Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Guide 2026

Char Dham Tour Package: Visiting Kedarnath is a dream for millions. The energy of the Himalayas and the devotion at the temple are things you have to feel to believe. But let’s be honest: the 16 km uphill trek from Gaurikund is tough. It takes hours, it’s physically exhausting, and for many families with children or elderly parents, it’s just not possible.

That is where the helicopter service comes in. It turns a 10-hour walk into a 7-minute flight. But booking these tickets is like winning the lottery they sell out in minutes. This Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Guide 2026 is designed to give you the “insider secrets” so you can book your seat without the headache.

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Guide 2026

In 2026, the rush is expected to be bigger than ever. The government has made the process very strict to stop scams and overbooking. You cannot just “show up” and get a ticket. You need to plan weeks in advance. If you follow this guide, you’ll know exactly what to do and when to do it.

The “Must-Do” Before You Book

I cannot stress this enough: You cannot book a helicopter ticket if you haven’t registered for the Yatra first. The booking website will ask for your registration number the second you log in.

Register for the Char Dham Yatra

First, head over to the official Uttarakhand Tourism website (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in).

• Cost: It’s free.
• What you need: Your Aadhaar card and your travel dates.
• What you get: A “Yatra Registration Letter” with a unique number. Keep this on your phone and take a printout.

Group vs. Individual

If you are traveling with 5 friends, register as a Group. This gives you a Group ID, which makes booking the helicopter much easier because you can book for everyone at once instead of trying to find 6 individual seats at different times.

How To Book Kedarnath Helicopter?

Now, let’s talk about the actual booking. In 2026, the IRCTC HeliYatra portal is the only official place to buy tickets.

Create Your Account Early

Don’t wait for the booking day to create an account. Go to heliyatra.irctc.co.in as soon as the site opens for the season (usually in March or April).

• Verify your mobile number with an OTP.
• Create a strong password.
• Make sure your profile is ready.

Choose Your Helipad

There are three main places where helicopters take off. Choosing the right one is the “secret sauce” of this Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Guide 2026.

• Sersi: This is the closest to the temple. The flight is short (7 minutes) and usually the most affordable.
• Phata: This is the most popular. It has many helipads and plenty of hotels nearby.
• Guptkashi: This is further away (15-minute flight). It’s more expensive, but sometimes it’s easier to find tickets here when Phata and Sersi are full.

Entering Your Details

When the booking window opens, you need to be fast.

1. Login with your mobile number.
2. Enter your Registration Number or Group ID.
3. Select your date.
4. Select your time slot: You’ll usually see slots like 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM or 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM. Morning slots are best because the weather in the mountains is clearer in the morning.
5. Weight: This is where people make mistakes. You must enter the correct weight for every person.

The Payment

Have your UPI (GPay/PhonePe) or Credit Card ready. The tickets aren’t yours until the payment is successful. Once done, you will receive a PDF ticket. A screenshot is not enough; you must carry a physical printout to the helipad.

The Weight and Luggage Rules (Don’t Skip This!)

The mountains are thin, and helicopters can only carry so much. They are very strict about this.

• The 80 kg Rule: If you (or anyone in your group) weigh more than 80 kg, you will have to pay an extra charge at the helipad (usually around ₹150 per extra kg).
• Honesty is Key: If you lie about your weight during booking and the scale at the helipad shows a big difference, they can refuse to let you fly.
• Bag Limit: You can only take one small bag weighing no more than 5 kg. Think of it like a small gym bag. You cannot take big suitcases. Most people leave their big luggage at their hotel in Phata or Guptkashi and just take a small bag with essentials to the temple.

Dealing with Weather and Delays

This is the part of the Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Guide 2026 that most people ignore until it happens to them. The weather at 11,000 feet changes in minutes.

1. Be Prepared for Delays: Even if your ticket says 8:00 AM, you might not fly until 11:00 AM if there is fog.
2. Cancellations: If the weather is really bad and flights are canceled, don’t panic. The operator will usually offer a refund or try to fit you in the next day.
3. Reporting Time: Always reach the helipad 2 hours before your slot. If you are late, they will give your seat to someone else. There are no “late check-ins” in the mountains!

Important Tips for a Smooth Trip

• Network: Only BSNL, Jio, and Airtel work well in these areas. Don’t rely on other networks.
• Cash: Carry some cash. While UPI works, the internet can be spotty, and you don’t want to be stuck when trying to buy a tea or a souvenir.
• Medicine: Even if you aren’t trekking, the altitude can make you feel dizzy. Carry basic medicines for motion sickness and altitude.
• Clothing: Even in June, Kedarnath is cold. Wear layers. A heavy jacket, gloves, and a cap are mandatory.

