Kedarnath Temple To Open On May 2, 2025: Helicopter Bookings Begin, Here’s All You Need To Know

Plan your Kedarnath Yatra 2025 with ease! Helicopter bookings are open from April 8 for travel starting May 2. Know ticket prices, booking process, and essential guidelines for pilgrims.

Kedarnath Temple To Open On May 2, 2025: Helicopter Bookings Begin, Here’s All You Need To Know

Source : PTI

Kedarnath Dham, one of the most revered pilgrimage sites and among the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, is all set to open its doors to devotees on May 2, 2025, after a six-month winter closure. Nestled at an altitude of 11,968 feet in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand, reaching Kedarnath is a spiritual journey as well as a physical challenge.

Traditionally, pilgrims undertake a steep 16-kilometer trek to reach the holy shrine. However, for those unable to make the arduous climb, helicopter services provide a convenient and time-saving alternative—covering the distance in just 10 minutes.

Helicopter Booking Now Open

The helicopter booking process officially began on April 8, 2025, at 12:00 noon, and is currently open for travel dates between May 2 and May 31, 2025.

“Hurry up and book your helicopter tickets” if you're planning to visit the shrine this season. With demand surging, early booking is highly recommended to secure your preferred travel dates.

Where and How to Book

Helicopter tickets can be booked only via the official IRCTC portal:
🔗 www.heliyatra.irctc.co.in

However, it’s crucial to note that only pilgrims who have completed registration on the Uttarakhand Tourism Portal—registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in—are eligible to book tickets.

Ticket Prices (After 5% Hike)

• Phata to Kedarnath: ₹6,074
  
  
• Sersi to Kedarnath: ₹6,072
  
  
• Guptkashi to Kedarnath: ₹8,426
  
  

Helipad Options & Flight Duration

• Phata:
  
  
• Distance: 31 km
  
  
• Flight Duration: 9 minutes
  
  
• One-way Cost: ₹2,500
  
  
• Sersi:
  
  
• Distance: 23 km
  
  
• Flight Duration: 11 minutes
  
  
• One-way Cost: ₹2,500
  
  
• Guptkashi:
  
  
• Distance: 45 km
  
  
• Flight Duration: 15 minutes
  
  
• One-way Cost: ₹3,800
  
  
• Note: Flights from Dehradun connect via Sirsi with a helicopter change.
  
  

Guidelines for Pilgrims

“Pilgrims should follow these important guidelines” to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey:

• Children aged 2 years and above are charged full fare.
  
  
• Infants under 2 years can travel free (without a seat).
  
  
• A maximum of 4 adults, 2 children, and 2 infants (depending on weight) are allowed per helicopter.
  
  
• Passengers weighing over 80 kg must pay an additional fee of ₹150 per extra kg.
  
  
• Birth certificate or Aadhaar card is mandatory for infant identification.
  
  
• Screenshots or incomplete tickets are not accepted.
  
  
• Arrive 2 hours before the flight for security check and boarding formalities.
  

If visiting Kedarnath has been on your spiritual bucket list but you’ve hesitated due to the physical demands of the trek, this year’s helicopter service offers a more accessible path to divine peace.