Complete Guide to Kedarnath Helicopter Booking
Kedarnath (3,583m) is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas and a Char Dham pilgrimage site. The helicopter service was expanded significantly after the 2013 floods and is now operated by multiple licensed operators from Phata, Guptkashi and Sersi helipads. The one-way flight takes 7–15 minutes depending on the helipad.
| Helipad | Distance from Kedarnath | Flight Duration | Cost (one way) | Cost (return) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phata | 25 km by road; 10 km air | ~10 min | ₹4,000–₹5,500 | ₹7,500–₹10,000 |
| Guptkashi | 40 km by road; 15 km air | ~15 min | ₹5,500–₹7,000 | ₹10,000–₹13,000 |
| Sersi | 20 km by road; 8 km air | ~8 min | ₹3,500–₹5,000 | ₹6,500–₹9,000 |
| Sitapur | 22 km by road; 9 km air | ~10 min | ₹4,000–₹5,500 | ₹7,500–₹10,000 |
Best Time to Book Kedarnath Helicopter
- Early May: Temple opening (Akshaya Tritiya) — most auspicious; book 6–8 weeks in advance; sells out immediately
- May–June: Peak season; highest demand; book as early as possible; cancellation waitlists common
- September–October: Post-monsoon; ideal weather for flying; clearer views of peaks; slightly easier to book
- October closing (Bhai Dooj): Very high demand for the last days before winter closure; book 4+ weeks ahead
How to Book Kedarnath Helicopter Online
- Official booking portal: heliyatra.irctc.co.in — IRCTC manages helicopter allocation; login with IRCTC account
- Operator websites: Himalayan Heli Services, Pawansut, Aryan Aviation, Kailash Helicopter — book directly for best rates
- State tourism: heliservices.uk.gov.in — Uttarakhand government portal for allocation management
- At helipad counters: Limited same-day seats may be available at Phata or Sersi if cancellations occur — arrive by 6 AM
Kedarnath Helicopter Package Costs
| Package Type | What's Included | Cost per person |
|---|---|---|
| Helicopter only (return) | Return flight from Phata/Sersi, darshan on own | ₹6,500–₹10,000 |
| Helicopter + Darshan + Puja | Flight + temple VIP puja + priest | ₹9,000–₹15,000 |
| Helicopter + Hotel + Meals | 2-night package with stay near Kedarnath | ₹15,000–₹25,000 |
| Char Dham helicopter yatra | All 4 dhams by helicopter (5–6 days) | ₹90,000–₹1,50,000 |
Travel Tips and FAQs
- Flights operate 6:30 AM – 2:00 PM only; cancelled in bad weather — always have a trekking backup plan
- Maximum weight: 80 kg per passenger; 10 kg hand baggage; excess charges apply
- Carry warm clothing even in May — temperature at Kedarnath (3,583m) can be 0–8°C
- Biometric registration is mandatory (chartham.uk.gov.in) before boarding helicopter
- Helicopter slots are in short supply May–June — book immediately when the portal opens (usually late January/February)
FAQ: How much does a Kedarnath helicopter cost in 2026? One-way tickets range from ₹3,500 (Sersi) to ₹7,000 (Guptkashi). Return from Phata typically costs ₹7,500–₹10,000. Prices vary by operator and season — official IRCTC portal gives government-regulated rates.