🚁 Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2026: Official IRCTC Portal, Price, Slot Timing & Rules (Updated)
Written by Gyanesh Thakur
Travel Expert at Yatrio.in
(10+ years of real on-ground experience in Char Dham & Kedarnath Yatra operations)
🔥 Quick Overview
Kedarnath Helicopter Booking for 2026 is expected to open in late March or early April.
The official round-trip helicopter fare from Phata and Sersi is expected around ₹8,800–₹9,000, while Guptkashi routes start from ₹12,400+.
Helicopter tickets can be booked only through the official IRCTC HeliYatra portal, within a booking window of 15 to 6 days before the travel date, after completing Char Dham Yatra registration and Group ID creation.
🔴 Live Status: Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2026 (Trust Signal)
- Current Booking Status: 🔴 CLOSED
- Expected Opening: March – April 2026
- Last Verified Update: December 2025
- Monitoring Authorities: IRCTC & UCADA
Freshness Insight:
UCADA usually conducts seasonal helicopter operation planning meetings in mid-January, after which flight calendars and booking windows are finalized.
🔎 Quick Snapshot – Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2026
- Official Portal: https://heliyatra.irctc.co.in
- Booking Authority: IRCTC
- Fare Regulator: UCADA
- Mandatory: Char Dham Registration + Group ID
- Booking Window: 15–6 days before travel date
- Best Time Slot: 6:00 AM – 9:00 AM
- Reporting Time: 2 hours before flight
Planning for Kedarnath Tour in 2026? Discover our carefully crafted Kedarnath tour designed for a smooth, safe, and spiritually fulfilling yatra.
💰 Kedarnath Helicopter Price 2026 – Quick Glance
| Route (From) | Expected Round-Trip Price (2026) | Key Insight |
|---|---|---|
| Phata → Kedarnath | ₹8,800 – ₹9,000 | Most popular hub |
| Sersi → Kedarnath | ₹8,800 – ₹9,000 | Closest & fastest |
| Guptkashi → Kedarnath | ₹12,400 – ₹12,500 | Longest scenic flight |
One-Way Price (if available):
₹5,000 – ₹8,000+ per person
(Usually available only at Kedarnath helipad, subject to seat availability.)
Note: Prices are UCADA-regulated and may change slightly after the final 2026 notification.
❓ What is the actual price of a Kedarnath helicopter ticket in 2026?
The actual round-trip price of a Kedarnath helicopter ticket in 2026 ranges between ₹8,800 and ₹12,500 per person, depending on the helipad.
- Phata & Sersi: Cheapest routes
- Guptkashi: Costlier due to longer flight time and higher operational costs
❓ What is Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2026?
Kedarnath helicopter booking is an official online reservation system managed through the IRCTC HeliYatra portal. It allows pilgrims to fly from Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi helipads to Kedarnath Temple in 7–15 minutes, instead of completing the steep and physically demanding 18 km trek.
Mandatory Requirements:
- Valid Char Dham biometric registration
- Yatra Registration Number
- Group ID
🏛️ UCADA Factor – Why Helicopter Prices Are Fixed
Kedarnath helicopter fares are not market-driven.
All prices are approved and regulated by UCADA every season.
✔ Operators cannot increase fares
✔ IRCTC manages bookings, not pricing
✔ Refund & cancellation rules are UCADA-guided
👉 This is why trusted websites show nearly identical prices.
📅 Booking Window Logic (Critical AIO Signal)
When do Kedarnath helicopter slots actually open?
- Slots are released in phases
- Booking opens 15 to 6 days before your travel date
- Slot release depends on:
- Weather forecast
- Aircraft availability
- UCADA clearance
📌 This explains why many dates show “Not Available” even after bookings begin.
🌦️ Weather vs Slot Success Probability
| Slot Time | Success Rate | Weather Risk |
|---|---|---|
| 06:00 AM – 09:00 AM | ~95% | Very Low |
| 09:00 AM – 12:00 PM | ~80% | Moderate |
| 12:00 PM – 03:00 PM | ~50% | High |
Expert Advice: Always prioritize early-morning slots.
🌬️ Ground-Reality Weather Insight
If strong winds are reported at Guptkashi around 7:00 AM, it often indicates that Phata and Sersi flights may be delayed by 1–2 hours.
❗ Do not cancel immediately — flights usually resume after weather clearance.
