Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket Price: Fares & IRCTC Booking

The Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket Price will depend on which helipad you use – Rs. 6,390 one-way from Sirsi (most economical price), Rs. 10,164 one-way from Phata and Rs. 12,762 from Guptkashi, along with IRCTC convenience fee of approximately Rs. 300 per passenger and 18% GST. The prices are fixed by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) and cannot be altered, therefore, they are the same for everyone and nobody, neither any operator nor any agent can overcharge. The 8-10 minute long flight makes it unnecessary to make a 16-18 km long trek to the temple.

In this post, I am sharing the current rates of tickets according to different helipads and also the two things which will protect your money and the safety of your yatra – that you have to book tickets only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal (as it is the main target of frauds and fake agents), and that it is necessary to register for Char Dham Yatra to book your ticket. There is also some information about the choice of helipad, about the reality of booking (the slots are sold out very fast), weight restrictions and about the planning. In case you plan to do a Kedarnath helicopter yatra, then this post is for you.

Quick answer: The Kedarnath helicopter one-way fare is approximately Rs. 6,390 from Sirsi, Rs. 10,164 from Phata and Rs. 12,762 from Guptkashi per passenger. There is also IRCTC convenience fee (approximate Rs. 300) and 18% GST. The rates are set by UCADA. Book ONLY on the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal (heliyatra.irctc.co.in). Prior to booking a mandatory registration on Char Dham portal (URN) is required. The flight takes approximately 8-10 minutes each way and makes it unnecessary to make 16-18 km long trek. Rates are reviewed each yatra season, therefore check the latest rates on the official website.

Book ONLY on IRCTC HeliYatra, this service is a major scam target: The first and the most important thing to know is that Kedarnath helicopter tickets are available exclusively for booking only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal (heliyatra.irctc.co.in). Each season pilgrims get scammed through calls and fake websites/agents who offer helicopter tickets for Rs. 500 to 5,000 in agent fees, ask to upload Aadhar or skip the mandatory URN registration and take your money without providing the ticket. The fares are fixed by UCADA and there are no genuine agent charges. Do not pay any website, caller or agent for Kedarnath helicopter tickets.

Table of Contents

Kedarnath Helicopter at a Glance

Kedarnath Helicopter, Key Facts	Detail
Helipads	Sirsi, Phata, and Guptkashi (all to Kedarnath)
Sirsi Round Trip	Around Rs. 6,390 (the cheapest route)
Phata Round Trip	Around Rs. 10,164
Guptkashi Round Trip	Around Rs. 12,762 (best road access)
Extra Charges	IRCTC convenience fee (around Rs. 300) plus 18% GST per passenger
Where to Book	Only the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal (heliyatra.irctc.co.in)
Flight Time	Around 8 to 10 minutes each way; saves the 16 to 18 km trek
Mandatory First	Char Dham Yatra registration (URN) before you can book

Kedarnath Helicopter Fares from All Three Helipads

The fare is fixed by UCADA and depends only on your helipad. Here is the full breakdown, round trip and one way, with each helipad’s road access.

Helipad	Round Trip	One Way	Road Access
Sirsi	Around Rs. 6,390	Around Rs. 3,043	Basic
Phata	Around Rs. 10,164	Around Rs. 4,840	Good
Guptkashi	Around Rs. 12,762	Around Rs. 6,077	Best
Plus per passenger	Convenience fee (about Rs. 300) + 18% GST

While Sirsi is the cheapest at about Rs. 6,390 one-way fare (Rs. 3,043 one way) Phata costs about Rs. 10,164 (Rs. 4,840 one way), and Guptkashi is the costliest at about Rs. 12,762 (Rs. 6,077 one way), but also offers the best road access. Apart from the fare, IRCTC also levies around Rs. 300 per person convenience fees and 18 percent GST. Every year, in the Yatra season fares are revised by UCADA (could go up/down depending upon the previous year), so if you see an old figure, the actual fare could be different; always check the IRCTC HeliYatra portal for the latest figures. Child/infant policies may differ, so please verify when booking.

Which Helipad to choose?

Given that the price and drive both depend on which helipad, here is how to decide.
Sirsi (about Rs. 6,390): Cheapest option, best if budget is the main consideration. The closest helipad to the Gaurikund trek base, useful for trekking either way.
Phata (about Rs. 10,164): Moderate, very popular choice, has good road access, an average choice between budget and convenience.
Guptkashi (about Rs. 12,762): Most expensive, but with best road connectivity and facilities, easiest to reach via road and easiest to stay nearby; best for family travelers arriving by road.
Compare the cost vs. mode of arrival: If you are watching your budget, Sirsi is much cheaper. If you are arriving in a car and wish the easiest road access and staying nearby, Guptkashi is the most convenient (and dearest), and Phata is a middle ground. Both fly to the same destination Kedarnath helipad; only the price and the drive to your take-off point differ.

