Book only on the official IRCTC site. Fares change through the season.
For the Kedarnath helicopter, the one and only official booking site is the government run IRCTC site, heliyatra.irctc.co.in. Flights run from three helipads in the hills. Fares change through the season, and popular dates open in advance and fill fast. Please be very careful, because fake Kedarnath helicopter sites are common every year. Book only on the official IRCTC site.
Who needs it and what this covers
- Anyone who wants to fly to Kedarnath instead of the long climb. This is the busiest helicopter service of the yatra.
- This page is about the short shuttle flights to Kedarnath from the nearby helipads. The separate full Char Dham circuit by helicopter, from Dehradun, is a different, higher cost trip run by approved operators.
- The helicopter is separate from your Char Dham registration and from your darshan. You still need the free Char Dham registration.
The Kedarnath helipads
The Kedarnath shuttle flies from three helipads lower in the valley:
- Phata
- Sirsi
- Guptkashi
You choose your helipad when you book. Each has its own flying time and fare. After you land at Kedarnath there is still a short walk to the temple.
How to book, step by step
- Go to the official site heliyatra.irctc.co.in and create your account or log in.
- Choose your helipad, your date, and the number of people.
- Book the return legs as needed, pay online, and download the ticket.
- Carry the ticket and your original identity, and reach the helipad well before your slot.
What it costs
The fare depends on the helipad you fly from and is set for the season. It can also be revised during the season. The official site shows the live fare when you book. [Fares change through the season. See the live fare on the official site. Following the honest rule of this resource, we do not print a fare that changes. Last checked 13 September 2026.]
The full Char Dham circuit by helicopter, from Dehradun, is a premium trip and costs far more. It is booked through approved operators, not through the Kedarnath shuttle site.
Documents you need
- One government photo identity for each passenger, matching the booking. Indians can use Aadhaar. Visitors from abroad use a passport.
- The printed ticket.
- Light luggage only, within the weight limit the service sets, because it is a small helicopter.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Booking on a fake site. Only heliyatra.irctc.co.in is official for the Kedarnath shuttle. Fake sites appear every season.
- Leaving it late. Popular dates open in advance and sell out quickly.
- Carrying heavy bags, over the weight limit for a small helicopter.
- Thinking the helicopter includes your darshan or your registration. Both are separate.
- Missing your slot. Reach the helipad early, because weather can change the schedule.
Questions people ask
What is the official site for the Kedarnath helicopter?
The government IRCTC site, heliyatra.irctc.co.in. Nothing else is official for the Kedarnath shuttle.
Which helipads fly to Kedarnath?
Phata, Sirsi, and Guptkashi.
How much is it?
The fare depends on the helipad and the season, and is shown live on the official site. Beware of fake sites quoting fixed prices.
Is the full Char Dham circuit the same booking?
No. The full circuit from Dehradun is a separate, higher cost trip through approved operators.
Do I still need Char Dham registration?
Yes. The helicopter is separate from the free Char Dham registration and from darshan.