Continuous rainfall over the past few weeks has disrupted life in Uttarakhand, with numerous roads across the state left in disrepair. In the face of such challenges, devoted pilgrims remain undeterred. The pilgrimage to Kedarnath is witnessing a surge in numbers, even as the shrine recently reopened its doors to worshippers after a two-day closure last week.


Given the ongoing road construction, air travel has emerged as the preferred mode of reaching the revered destination. The official website of the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has initiated the process for booking helicopter services for the forthcoming month of September on Tuesday (August 22). As per its official website: "Bookings for journey date from 1st September, 2023 to 30th September, 2023 will open at 1200 noon on 22nd August, 2023."


Here's A Comprehensive Guide To This Booking System: 



  1. Registration For Kedarnath Yatra/Char Dham Yatra: To initiate the booking process, individuals need to register for the Kedarnath Yatra. This involves providing necessary personal details and information.

  2. Visit The IRCTC Helicopter Booking Website: After successful registration, applicants must visit the official IRCTC helicopter booking website. Click here to visit the website. 

  3. Create A Unique Login ID: On the booking website, applicants need to create a unique login ID. This step involves setting up a personal account for the booking process.

  4. Select Helicopter Operator, Date, And Time Slot: Once the login ID is established, users proceed to select their preferred helicopter operator, the desired travel date, and a suitable time slot for the journey.

  5. Provide Passenger Details: Applicants are required to furnish information about the number of passengers who will be traveling. This step includes specifying the count of individuals accompanying them.

  6. Receive and Enter OTP: After completing the passenger details, the system generates a one-time password (OTP) and sends it to the registered mobile number of the applicant. The OTP serves as an additional security measure.

  7. Enter OTP And Verify: The received OTP must be entered accurately on the website to proceed. This verification step confirms the authenticity of the user.

  8. Payment of Ticket Price: Upon successful OTP verification, the booking process advances to the payment stage. Users are prompted to pay the ticket price online for the chosen helicopter journey.


Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket Prices: 


Helicopter companies charge between Rs 5,495 and Rs 7,740 for a round-trip journey to and from Kedarnath Dham on the same day. Prices are subject to dynamic fluctuations based on the policies of the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA), with additional convenience fees and payment gateway charges. 


 



IRCTC Helicopter Booking Fare Chart (Image Source: IRCTC HeliYatra)


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About IRCTC HeliYatra: 


Q: What Is a Booking ID?


A Helicopter Booking ID is a reference number provided by IRCTC for confirmed bookings. This unique identifier aids the helicopter service provider in assisting customers.


Q: From Which Helipad Stations Can Helicopter Services Be Booked?


According to IRCTC, helicopter services can be booked from Sersi, Phata, and Guptakashi for Shri Kedarnath Dham.


Q: Can Group Bookings Be Made?


Yes, a maximum of six passengers can be booked in a single transaction under a registered User ID/Group ID/Booker ID.


Q: How Many Tickets Can Be Booked Using a Single User/Booking ID?


IRCTC allows a maximum of two helicopter tickets per User/Booker ID, accommodating up to six passengers (06 Nos.) per ticket. Thus, a User/Booker can book for a group of maximum of 12 passengers across two tickets using a single User ID/Booker ID.


Q: What Payment Options Are Available?


Multiple payment options are available on the IRCTC website, including Credit/Debit Cards, UPI, and Net Banking. Users can also opt for EMI/Pay Later options through platforms like Paytm, Razorpay, and ICICI.


Q: What Are the Mandatory Documents to Carry During the Yatra?


According to the IRCTC website, passengers are required to carry the following documents:


a) A valid ticket


b) Original ID proof for each passenger (choose from options such as Aadhaar, Voter ID, PAN Card, Passport, and Driving License)


c) Birth Certificate for Child/Infant, as submitted during the online booking of the helicopter.


Q: What Are the Weight Rules for Helicopter Services?


As stated on the website, the weight of passengers (Adult, Child & Infant) will be measured prior to the issuance of the boarding pass by the Helicopter Operator. The infant's weight will be added to the weight of the accompanying passenger. Passengers or passengers along with infants whose combined weight exceeds 80 Kg will be required to pay an additional charge of Rs. 150/kg for the excess weight. The calculation of weight will be done on an individual basis and cannot be offset against another passenger or infant. Passengers who decline to pay the extra weight charges may be denied boarding.


Q: How Much Weight Can Be Carried During the Yatra?


Each passenger is allowed to carry only one piece of baggage, with a maximum weight of 2 kilograms. Any additional pieces of baggage beyond this limit will not be permitted.