Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Online helicopter tickets for Kedarnath open today, September 7, on the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal. Shuttle flights are cleared to resume from September 15 after aviation checks. Officials plan a phased window to deter touting. Book only via the government portal, not agent links. Local reports indicate all nine empanelled operators continue this season.
Pilgrims fly from Sirsi, Phata, or Guptkashi helipads along the Rudraprayag approach. Pick based on road access, price, and seat availability. Sirsi, the closest base, generally offers the shortest shuttle. Guptkashi can mean a longer drive but wider lodging options. Phata often balances access and queues for many travellers.
Kedarnath helicopter tickets: official booking flow
First, complete mandatory Yatra registration on Uttarakhand Tourist Care to obtain a Group ID. Then sign in at heliyatra.irctc.co.in, select helipad and date, add passenger details matching Aadhaar, passport, or voter ID, pay, and download the e‑ticket and GST invoice. Avoid look‑alike sites; verify the domain and pay only on IRCTC.
Kedarnath helipads: access and availability
| Helipad | Best if you prioritise | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sirsi (Sersi) | Shortest shuttle time | Quick turnarounds; tight early‑morning reporting windows. |
| Phata | Balanced drive and queues | Popular with families; parking usually manageable. |
| Guptkashi | Lodging choice nearby | Longer drive; seats may appear when other bases sell out. |
Kedarnath helicopter refund rules, reporting time and baggage
If weather or technical issues cancel operations, fares are typically auto‑refunded to the source account within five to seven working days; convenience or gateway fees are non‑refundable. Same‑day return flyers usually get about 90 minutes before reporting back. Arrive 1–2 hours early at base helipads. Keep baggage light: 2–5 kilograms per passenger, depending on operator.
Monsoon and Rudraprayag road watch
Check IMD’s Char Dham nowcasts and district updates before driving to Sonprayag. On September 7, IMD warned of rain and thunderstorms on the Rishikesh–Rudraprayag sector. Recent landslides briefly halted the highway and Yatra. Build buffer time, fuel up early, and carry snacks and cash for stoppages while approaching helipads.