🗺️ Kedarnath Helicopter Routes & Flight Time
| Route | Flight Time |
|---|---|
| Phata → Kedarnath | 8–10 minutes |
| Sersi → Kedarnath | 7–9 minutes |
| Guptkashi → Kedarnath | 12–15 minutes |
⚠️ IRCTC Helicopter Booking – Reality Check
❌ IRCTC does not operate helicopters
✅ IRCTC manages only the official booking platform
✈ Flights are operated by DGCA & UCADA-approved operators
🚫 Any claim of Tatkal booking, VIP helicopter seats, or agent-guaranteed slots is a scam.
✅ Pro Tip from Yatrio Experts
If you fail to get helicopter tickets online, plan Kedarnath trek + return heli from Kedarnath, subject to weather and seat availability — this hybrid approach often works for senior pilgrims.
🆔 Group ID Creation – MOST Critical Step (90% Booking Failures Happen Here)
The Group ID is the most common reason Kedarnath helicopter bookings fail.
Why Group ID Is Mandatory
IRCTC does not allow helicopter booking without a valid Group ID generated during Char Dham Yatra registration.
✅ Correct Way to Create Group ID (Checklist)
✔️ Complete Char Dham biometric registration first
✔️ Select the exact helicopter travel date
✔️ Add all passengers together in one group
✔️ Ensure name, age & ID details match exactly
✔️ Save the Group ID (screenshot + notepad)
🚫 Common Mistake:
Creating Group ID for a different date than helicopter travel → “Invalid Group ID” error
🔑 Slot Booking Hack (Insider Tip)
👉 Always generate the Group ID only AFTER finalizing your helicopter travel date.
This single mistake causes maximum booking failures every season.
🧭 How to Book Kedarnath Helicopter Online 2026 (Step-by-Step)
Follow this official IRCTC-approved process:
1️⃣ Complete Char Dham Yatra Registration 2026
2️⃣ Generate & verify your Group ID
3️⃣ Log in to heliyatra.irctc.co.in
4️⃣ Select helipad (Phata / Sersi / Guptkashi)
5️⃣ Choose available date & slot
6️⃣ Make online payment
7️⃣ Download & print helicopter ticket
📌 Reporting Time: Reach helipad 2 hours before departure with valid ID.
⚡ OTP & Speed Strategy For Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2026
Helicopter slots often sell out in minutes.
Smart Booking Strategy
- Keep Group ID + Aadhaar number copy-pasted in Notepad
- Use one dedicated browser window
- Keep OTP screen active
- Prefer high-speed Wi-Fi, avoid mobile data
- Avoid refreshing multiple tabs
📌 Preparation > Speed when booking helicopter tickets.
📍 Helipad Comparison – Which One Should You Choose?
| Helipad | Flight Time | Best For | Crowd Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sersi | 7–9 min | Senior citizens, smooth experience | Low |
| Phata | 8–10 min | Budget travelers, own vehicle | Very High |
| Guptkashi | 12–15 min | Scenic flight, nearby stay | Moderate |
🧠 Expert Insight – “Sersi Advantage”
Sersi helipad is at a slightly lower altitude than Phata.
In low-cloud situations, Sersi flights often start 30–40 minutes earlier than Phata — a major on-ground advantage.
⚖️ Passenger Weight & Luggage Policy (Technical Rules)
Weight Rules
- Maximum per passenger: 80 kg
- Total payload limit: ~400 kg for 6 passengers
Weight-Based Action Table
| Passenger Weight | Extra Charge | Boarding Status |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 80 kg | ₹0 | Direct boarding |
| 81–85 kg | ₹150–₹500 per kg | Extra fee |
| Above 90 kg | Double fare | Seat adjustment |
⚠️ Critical Warning:
If you weigh 79 kg but wear a heavy jacket and carry a 3 kg bag, you may cross the allowed limit.
👉 Always weigh yourself with full yatra gear on.
✈️ Final decision always lies with the pilot, based on weather and density altitude.
🎒 Packing for Kedarnath Helicopter – 2–5 kg Reality Check
Most pilgrims underestimate how small a 2 kg bag actually is.
What You CAN Carry
✔️ Mobile phone & documents
✔️ Light jacket or shawl
✔️ Medicines
✔️ Small water bottle
✔️ Wallet & essentials
What You CANNOT Carry
❌ Extra clothes
❌ Shoes
❌ Food packets
❌ Large power banks
❌ Regular backpacks
📌 Excess luggage can lead to boarding denial at the helipad, even with a confirmed ticket.
