Kedarnath helicopter bookings for 2026 opened on April 15 at 6:00 PM on the IRCTC HeliYatra portal. The service covers journeys from April 22 to June 15, 2026. Bookings are only available through the official IRCTC HeliYatra website — no third-party platforms are authorised to sell Kedarnath helicopter tickets.
The Kedarnath temple opens on April 22, 2026, at 8:00 AM. Pilgrims who cannot complete the 16-km trek from Gaurikund to Kedarnath — or who prefer to complete the journey in a day — can fly directly from one of five helipads: Phata, Guptkashi, Sitapur, Sersi, and Dehradun’s Sahastradhara Helipad.
Kedarnath Helicopter Routes (2026)
| Helipad | Distance to Kedarnath | Approx One-Way Fare | Flight Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sahastradhara, Dehradun | 160 km | 8,000-10,000 | 45 min |
| Phata | 11 km | 3,500-5,000 | 8 min |
| Guptkashi | 35 km | 5,000-7,000 | 20 min |
| Sirsi | 13 km | 4,000-5,500 | 10 min |
| Agastyamuni | 20 km | 4,500-6,000 | 12 min |
Flying from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara Helipad
The Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun is the starting point for the full Kedarnath day-trip helicopter package. The Kedarnath Helicopter Booking package covers pickup from Sahastradhara, the flight to Kedarnath, darshan, and the return journey — all within one day. Prices for this package start at Rs 1,10,000 per person and can go up to Rs 1,15,000 during peak May and June booking periods.
The flight duration from Dehradun to Kedarnath is approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on weather and the helicopter type in service. The package is designed for pilgrims who want to minimise physical exertion while completing a same-day visit.
Shuttle Service from Base Helipads
For pilgrims who travel overland to the Kedarnath valley and then want helicopter access for the final leg, shuttle services operate from Phata, Guptkashi, Sitapur, and Sersi to the Kedarnath helipad. These are shorter 7 to 10 minute flights covering the distance between the valley helipad and the shrine.
Shuttle tickets are significantly cheaper than the Dehradun full-day package and are also booked through IRCTC HeliYatra. Availability on shuttle routes is higher but still limited during peak weeks in May.
Registration Requirement
Char Dham Yatra registration on the Uttarakhand government portal is mandatory before booking any helicopter service. You complete that registration first, receive your slip, and then proceed to book helicopter tickets on the IRCTC platform. Authorities verify this registration at every helipad before allowing boarding.
Best Time to Book
Kedarnath helicopter tickets sell out within hours of going live for peak dates. April 22 to 30 and the entire month of May fill up fastest. If you are planning travel in these windows, aim to book on April 15 itself or within the first 24 hours of availability. eUttaranchal’s guide to Kedarnath helicopter services has a breakdown of all active operators and route options.
July and August are monsoon months when helicopter operations are frequently suspended due to poor visibility and turbulence. The safest booking windows are late April through June and the last two weeks of September through October.
Planning your Kedarnath helicopter journey from Dehradun? The Kedarnath helicopter route from Sahastradhara is the most popular option for pilgrims. For more Dehradun travel guides, visit Hello Doon.
Kedarnath Helicopter Booking: Key Tips for 2026
Kedarnath helicopter booking fills up fast during peak pilgrimage season. Start your Kedarnath helicopter booking at least 30 days in advance to secure preferred dates from Sahastradhara helipad. Also read about top schools in Dehradun if you are settling in the region.
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