Of all Char Dhams, Kedarnath is the most famous. Also, compared to other Dhams, Kedarnath is the most difficult to access. The Kedarnath temple is in the Himalayas. Kedarnath is accessible by helicopter or on foot. It is a 22 km long trek to the top. I believed I could do it. But after watching videos of the gruelling trail, my confidence waned. So, I booked myself a helicopter to Kedarnath.

If you don’t want to trek, you can visit Kedarnath by helicopter. There are several companies offering heli services to Kedarnath. In this guide, I have noted the following topics:-

• Helicopter service companies
• Documents for booking a helicopter ride
• Process of booking heli services to Kedarnath 
• Helpful tips for a hassle-free trip 
• Helicopter packages to all the Char Dhams

HELI SERVICE COMPANIES

Several companies offer heli services from Guptkashi, Sersi and Phata to Kedarnath. Each company has its helipads.

• Kestrel Aviation, Arrow Aircraft Sales and Himalayan heli services operate from Sirsi.
• Pawan Hans, Pinnacle air, Chipsan aviation, Thumby Aviation Pvt. Ltd. operate from Phata.
• Aryan aviation and Arrow Aircraft Sales fly from Guptkashi.

You can book your tickets via their online portal or from the GMVN Aviation office in Guptkashi.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR BOOKING HELI SERVICES

The online booking process is simple and requires little documentation. You need only two documents. They are –

• IDs:- You have to upload soft copies of your IDs when submitting the form. They scan these IDs at the helipad.
• Photos:- You have to upload pictures when filling out the form.

PROCESS FOR BOOKING HELI SERVICES

You have to register for the heli services. One person can register and add details of other group members. Next, you have to fill out forms about each group member. For this, you require soft copies of photos and IDs. They scan the IDs at the helipad. All passengers have to mention their weight in the forms. They weigh the passengers and the luggage at the helipad.

NOTE:- They charge extra per kilo for passengers weighing more than 80 kg.

Next, you have to select the travel date and time of your choosing. There are three types of rides. They are- same-day return, overnight stay and one-way flight.

The same-day return flights operate from 6 am to 12 pm. If you miss the given time slot, you have to wait your turn. You have three hours to visit the temple and report back for your flight. The overnight stay flights operate between 12 pm to 3 pm. Don’t lose your return flight tickets. Because without them you won’t have a seat. You have to report half an hour before the reporting time. If you don’t reach on time, your slot goes to the next customer. And you will have to wait until there is a free slot. The one-way flights operate in the morning and evening. You can book a one-way flight to or from Kedarnath. It is ideal if you want to experience helicopter rides and trekking.

Also, select the helicopter company of your choosing. They will let you know if seats are available for the given dates. After that, head to the payment portal. Upon payment, download the booking receipt. And you have successfully booked yourself a helicopter to Kedarnath.

ABOUT THE HELICOPTER RIDE

Are you going to Kedarnath? But haven’t booked yourself a helicopter ride? Well, here’s a glimpse into my helicopter ride to Kedarnath. It was a five-minute ride but well worth it.

TIPS FOR A HASSLE-FREE TRIP

Adhere to the rules for an enjoyable and hassle-free trip. I have listed a few tips based on my experience.

• Weather is unpredictable. It means flight delays or cancellations. So have buffer days in case of flight cancellations.
• Report for your flight on time. If you are late, you will have to wait until there is a free slot.
• And carry little luggage. They charge extra for heavy baggage. If you are staying overnight, bring your valuables with you. There are no locker facilities in Sirsi, Phata or Guptkashi.
• Kedarnath is at a high altitude. The temperatures are low in the evening. So proper clothing is a necessity if you are visiting overnight.
• Book your hotels and rest houses at Kedarnath in advance if you stay overnight.
• Please carry enough cash, especially smaller notes (ten, twenty, hundred) when travelling to Kedarnath. Most shops don’t accept cards and have insufficient change.
• Sersi, Phata and Guptkashi are big towns. You can find hundreds of small hotels and rest houses near your respective helipads.

HELICOPTER SERVICES TO ALL THE CHAR DHAMS

Want to visit the Char Dhams but have limited time? Then visit all the temples by helicopter. Visit the Char Dhams in just five days. Several companies are offering Char Dham helicopter packages. The tour starts and ends in Dehradun.

On the first day, you take a flight from Dehradun to Kharsali, a few km from Yamunotri. The Yamunotri temple is accessible on foot, horses, mules and palanquins. After visiting Yamunotri, return to Kharsali for an overnight stay. The following day flies from Kharsali to Harsil. Gangotri is about 25 km from Harsil and takes 1 hour to reach. After puja at Gangotri, head back to Harsil for an overnight stay. On the third day, fly from Harsil to Phata. From here, you change flights to Kedarnath. After offering prayers at Kedarnath temple, return to Guptkashi for an overnight stay. On day four, you leave for Badrinath. After visiting the temple, you have time to explore in and around Badrinath. You have now been to the Char Dhams. It’s time to head home. Day five, after a hearty breakfast, you head back to Dehradun.

These packages are ideal for a quick tour of the Char Dhams. But that’s not you? That’s ok. There are several places you can visit along with the Char Dhams. Here’s a detailed guide to the Char Dhams.

CONCLUSION

Kedarnath trek is tiring and arduous. It takes 7-8 hours to reach the top. Taking a helicopter to the top is effortless. You are in Kedarnath within a few minutes. When you reach the top, the exhilarating feeling is indescribable. Everyone should visit Kedarnath at least once. After my stay at Kedarnath, I knew I would be returning. Only next time I will be taking the one-way flight.

One-way flights are the ideal way of having the best of both worlds. You can take the helicopter to the top and then walk back down. The downhill climb is undemanding than an uphill battle.

I hope this helps you and makes booking heli services to Kedarnath easier. Also, I hope this ignites your wanderlust because

Jobs fill your pocket, adventure fills your soul

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