Helicopter services to Badrinath and Kedarnath — booking, routes, and prices (2026)

The 18 km trek to Kedarnath with 1,400 m of elevation gain is beyond the physical ability of many pilgrims. Helicopter services, which became widespread in the 2010s, now carry a significant share of Kedarnath visitors each season. Badrinath is fully road-accessible, so helicopter services there serve a different purpose — cutting a 10-plus hour drive from Dehradun to under an hour.

Helicopter pilgrimage is now a major industry in Uttarakhand, operated by IRCTC-authorized private operators and charter companies.

Weather cancellations, weight restrictions, and limited seat availability make helicopter pilgrimage unpredictable. Always plan buffer days in your itinerary.

The Uttarakhand government runs a regulated shuttle helicopter service to Kedarnath through IRCTC. This is the only official booking channel.

Official booking portal: heliyatra.irctc.co.in — no other website or agent is authorized. The Uttarakhand DIPR and DGP's office have flagged multiple fake booking sites.

2026 booking opened: 15 April 2026 at 6:00 PM IST, for travel dates 22 April to 15 June 2026.

Helipads serving Kedarnath:

Sirsi (Sersi) — shortest flight, approximately 12-15 minutes. Operators include Himalayan Heli Services, Arrow Aircraft, Heritage Aviation.

Phata — most popular helipad, 15-20 minute flight. Operators include Thumby Aviation, Pilgrimage Aviation, United Helicharters, Rajas Aerosports.

Guptkashi — longer flight of approximately 22 minutes. Operators include Chipsan Aviation, Trans Bharat Aviation.

Round-trip fares (2026, base price before surcharges):

Sirsi: ₹6,390

Phata: ₹10,164

Guptkashi: ₹12,762

All fares attract an additional ₹300 convenience fee plus 18% GST.

Dynamic pricing surcharges: Bookings made 6-15 days before departure attract a 20% surcharge. Bookings 1-5 days before attract 40%. Same-day bookings attract 50%.

Weight and baggage rules: Passengers are weighed before boarding. Standard allowance is approximately 75-80 kg per person including baggage. Excess weight is chargeable. Baggage limit is 2-5 kg per person (varies by operator). Only soft bags are allowed — no hard-shell suitcases.

Booking requirements: Char Dham Yatra registration is mandatory before you can book helicopter tickets. Register free at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in.

Important timing: Arrive at the helipad at least 1 hour before your slot for security checks, verification, and weighing. Late arrivals forfeit their seat with no refund. Early morning slots (6-9 AM) have the best weather reliability.

In 2025, Guptkashi helipad slots for May-June sold out within 90 minutes of opening. Book the moment the portal opens if you want peak-season dates.

Unlike Kedarnath, Badrinath does not yet have a high-frequency IRCTC shuttle service at comparable prices. Your options are charter flights and a new government shuttle.

Gauchar-Badrinath shuttle (government initiative): The Uttarakhand government has announced a helicopter shuttle service from Gauchar helipad to Badrinath. Flight time is approximately 22 minutes. The expected fare is around ₹11,000 per person one way (approximately ₹22,000 round trip). This service is expected to operate during the Char Dham Yatra season starting late April. Once operational, tickets may be available through IRCTC. Check heliyatra.irctc.co.in for current status.

Dehradun to Badrinath charter packages: Charter helicopters depart from Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun. Flight time is approximately 50 minutes to one hour each way. Per-person rates for group packages range from ₹85,000 to ₹1,05,000 depending on season and inclusions (typically includes VIP darshan, 1-2 hours at temple, lunch, safety briefing). Full charter cost is approximately ₹6,00,000 per helicopter for same-day return (seats 4-6 passengers). Operators include BizareXpedition, Blue Height Aviation, Mach Air India, and others.

Who uses Badrinath helicopter: Primarily elderly pilgrims who cannot manage the 10-plus hour drive, and pilgrims on tight schedules combining multiple dham visits.

Several charter operators offer combined Do Dham packages covering both Kedarnath and Badrinath by helicopter from Dehradun.

Same-day Do Dham: Visit both Kedarnath and Badrinath in a single day, departing and returning to Dehradun. Prices start from approximately ₹1,20,000-1,25,000 per person.

Multi-day Do Dham (3-4 days): More relaxed itinerary with overnight stays. Similar price range with accommodation included.

Booking: Through charter operators directly. Do Dham helicopter tours typically commence in late April, aligned with the temple opening schedule. Reserve early — slots fill quickly.

This is a scheduled shuttle helicopter service that cuts the 13 km, 5-7 hour walk to Ghangaria.

Route: Govindghat helipad to Ghangaria (approximately 3 minutes)

Fare (2026 estimate): ₹3,500-4,200 one way

Operators: Himalayan Heli Services and others

Booking: At the Govindghat helipad counter. Usually available same-day outside peak season. Book 3-5 days ahead in June.

Is IRCTC the only safe way to book Kedarnath helicopter?

What happens if my helicopter is cancelled due to weather?

Can I do Kedarnath darshan and return the same day by helicopter?

What is the weight limit for Kedarnath helicopter?

How early should I arrive at the helipad?

Related guides: Solo travel to Badrinath | Travel insurance for Char Dham yatra