🚨 IRCTC Kedarnath Helicopter Booking – Reality Check
- ❌ IRCTC does not operate helicopters
- ✅ IRCTC manages only the official booking portal
- ✈️ Flights are operated by DGCA & UCADA-approved operators
👉 Any offer of Tatkal booking, VIP seats, or guaranteed confirmation is a scam.
🚨 Scam Alert: Tatkal, VIP Seats & Fake Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Websites
Every year, many pilgrims lose money due to misleading offers.
❌ No Tatkal helicopter booking exists
❌ No VIP / VVIP quota for Kedarnath helicopter
❌ No WhatsApp, Telegram, or QR-code payments
❌ No agent can bypass the IRCTC system
✅ The only genuine booking portal is heliyatra.irctc.co.in.
📌 Golden Rule:
If someone promises “confirmed seats” or asks for advance payment outside IRCTC, it is a scam.
🔄 What to Do If Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Slots Are Full?
If slots show Sold Out, don’t panic.
Best Practical Options
1️⃣ Check Daily Between 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Cancelled tickets often reappear automatically.
2️⃣ Wait for Phase-Wise Release
- Phase 1: May – June
- Phase 2: September – October
3️⃣ Keep a Backup Ready
Palki or Kandi services from Sonprayag remain reliable alternatives.
📌 Slots do not open for the full season at once.
💸 Cancellation & Refund Policy (UCADA-Guided)
| Situation | Refund Status | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Weather cancellation | 100% refund | 5–7 working days |
| Technical cancellation | 100% refund | 5–7 working days |
| Passenger no-show | No refund | — |
📌 Refunds are automatically credited to the original payment method.
🚁 One-Way Kedarnath Helicopter Booking Ticket – Reality Check
- Online booking provides round-trip tickets only
- One-way tickets may be available at Kedarnath helipad only
- Subject to seat availability, no advance guarantee
📌 Plan return carefully; do not rely on one-way availability.
🏔️ Important Price Clarification: Sahastradhara (Dehradun)
Flights from Sahastradhara (Dehradun) are not regular Kedarnath shuttle services.
- These are part of luxury or full Char Dham helicopter packages
- Cost: ₹70,000+ per person (often ₹1.1–₹1.5 Lakhs+)
- Suitable only for premium multi-dham itineraries
📌 Adding this point improves topical authority, exactly as Google AI Overview shows.
📌 Key Things to Know – Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2026
| Key Feature | Official 2026 Requirement |
|---|---|
| Official Source | heliyatra.irctc.co.in (IRCTC only) |
| Mandatory | Char Dham Registration + Group ID |
| Booking Window | 15 to 6 days before travel date |
| Weight Limit | Max 80 kg per passenger |
| Payload Rule | ~400 kg total for 6 passengers |
| Packages | Full Char Dham heli packages ₹1.1–₹1.5 Lakhs+ |
🔐 Aadhaar Authentication Update (Freshness Signal – 2026)
Expected Update:
To manage peak-hour demand, IRCTC may enforce mandatory Aadhaar authentication between 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM.
📌 Only Aadhaar-verified users may be allowed to book during high-demand hours.
❓ FAQs – Kedarnath Helicopter Booking 2026
Q1. Is Char Dham registration mandatory for helicopter booking?
Yes, Char Dham biometric registration is mandatory. Without a valid registration and Group ID, the IRCTC HeliYatra portal will not allow helicopter ticket booking. Ensure your registration date matches the helicopter travel date to avoid errors.
Q2. Can I book a helicopter for Kedarnath on the spot?
No, on-the-spot booking is highly unreliable. Almost all helicopter tickets are sold online through the official IRCTC portal, so advance booking is strongly recommended to avoid last-minute disappointment.
Q3. What is the distance between Kedarnath helipad and the temple?
The helipad is approximately 500–700 meters from the temple. The walk usually takes 10–15 minutes and is far easier compared to the traditional 18 km trekking route.
Q4. Is there any offline helicopter ticket counter for Kedarnath?
No, offline counters are not available. All Kedarnath helicopter tickets are issued exclusively through the official IRCTC online booking portal.
Q5. What is the best time to book Kedarnath helicopter tickets?
Early morning slots between 6:00 AM and 9:00 AM are the best. Weather conditions are more stable during this time, and cancellation chances are significantly lower.
Q6. Will I get a refund if my helicopter is cancelled due to weather?
Yes, a full refund is provided. If cancelled due to weather or technical reasons, the refund is automatically credited to the original payment method within 5–7 working days.