Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – What’s New This Season

• As per The Times of India, Helicopter services on the Kedarnath route had been suspended mid-monsoon after a fatal crash on June 15, 2025; services are expected to resume from around September 15, 2025, pending DGCA (Directorate General of Civil Aviation) clearance, weather conditions, and safety checks. ()
• Fares have been revised upward by ~45-49% in many cases to cover increased safety, operational costs, and reduced capacity limits.

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – Required Registrations & Official Portals

To book a helicopter for Kedarnath in 2025, you need to complete a couple of preparatory steps:

1. Char Dham / Kedarnath Yatra Registration – You must register on the Uttarakhand government’s official portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) to get a Registration Number or Group ID. This is mandatory for helicopter ticket booking.
2. Only Official Booking Portal – All legitimate online bookings must be done via the IRCTC “Heli Yatra” platform (heliyatra.irctc.co.in). Avoid any third-party or fake sites.

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – Dates & Slots

• Hindustan Times says that Online bookings for the Kedarnath helicopter services opened on April 8, 2025 via IRCTC, for flights beginning in early May.
• For the “monsoon break” period, services were closed from June 22, and resumed from mid-September, starting around September 15, 2025. (The Times of India)
• Booking windows are structured; for example, a slot opened on September 12, 2025 (noon) for flights from September 15-22, 2025. (heliyatra.irctc.co.in)

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – Helipads & Flight Options

When planning kedarnath helicopter booking 2025, it is important to know the key helipads from where services are operated. The most popular helipad is Phata, situated about 31 kilometers from Kedarnath. A flight from here takes only nine minutes one way, and because of its accessibility, this helipad sees the highest number of departures, especially during the early mornings when weather conditions are stable. Another option is Sersi (also called Sirsi), located roughly 23 kilometers away, with flights lasting about eleven minutes. Though the route is shorter compared to Phata, ticket prices remain nearly the same, making it a convenient alternative. Pilgrims also often choose Guptkashi, which lies around 46 kilometers from Kedarnath. The helicopter ride from Guptkashi takes about fifteen minutes, making it the longest flight route among the three. As expected, fares from Guptkashi are higher than those from Phata or Sersi. Each helipad has its own benefits—Phata is known for frequent flights, Sersi provides a slightly closer boarding point, and Guptkashi offers better road connectivity and facilities. The right choice will depend on your budget, convenience, and availability of slots when booking.

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – Prices & Fares

Because of the fare revision announced in 2025, the cost of helicopter services to Kedarnath has risen noticeably compared to previous years. For pilgrims choosing the Guptkashi to Kedarnath route, a round-trip ticket is priced at around ₹12,444 per person, making it the most expensive option due to the longer distance and flight time of nearly fifteen minutes. From Phata to Kedarnath, which remains one of the busiest and most preferred routes, the return fare is approximately ₹8,842, while a one-way ticket costs close to ₹4,400, offering a balance of affordability and convenience. Similarly, the Sersi to Kedarnath route is priced at nearly ₹8,839 for a round-trip, with one-way charges almost the same as Phata’s, given the comparable distance and demand. These updated rates reflect the rising operational expenses, stricter safety norms, and revised capacity rules, meaning pilgrims should budget carefully and secure their bookings in advance to avoid last-minute price shocks.

Important new fare structure changes (2025):

• From Sirsi / Phata, the new fares have increased to approximately ₹ 11,000-12,000 for one-way/return (depending on service) from those helipads. (The Times of India)
• From Guptkashi, prices post-revision are approx ₹ 13,000-14,000 in many cases. (The Times of India)

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – How to Book Step-by-Step

To ensure a smooth kedarnath helicopter booking 2025, follow this process:

1. Register for Yatra via the Uttarakhand government portal; get your Registration Number / Group ID.
2. Visit IRCTC Heli Yatra Portal (heliyatra.irctc.co.in) to login / signup.
3. Select the Route / Helipad (Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi) and date of journey. (Hindustan Times)
4. Enter Details: Number of passengers (max per user / group), identity proof, etc.
5. Make Payment using the gateway; ensure confirmation via SMS / email. Keep your ticket printout.
6. Arrive at helipad well ahead of schedule (often 1 hour before) for check-in and safety procedures.

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – Safety, Restrictions & Tips

• Expect more stringent safety norms: fewer operators now (seven instead of nine), reduced number of daily flights, mandatory DGCA clearance. (The Times of India)
• Always check weather conditions; flights may be cancelled at short notice due to poor visibility, rain, etc. (The Times of India)
• Luggage limits, weight restrictions, baggage guidelines will be enforced. Pack light. Tickets must be presented with valid ID.
• Be wary of fake/travel-agent scams: only book via the official IRCTC portal. Authorities have blocked many fake sites. (The Times of India)

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – Cost vs Benefit Comparison

Opting for kedarnath helicopter booking 2025 brings several clear advantages, but it also comes with certain trade-offs that every pilgrim should consider. The biggest benefit is the enormous amount of time saved compared to trekking or combining road travel with a long uphill climb. A helicopter journey reduces hours of physical strain, which is especially helpful for the elderly, devotees with health conditions, or those who cannot spare many days for the yatra. However, this convenience comes at a higher cost since fares are significantly steeper than trekking expenses, and the limited number of daily flights means seats are not always easy to secure. Another benefit is the assurance of safety and regulated pricing when tickets are booked through official channels, giving travelers confidence that they are in trusted hands. At the same time, weather-related cancellations are common in the Himalayas, requiring flexibility and patience. Moreover, because demand during peak seasons is extremely high, securing tickets well in advance is crucial to avoid disappointment.

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – Pricing in Context of Previous Years

• The fare hike in 2025 (≈45-49%) is steep compared to 2024 and earlier, mostly due to increased operational costs, fuel, safety upgrades, fewer seats per flight, etc.
• Round-trip rates are more economical per km but still high in absolute terms; one-way is cheaper but means you have to manage return or alternate route.

Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2025 – Final Advice & Best Practices

• Book as soon as booking windows open for your desired dates. Don’t wait for last minute.
• Be flexible with helipad choice: Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi each have pros in terms of distance, cost, and availability.
• Keep all documents ready: Yatra Registration number, valid ID, tickets printed / saved.
• Monitor weather forecasts and service announcements; monsoon and post-monsoon weather cause sudden disruptions.
• Budget accordingly not just for ticket fare, but also for travel to the helipad, lodging, any contingencies.

Link for Booking

For genuine helicopter ticket reservation for Kedarnath, always use kedarnath helicopter booking 2025. This is one trusted reference, but ensure you verify whether the link is officially recognized.

Summary

As of September 2025, Kedarnath helicopter booking 2025 is available via the IRCTC Heli Yatra portal, after mandatory Char Dham / Yatra registration. Fares have seen significant increases (~45-49%) due to safety, regulatory, and operational changes. Services resumed mid-September after monsoon suspension. Key helipads: Phata, Sersi, Guptkashi. Booking early, verifying legitimacy, and planning for weather are essential.

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