Summary Checklist

To make things simple, here is your final “To-Do” list:

1. Register on the Uttarakhand Yatra Portal.
2. Get your Registration ID.
3. Create an account on heliyatra.irctc.co.in.
4. Book your slot as soon as they open (usually 15–30 days before your travel date).
5. Print your E-ticket.
6. Pack a small 5 kg bag.
7. Reach the helipad 2 hours early.

Booking a helicopter to Kedarnath doesn’t have to be a nightmare. If you follow this Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Guide 2026, you’ll be sitting in that chopper, looking down at the beautiful Mandakini River, and heading toward the Darshan of a lifetime.

Major Companies For Kedarnath Helicopter Companies

To make this Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Guide 2026 truly helpful, I have broken down the official aviation companies for you. While you’ll be booking your ticket through the IRCTC HeliYatra website, these are the teams who will actually be taking care of you in the air.

1. Aryan Aviation

Aryan Aviation is a veteran in mountain flying, often the first choice for those flying from the Guptkashi side.

• Established: They have been a key player in Indian aviation for over 15-20 years, with a heavy focus on pilgrimage sectors.
• Security & Safety: Their fleet is managed by ex-army and ex-air force pilots who are experts in high-altitude maneuvering. They use the Eurocopter AS350B3 (known for its mountain strength) and the Bell 407.
• Price (Approx. 2026): Since they fly from Guptkashi (the longest route), the price is usually higher.
  • Round Trip: ~₹12,444
  • One Way: ~₹6,100
• Route: Guptkashi (Narayankoti) to Kedarnath.

2. Pawan Hans

As a premier government-owned company, Pawan Hans is arguably the most recognized name in the list.

• Established: Founded in 1985, they are one of Asia’s largest helicopter operators.
• Security & Safety: Being a PSU (Public Sector Undertaking), their maintenance protocols are incredibly rigid. They follow “Gold Standard” safety audits and operate multiple 6-seater Bell 407 helicopters on this route.
• Price (Approx. 2026):
  • Round Trip: ~₹8,842
  • One Way: ~₹4,400
• Route: Phata to Kedarnath.

3. Himalayan Heli

Himalayan Heli is famous for its “Shuttle Service” efficiency. If you want a quick, no-nonsense flight, they are excellent.

• Established: They started operations around 1998 and have become specialists in the Himalayan terrain.
• Security & Safety: They received the “Operator of the Year” award for their commitment to safety. They use real-time weather monitoring systems and have their own dedicated maintenance hangars in the region.
• Price (Approx. 2026): Flying from Sersi is the most budget-friendly option.
  • Round Trip: ~₹8,839
  • One Way: ~₹4,400
• Route: Sersi to Kedarnath.

4. UTair India

UTair brings international expertise to the Indian mountains, being a subsidiary of a global aviation giant.

• Established: The Indian division has been active for over 10 years, specializing in the Char Dham Yatra.
• Security & Safety: They are ISO 9001:2015 certified. This means every flight, every bolt on the helicopter, and every pilot hour is tracked according to international quality standards.
• Price (Approx. 2026):
  • Round Trip: ~₹8,842 (From Phata)
  • One Way: ~₹4,400
• Route: Phata to Kedarnath.

5. Arrow Aircraft

Arrow Aircraft is known for its “Premium Shuttle” feel. They focus on making the experience smooth for families and senior citizens.

• Established: They have been serving the private and pilgrimage sectors since 2009.
• Security & Safety: They operate high-performance Bell 407 helicopters. Their ground staff is specifically trained for “Passenger Management” to ensure you are briefed properly on how to board and exit a running helicopter safely.
• Price (Approx. 2026): * Round Trip: ~₹8,839 (From Sersi) or ~₹12,444 (From Guptkashi)
• Route: Sersi/Guptkashi to Kedarnath.

Quick Comparison Table for 2026

Remember these are not official.

Company	Main Helipad	Safety Highlight	Round Trip Price (Est.)
Pawan Hans	Phata	Gov-backed standards	₹8,842
Himalayan Heli	Sersi	Award-winning efficiency	₹8,839
Aryan Aviation	Guptkashi	Ex-military pilots	₹12,444
UTair India	Phata	ISO International certification	₹8,842
Arrow Aircraft	Sersi/Guptkashi	High-performance fleet	₹8,839+

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)