Introduction The Char Dham Yatra is one of the most sacred pilgrimages in India, attracting thousands of devotees every year. As the 2025 Yatra season approaches, an important update has been announced regarding the helicopter services to Kedarnath Dham. Pilgrims should be prepared for a 5% increase in helicopter fares, as per the latest decision by the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA). If you’re planning to visit Kedarnath Dham, this blog will provide you with all the crucial details, including fare updates, registration requirements, and booking procedures.
Key Dates for Char Dham Yatra 2025
- April 30, 2025: Gangotri and Yamunotri Dham doors open (Akshaya Tritiya)
- May 2, 2025: Kedarnath Dham doors open
- May 4, 2025: Badrinath Dham doors open
Helicopter Fare Hike for Kedarnath Dham
In 2025, helicopter fares for Kedarnath Dham will see a 5% increase compared to the previous year. UCADA has signed a three-year contract with nine aviation companies, under which fare adjustments will be made annually. The fare hike aims to accommodate rising operational costs while maintaining efficient services for pilgrims.
Proposed Helicopter Fare for 2025
| Route | Fare (2023) | Fare (2024) | Proposed Fare (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sirsi to Kedarnath | ₹5,498 | ₹5,772 | ₹6,061 |
| Phata to Kedarnath | ₹5,500 | ₹5,774 | ₹6,063 |
| Guptkashi to Kedarnath | ₹7,740 | ₹8,126 | ₹8,533 |
(Note: The above fares are for a round-trip journey.)
Helicopter Operators for 2025
The following aviation companies will operate helicopter services to Kedarnath this year:
- Pawan Hans
- Himalayan Heli
- Trans Bharat
- Global Vectra
- Thambi Aviation
- Kestrel Aviation
- Aero Aircraft
How to Book Kedarnath Helicopter Tickets?
1. Online Booking:
- Helicopter tickets will be available for booking only through the IRCTC website.
- Booking will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
- A valid Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory to book tickets.
2. Registration Requirement:
- Without prior Char Dham Yatra registration, pilgrims will not be able to book helicopter tickets.
- Maximum six seats can be booked per ID, while groups can book up to 12 seats at a time.
3. Expected Registration Start Date:
- The Uttarakhand government is likely to begin Char Dham Yatra registration after March 15, 2025.
Steps to Register for Char Dham Yatra & Book Helicopter Tickets
Step 1: Visit the official Uttarakhand Tourism website for yatra registration. Step 2: Complete the required details and receive your Yatra Registration ID. Step 3: Visit IRCTC’s official website for helicopter ticket booking. Step 4: Use your registration ID to proceed with the booking. Step 5: Choose the preferred route, date, and time for your journey. Step 6: Make the online payment and download the ticket.
Government Measures to Prevent Fraud & Overpricing
To prevent fraudulent activities and black marketing of helicopter tickets, UCADA is implementing a strict Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). This will ensure transparency in ticket booking and prevent unauthorized sales.
Official Statement
“The helicopter fare for Kedarnath will increase by up to 5%. A three-year contract has been signed with aviation companies, based on which this hike is being implemented. To prevent fraud and overpricing, a strict SOP is being prepared, which will be enforced rigorously.”
— Sonika, CEO, UCADA
Final Thoughts
As Kedarnath Dham gears up for Char Dham Yatra 2025, pilgrims should be aware of the fare hike and complete their registration on time to avoid last-minute issues. Helicopter services offer a convenient and time-saving option for devotees, ensuring a smooth journey to this sacred destination.
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