The pious Kedarnath Temple is perched at a comfortable elevation of 3553 m and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva. The divinity of Kedarnath Temple doesn’t stop here, it is also part of the Chota Char Dham in Uttarakhand. This magical journey is undertaken by serval pilgrims every year, however, the climb can prove challenging for some.
To reach Kedarnath, one has to trek from Gauri Kund, which is about 19 km from Kedarnath. This 19 km trek is through encompasses winding roads and can get quite steep, which can be impossible for elderly people to climb. In that case, the best option is to embark on a wondrous helicopter ride, which starts from Phata and Guptkashi.
The helicopter ride to Kedarnath is not only convenient, but you will also witness a magnificent view from the top. This journey will give you a bird’s eyes view of the entire place of Kedarnath, which is truly divine.
It is also a popular mode of traveling to Kedarnath, as many pilgrims and tourists as well embark on this journey to relish the aerial view of Kedarnath.
The Frequency
The good news for all devotees and pilgrims is that the frequency of helicopter rides to Kedarnath is quite good enough. Every day several helicopter rides are available at small intervals and you can fly them at your convenience. You can also visit the Kedarnath Temple and come back to Phata or Guptkashi on the same day. Many pilgrims choose to stay the night at Kedarnath and come back the next day by another helicopter ride.
The frequency is not an issue owing to the great initiative by the government, who have made sure that enough helicopter services are available for the pilgrims and devotees, and their Darshan of Kedarnath is as hassle-free as possible.
Charges of Various Helicopter Companies
Heritage Aviation Pvt Ltd, Crystal Aviation and Himalayan Heli Services Pvt Ltd – INR 2349* For Phata/Sirsi to Kedarnath or Kedarnath to Phata/Sirsi and INR 4900* For Round Trip(Phata/Sirsi-Kedarnath-Phata/Sirsi) and INR 8500* For Round Trip from Guptkashi(Guptkashi-Kedarnath-Guptkashi)
Pawan Hans, UTair India Pvt Ltd, Thumby Aviation Pvt Ltd, and Indocopter Pvt Ltd – INR 2399*(For one side)
Aryan Aviation, Aero Aviation Ltd., Arrow Air Craft – INR 4275*(For one side)
There are helicopter services from Dehradun and Augustmuni as well to Kedarnath, which you can avail.
Note: Above charges are for the year 2019 and charges may change for the year of 2020
How to book Helicopter Tickets For Kedarnath Temple
Online
Most of the helicopter services will have a website where you can go and book your ticket in advance. Even the Uttarakhand Tourism has launched its website from where you can book tickets online. This website will show you all the authorized helicopter companies. This makes it not only hassle-free but also authentic and safe.
The websites will usually require you to log in, you must then input your travel date and select the best option. After that, you will be asked to fill in the passenger details, and finally the payments page. Once you finish the payment by debit or credit card, you should receive your ticket.
Offline
You can also buy your tickets at Phata and Guptkashi. Both these places have ticket booths, from where you can purchase your helicopter ride tickets to Kedarnath. However, do note that these booths always have a long queue, and you might have to stand for a long time to get a ticket.
Documents Required
For both online and offline, there are few documents that you must keep handy for your helicopter ride to Kedarnath.
If you have booked online, then make sure that you have carried these documents with you, when you come for the helicopter journey.
The documents are as follows:
- A photo ID. You can carry your passport, Aadhar Card, Pan Card, Driver’s Licence, etc.
- A Biometric registration. Biometrics can be done at Phata, Sonprayag and once you reach Kedarnath.
- Medical health check-up. This can be done at Phata and Sonprayag.
Other Information
- You are not allowed to carry suitcases or any baggage.
- If you book a return ticket also, then you should get about two hours of Darshan time at Kedarnath.
- From the Kedarnath helipad to the Kedarnath Temple, the distance is about 500 meters. You can choose to hire palkis if you are unable to walk.
- Helicopter rides might get canceled due to weather conditions. So always be prepared with woolen clothes, raincoats, and gloves.
- The helicopter ride from Helipad Sirsi is only for five minutes till Kedarnath, whereas from Guptkashi it takes about 15 minutes.
- All bookings for Kedarnath Helicopter Services should start around February.
- Maximum weight per person 80kg, if your weight more than 80kg then they charge extra per kg.
So, what are you waiting for? Just pack your bags, and sail with the clouds to witness the sacred Kedarnath Temple in all its glory. Ride above the scintillating scenery, and enjoy every moment of this thrilling, and fun-filled helicopter ride.
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