You Need URN Before Booking Helicopter

Before you can even book the helicopter, every traveler needs to register for Char Dham Yatra through Uttarakhand government portal and obtain Yatra Registration Number (URN). This is mandatory and without an URN, you won’t be able to book helicopter from the IRCTC HeliYatra portal.

This registration is independent of the helicopter ticket (this is required both whether you plan to fly or trek) and your Kedarnath itinerary requires two steps in order: first Char Dham registration (URN) and then booking on the IRCTC HeliYatra portal. Register before you plan to book the helicopter ticket; register early because it is necessary for booking the helicopter.

The Job of the Helicopter (and the last leg)

The helicopter flies from your chosen helipad (Sirsi, Phata, or Guptkashi) to Kedarnath helipad in about 8-10 minutes each way, replacing the long grueling 16-18 kilometers trek from Gaurikund that takes many hours. Do note that there is no helipad at Gaurikund or Sonprayag (the road-head and trek base); the take-off points are at the lower stations of Sirsi, Phata, and Guptkashi. From Kedarnath helipad, it is a small walk (few hundreds meters, sometimes in queues) to the temple, so the helicopter takes you almost to the shrine. For a same-day return journey, you fly back in the allotted window period.

Booking Reality: The Slots Disappear Quick

Book on IRCTC HeliYatra: heliyatra.irctc.co.in is the only official portal; do Char Dham registration first.
Booking starts before the season: Usually a few weeks before and sometimes in phases (early season booking phase and later autumn date booking phase), with an announced opening time.
Slots disappear quick: Prime dates especially from Guptkashi could sell out within an hour or two from the opening time, so login on time and book early.
Book online: Payment by card/net-banking/UPi on the portal; keep your PNR and confirmation number.
Verify your ticket: Enter your PNR on the official IRCTC HeliYatra site to ensure authenticity of your ticket.

Do not share payment or Aadhaar number with agents, and login on time: As the slots sell out quick, scammers cash in on the opportunity with false quick-booking schemes. Never share your payment information or Aadhaar number with any third party. Login to the official IRCTC website at the exact time with your URN ready and book directly. If slots are all booked out, wait for the next phase or official announcements, do not contact any unauthorized persons.

Rules and What to Carry

Char Dham registration (URN): Necessary; make sure to carry it and your ID used while registering.
Original ID proof: Same ID that was used for booking needs to be shown and carried along.
Weight restriction: Weighing done and restrictions applied on carrying luggage; make sure you carry only the necessary stuff as per weight limits and avoid excess baggage charges.
Reach helipad in time: Report well in advance of your slot because it depends on weather conditions.
Wear warm clothes: Being located at a high altitude, Kedarnath gets cold, even in season; wear accordingly.
Priority darshan ticket: Optional priority-darshan ticket (around Rs. 2,500) can be purchased and help you bypass the long darshan queue; ideal for those making a same-day return.
Flight cancellation due to weather: Many delays and even cancellations take place because of foggy or rainy weather.

Best Time to Take the Helicopter

The Kedarnath yatra season starts from late April or early May (when the temple opens) to late October or early November (when it closes for winters). There is also a period of peak monsoon (July to August) during which flights get cancelled because of weather.

The two best times are the early season of May to June and the autumn season of September to October when flights do not get affected much by weather. Early morning flights guarantee the most pleasant weather and enough time for darshan. It is recommended to book a flight as early as possible and keep the backup of a trekk or ponies in case of flight cancellation.

How to Reach the Helipads

There are three helipads situated in Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand and located en-route Kedarnath. Reach them first, then proceed with flying.

Road: All three cities of Sirsi, Phata, and Guptkashi are reachable by road starting from either Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun (8 to 10 hours by road) via Rudraprayag; taxis and buses serve this route.
Train: Closest railway stations are Rishikesh and Haridwar, from where taxis can be hired to helipad cities.
Air: Nearest airport is the one of Dehradun (Jolly Grant); taxis will take you to the city from there.
Staying close: Guptkashi and Phata have most of the accommodation facilities; try to stay near your helipad town the night before your early morning flight.

Kedarnath Helicopter: Pros & Cons

Pros

Does not require a difficult trekking trip: 8 to 10 minutes flight as against a 16 to 18 kilometers trek.
Recommended for the elderly and families: Best option for those who cannot trek.
Fair prices: Regulated by UCADA and same for all, starting from Rs. 6,390.
Option for same-day darshan: If you purchase the priority-darshan ticket.
Beautiful flight through the Himalayas: Over the Garhwal peaks.

