 meters of the temple, saving you 6 to 8 hours of strenuous trekking while gifting you a stunning aerial view of the snow-capped Himalayas, the Mandakini River valley, and the sacred landscape surrounding Kedarnath.

Here is your complete, up-to-date guide to Kedarnath helicopter booking 2026 — including prices, how to book, which helipad to choose, baggage rules, refund policy, and everything in between.

✈️ Quick Overview — Kedarnath Helicopter 2026

⚠️ Important: Final prices for 2026 will be officially declared on the IRCTC HeliYatra portal closer to the season. All prices mentioned here are based on previous seasons and recent estimates. Verify before booking.

💰 Kedarnath Helicopter Price 2026 — Helipad-Wise Breakdown

The government regulates all helicopter fares for Kedarnath through UCADA. This ensures that no operator can arbitrarily hike prices and every pilgrim is charged a fair, transparent fare. Here’s a breakdown by helipad:

🚁 Phata to Kedarnath (Most Popular Route)

Phata is the most widely used helipad for the Kedarnath Yatra. It’s well-connected, easy to reach from the main highway, and has excellent facilities.

• Flight Duration: ~9 minutes
• Round Trip Price: Approximately ₹6,062 – ₹8,842 per person
• One-Way Price: ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 (subject to availability at Kedarnath helipad)

🚁 Sersi (Sirsi) to Kedarnath (Nearest Helipad)

Sersi helipad is the closest to Kedarnath Temple and was inaugurated to ease peak season demand. It is slightly closer to Gaurikund than Phata.

• Flight Duration: ~11 minutes
• Round Trip Price: Approximately ₹6,060 per person
• One-Way Price: ₹3,000 – ₹4,500 (subject to availability)

🚁 Guptkashi to Kedarnath (Longest Route)

Guptkashi is a major transit town on the Kedarnath route and offers scenic, longer aerial views. This route is slightly more expensive due to the longer flying distance.

• Flight Duration: ~12 to 15 minutes
• Round Trip Price: Approximately ₹8,533 – ₹12,500 per person

🚁 Sahastradhara (Dehradun) — Luxury Charter Service

For pilgrims looking for a premium, all-inclusive experience, charter helicopter services from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun are available. These typically include VIP Darshan Pass, hotel pickup, and breakfast.

• Price: ₹70,000 to ₹1,50,000+ per person
• Full Charter (Ek Dham – Kedarnath): ₹3,75,000 for the full aircraft

🗺️ Helipad Comparison — Which One Should You Choose?

Our Recommendation: For most pilgrims, Phata is the best choice. It has the most flight slots, the most aviation operators, reliable connectivity, and competitive pricing. If you’re staying in Guptkashi, then that helipad makes logistical sense.

📋 Step-by-Step: How to Book a Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket 2026

Booking a Kedarnath helicopter ticket is a multi-step process that must be done in the right order. Here’s exactly how to do it:

Step 1: Complete Char Dham Yatra Registration

Before you can book a helicopter ticket, Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory. Without it, you will not be able to proceed on the IRCTC portal.

Register at: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in

Once registered, you’ll receive a Yatra Registration Number and a Group ID. Keep both of these safe — they are required for every subsequent step.

🚨 Most Common Booking Mistake: Creating a Group ID for a different date than your actual helicopter travel date causes an “Invalid Group ID” error on IRCTC. Always generate your Group ID only AFTER finalizing your helicopter travel date.

Step 2: Log in to the Official IRCTC HeliYatra Portal

Go to: heliyatra.irctc.co.in

Sign up or log in using your mobile number (your mobile number is your User ID on this portal). Validate via OTP.

Step 3: Select Your Helipad and Travel Date

Choose from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi. Select your preferred travel date from the available calendar. Dates with available slots will be shown clearly.

Step 4: Add All Passengers and Verify Details

Add all passengers to your booking in one group. Ensure that names, ages, and ID details match your government-issued ID exactly. Even a minor mismatch can cause issues at the helipad.

Step 5: Make Payment

Complete the online payment using UPI, debit/credit card, or net banking. Ensure all details are correct before confirming payment.

Step 6: Download and Print Your Ticket

After successful payment, download your helicopter ticket (with QR code). Print it out and carry it along with your government-issued photo ID. Both are mandatory at the helipad.

⚠️ Critical Rules to Remember

Baggage Limit: Only one shoulder bag weighing up to 5 kg is allowed per person. No extra baggage is permitted under any circumstances. Plan your packing accordingly.

Weight Surcharge: All passengers are weighed before boarding. If your weight exceeds 80 kg, you will be charged an additional ₹150 per kg over the limit.

Infants: Children aged 2 years or below travel free of charge, provided they do not exceed 10 kg. Carry the child’s birth certificate to avoid any disputes at the boarding point.

Reporting Time: Arrive at the helipad at least one hour before your scheduled flight time. Late arrivals may lose their seat without refund.

Best Time Slots: Early morning slots between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM are the most reliable. Weather conditions at Kedarnath tend to deteriorate in the afternoon, and cancellation chances are significantly higher in later slots.

💸 Refund and Cancellation Policy

Weather Cancellation: If your flight is cancelled due to bad weather — which is quite common during the monsoon months and sometimes in early morning fog — a full refund is issued to the original payment method. Note that GST and convenience charges may be deducted.

No Accommodation or Compensation: If flights are disrupted, the operating company or government does not provide any meals, accommodation, or compensation beyond the ticket refund.

Voluntary Cancellation: Refund terms for passenger-initiated cancellations depend on the specific operator and how far in advance the cancellation is made. Check the terms at the time of booking.

Reschedule Policy: Subject to seat availability and operator guidelines at the time of travel.

🚫 Beware of Scams — The Only Genuine Portal

This is critically important, so please read carefully.

Every year, hundreds of pilgrims fall victim to fraudulent booking agents, fake websites, and WhatsApp-based scams that promise “confirmed Kedarnath helicopter tickets” for cash payments outside the official system.

Here’s what you must know:

The only genuine online portal for Kedarnath helicopter shuttle bookings is heliyatra.irctc.co.in. There is no Tatkal quota, no VIP/VVIP quota, and no authorized agent who can bypass the IRCTC system.

Watch out for: websites mimicking the IRCTC portal, WhatsApp or Telegram groups offering confirmed seats, QR code payment requests from unofficial contacts, or anyone asking for an “advance deposit” outside IRCTC.

If a slot shows “Sold Out,” here’s what you do: cancelled tickets are automatically returned to the system, and the best window to check for cancellations is between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM daily. Keep refreshing during this window — fresh slots do appear.

📅 When Will Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Open in 2026?

Booking typically opens 6 to 8 weeks before the temple opening date. Since Kedarnath Temple opens on April 22, 2026, bookings are expected to go live in early March 2026.

However, specific dates will be announced by IRCTC officially, so keep checking the HeliYatra portal and IRCTC’s social media channels. Slots for popular dates — especially the opening week in late April, late May, and the post-monsoon window in late September and October — fill up within minutes of going live.

If you’re planning a May or June trip, start watching from early March. Don’t wait.

🗓️ Best Time to Fly — Month-by-Month Guide

Late April to May: The opening weeks of the season are magical. Weather is cold and crisp, snow is still visible near the temple, and the spiritual energy of a freshly opened shrine is unmatched. Helicopter slots are the most competitive during this period.

June: Peak rush period. Maximum number of flights, best connectivity, but also maximum demand on booking systems. Book at least 6 to 8 weeks in advance.

July to August (Monsoon): Helicopter services are heavily disrupted or suspended during this period due to dangerous weather conditions. Avoid this window unless you have complete flexibility in your schedule.

September to October: Arguably the best time to fly. Post-monsoon skies are crystal clear, Himalayan peaks glow brilliantly in the clean air, crowds are lower, and cancellation rates drop significantly. Many experienced pilgrims prefer this window precisely for the clarity of views and calmer experience.

🏥 Health Advisory for Helicopter Pilgrims

Just because you’re flying and not trekking doesn’t mean you’re free from altitude-related health risks. Kedarnath sits at 3,583 meters above sea level, and even the short helicopter flight drops you into thin, cold, high-altitude air.

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) can affect anyone at altitudes above 2,500 meters. Common symptoms include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and breathlessness. Carry Diamox (Acetazolamide) tablets after consulting your doctor before the trip.

Heart and Respiratory Conditions: If you have a known heart condition, high blood pressure, or respiratory issue, consult your physician and obtain a medical fitness certificate. The helipad staff may refuse boarding if you appear medically unfit.

Acclimatization: Even if you fly, spend at least an hour at Kedarnath before your return flight. Rushing straight to darshan and immediately flying back can be physically stressful.

Warm Clothing: Regardless of the season, temperatures at Kedarnath are cold. Carry a warm jacket, gloves, and a woollen cap even in summer. You can leave heavy luggage at your hotel — remember the 5 kg baggage limit on helicopters.

📦 Kedarnath Helicopter Tour Packages — What’s Available

Beyond the standard shuttle service, several operators offer comprehensive yatra packages that bundle accommodation, meals, VIP darshan, and helicopter rides. Here’s a quick overview:

Kedarnath Ek Dham Package (from Haridwar): Approximately ₹9,500 + 5% GST per person. Includes transport, accommodation, helicopter ride, and darshan assistance.

Do Dham Yatra Package (Kedarnath + Badrinath): Approximately ₹14,500 + 5% GST per person from Haridwar to Haridwar.

Char Dham Helicopter Yatra Package: Approximately ₹23,800 + 5% GST per person — covers all four dhams with helicopter rides and group touring.

One-Day Kedarnath Package from Dehradun: Starting from ₹85,000 per person (premium charter). Includes VIP darshan pass, breakfast, and pickup.

🙏 Final Thoughts — Fly to Baba’s Abode with Faith and Preparation

The Kedarnath helicopter service has truly democratised access to one of Hinduism’s most sacred shrines. What was once an arduous two-day trek is now achievable in a single day for those who need assistance. For the elderly grandmother who has prayed her whole life to see Baba Kedarnath, for the family of five that cannot spend three days on a mountain, for the professional who has just three days off — the helicopter is not a luxury, it is a blessing.

But with limited seats, high demand, government-regulated processes, and weather-dependent operations, preparation is everything. Register early, book early, verify every detail, and trust only the official IRCTC portal.

The mountains are waiting. The divine fire burns eternal inside that ancient stone sanctum. And on April 22, 2026, the doors will open once again.

Book your seat. Fly with faith. Har Har Mahadev. 🙏

🔖 Official Booking Portal: heliyatra.irctc.co.in 🔖 Yatra Registration: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in