Cons

Expensive from Guptkashi: Rs. 12,762 in round trips.
Depends on weather: Often gets cancelled because of fog and rains, particularly during monsoon.
Book quickly: Limited number of slots; book immediately the phase opens.
Fraudulent: Only book through IRCTC HeliYatra; do not fall victim to any call from some agent.
Need registration: Cannot make booking without a Char Dham URN.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the ticket fare for Kedarnath Helicopter?

Around Rs. 6,390 for round trip travel from Sirsi, Rs. 10,164 from Phata, and Rs. 12,762 from Guptkashi per head, plus a Rs. 300 IRCTC convenience charge and 18% GST. Fares are fixed by UCADA and change every season. Only book on the official IRCTC HeliYatra website.

Where do I need to book the Kedarnath helicopter?

On the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal only at heliyatra.irctc.co.in. There is no such thing as official offline or agency bookings. There are many fake websites and callers who claim they can help you book the Kedarnath helicopter tickets in return for fake agent charges or uploading your Aadhaar card information. Do neither and book yourself directly.

Do I need Char Dham registration to book the helicopter?

Yes. Each passenger must have registered first for the Char Dham Yatra and have a valid Yatra Registration Number (URN). Else, IRCTC’s HeliYatra system will not allow you to book. You will need to register yourself well in advance of the helicopter booking to be prepared.

Which is the cheapest helicopter for Kedarnath?

Sirsi is the cheapest at around Rs. 6,390 round trip (Rs. 3,043 one way), followed by Phata at around Rs. 10,164 and Guptkashi at Rs. 12,762. Sirsi is also closest to the Gaurikund trek starting point. Guptkashi is the most expensive but with better road access and accommodation options. All three land at the same helipad in Kedarnath.

Where does the helicopter land in Kedarnath?

Almost. The helicopter lands in Kedarnath helipad that is just a few hundred metres away from the Kedarnath Temple, and hence, passengers have to make this last short leg of their journey on foot. There are no helipads in Gaurikund or Sonprayag (trek starting point). Helicopter take off happens from Sirsi, Phata, and Guptkashi points, which are farther away.

What happens in case of helicopter cancellation due to weather conditions?

The flights are likely to be delayed or cancelled in case of fog and rain, which is quite common during the monsoon season. Refunds and rescheduling procedures vary depending upon the policies of the helicopter operator and IRCTC. Make sure you keep some buffer in your schedule and have a backup plan like the trekking option or ponies. Schedule your helicopter travel in May-June or September-October to minimize risks and report to the helipad in advance because flights depend on the weather.

Is there any weight limit for Kedarnath helicopter?

Yes, there is. You will need to report to the helipad for weighing and will have to face weight restrictions and potential excess weight charges. Pack lightly and carry only the necessary items. Also, carry your original ID (the one used for booking) and the Char Dham registration number to report in advance.

Can I get same day darshan with the helicopter?

Yes, as per the schedule given to you during the booking. However, in order to avoid the long queues for darshan on the same day return, you can opt for the optional Sugam Darshan slip (around Rs. 2,500 per person) available at the helipad.

Conclusion: Planning Your Kedarnath Helicopter Trip

Kedarnath helicopter is the easiest and cheapest way to get there for anyone who cannot cover such a distance and it has fixed fare rates that vary depending on the place where you catch the helicopter: Rs. 6,390 round trip from Sirsi (the most affordable route), Rs. 10,164 from Phata, and Rs. 12,762 from Guptkashi (the most comfortable route) plus a minimal IRCTC charge and GST. The most important things about helicopter to the temple are:

Register for Char Dham Yatra in advance; Log in to heliyatra.irctc.co.in on the day of booking (slots go fast, especially from Guptkashi); Choose your helipad depending on budget and road connections; Pack light to meet the weight limit requirement; Have your original ID and registration papers with you (you will need your URN number to book);

Dress warmly as the weather is really cold up there; Make a buffer in case of cancellation due to the bad weather; Get the Sugam Darshan slip to have darshan in one day; Don’t pay any agent for anything and don’t give your Aadhaar number and payment details to people who call you. With proper planning, a helicopter can make your Kedarnath Dham pilgrimage easier and more enjoyable.

Kedarnath helicopter fares, booking dates and rules are defined by UCADA and IRCTC and changed each year according to the requirements of a yatra season, so check the latest fare and book only on the official IRCTC HeliYatra website (heliyatra.irctc.co.in).