Char Dham Yatra with Kedarnath Helicopter
The full road yatra without its hardest day: the 16 km Kedarnath trek is replaced by an 8 minute helicopter flight from Phata or Sersi, booked and paid for inside the package. The night saved goes to Chopta meadows. Eleven days from Haridwar for pilgrims of any age.
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Char Dham Yatra with Kedarnath Helicopter Overview
The Char Dham Yatra with Kedarnath helicopter keeps everything a road yatra offers, the valleys, the confluences, Yamunotri and Gangotri by road and trek, and removes the one day that stops many pilgrims: the 16 to 18 km climb to Kedarnath. Instead you drive 20 minutes from Guptkashi to Phata or Sersi helipad, fly 8 minutes to Kedarnath, take darshan and fly back before lunch.
The helicopter ticket is inside the package price for every pilgrim, booked by us on the IRCTC Heli Yatra portal as soon as slots open, with the registration numbers we create for you. Because there is no night at Kedarnath, the plan gains a night at Chopta meadows with the optional Tungnath trek on the way to Badrinath.
Below are the helipads, timings, fares and rules for the Kedarnath helicopter, our weather backup plan, and the complete 11 day package with itinerary, hotels, prices, inclusions, exclusions and taxi fares.
₹56,900 per person, twin sharing, 6 persons in an Innova, helicopter included from Haridwar
Kedarnath Helicopter: Helipads, Timings and Rules
| Helipad | From Guptkashi | Flight time | Portal fare (return, approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phata | 20 km, 40 minutes | 8 minutes | ₹5,500 to ₹6,000 | Most slots, several operators; our first choice |
| Sersi | 25 km, 45 minutes | 8 minutes | ₹5,400 to ₹6,000 | Quieter helipad, good hotels nearby |
| Guptkashi | 5 km, 10 minutes | 10 minutes | ₹7,500 to ₹8,000 | Fewer slots; convenient for Guptkashi hotels |
- Booking. Tickets are sold only on the IRCTC Heli Yatra portal, released in phases from March. We book for every pilgrim using the registration numbers we create, and the fare is inside the package.
- Timings. Flights run from about 6.30 am to 5 pm in clear weather. We take the earliest slot available so the day is done by noon.
- Weight and baggage. Passengers above 80 kg pay an extra charge set by the portal. Only a small bag is allowed; luggage stays in the vehicle.
- Time at Kedarnath. About 1.5 to 2 hours on the ground: darshan, Bhairavnath temple and the Adi Shankaracharya samadhi. Priority darshan lines operate for helicopter passengers at most times.
- Weather backup. Fog or rain can ground flights. If the morning slot is cancelled we try the afternoon, and if the day is lost we arrange a palki or pony from Gaurikund at district rate and adjust the Chopta night. The portal refunds cancelled tickets.
- ID. Carry the same photo ID used for registration and the e-ticket on the phone and in print.
Char Dham Yatra with Kedarnath Helicopter Itinerary: Day by Day
The order of sightseeing can change with weather, road conditions, temple timings and darshan queues.
Itinerary at a Glance
| Day | Route | Distance and time | Night stay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Haridwar → Dehradun → Mussoorie → Barkot | About 200 km, 7 to 8 hours | Barkot |
| Day 2 | Barkot → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri → Barkot | 45 km drive, 6 km trek each way | Barkot |
| Day 3 | Barkot → Uttarkashi | About 80 km, 3 to 4 hours | Uttarkashi |
| Day 4 | Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri → Uttarkashi | About 100 km each way, 4 hours each way | Uttarkashi or Harsil |
| Day 5 | Uttarkashi → Tehri → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi | About 220 km, 8 to 9 hours | Guptkashi or Sitapur |
| Day 6 | Guptkashi → Phata or Sersi → Kedarnath (heli) → Guptkashi | 20 km drive, 8 minute flight each way | Guptkashi |
| Day 7 | Guptkashi → Ukhimath → Chopta | About 45 km, 2 hours, optional 3.5 km trek | Chopta |
| Day 8 | Chopta → Gopeshwar → Joshimath → Badrinath | About 150 km, 6 hours | Badrinath |
| Day 9 | Badrinath → Mana → Joshimath → Pipalkoti | About 60 km, 3 hours | Joshimath or Pipalkoti |
| Day 10 | Pipalkoti → Rudraprayag → Devprayag → Rishikesh | About 240 km, 7 to 8 hours | Rishikesh |
| Day 11 | Rishikesh → Haridwar drop | About 25 km; Delhi drop add-on 240 km | Tour ends |
Holy Places Covered
Char Dham Yatra with Kedarnath Helicopter Price Details
Starting prices per person on twin sharing. Final price depends on dates, hotel category, vehicle and group size.
| Tour name | Char Dham Yatra with Kedarnath Helicopter |
|---|---|
| Duration | 11 Days / 10 Nights |
| Route | Haridwar → Barkot → Yamunotri → Uttarkashi → Gangotri → Guptkashi → Kedarnath (helicopter) → Chopta → Badrinath → Pipalkoti → Rishikesh → Haridwar |
| Start point | Haridwar, Rishikesh or Dehradun airport; Delhi pick-up as an add-on |
| Tour price | From ₹56,900 per person (standard with helicopter, 6 persons in an Innova, helicopter included) |
Price by Hotel Category
| Hotel category | Stay and meals | Price from (per person) |
|---|---|---|
| Standard with helicopter | 2 and 3 star hotels and GMVN, breakfast and dinner, Kedarnath helicopter for every pilgrim | ₹56,900 |
| Deluxe with helicopter | Resorts and camps with heated rooms, all meals, Kedarnath helicopter, Chopta deluxe camp | ₹62,900 |
| Premium with helicopter | Best resorts, all meals, helicopter, Yamunotri palki, escort and pujas | ₹79,900 |
Price by Group Size and Vehicle
Standard with helicopter hotels. The vehicle cost is shared, so bigger groups pay less per person.
| Group size | Vehicle | Hotels | From Haridwar (per person) | From Delhi (adds 1 day) (per person) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 persons | Sedan (Dzire or Etios) | Standard | ₹64,900 | ₹70,900 |
| 4 persons | SUV (Ertiga or Marazzo) | Standard | ₹58,900 | ₹64,900 |
| 6 persons | Innova Crysta | Standard | ₹56,900 | ₹62,900 |
| 8 to 12 persons | Tempo Traveller 12 seater | Standard | ₹52,900 | ₹58,900 |
| 13 to 17 persons | Tempo Traveller 17 seater | Standard | ₹50,900 | ₹56,900 |
| 18 to 26 persons | Tempo Traveller 26 seater or mini bus | Standard | ₹48,900 | ₹54,900 |
Add-ons and Optional Charges
| Add-on | Charged | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi pick-up and drop (adds 1 day) | Per vehicle | ₹6,500 sedan, ₹8,500 SUV, ₹13,000 tempo traveller |
| Kedarnath helicopter (Phata or Sersi to Kedarnath and back) | Per person | Government portal fare, about ₹5,500 to ₹8,000 return, changes each season |
| Kedarnath same-day helicopter with VIP darshan | Per person | From ₹12,900 including helipad transfer and darshan slot |
| Pony or palki for Kedarnath and Yamunotri | Per person | Paid locally at district rates, see the trek table |
| Extra night at any halt (landslide or rest day) | Per room per night | ₹2,500 standard, ₹4,500 deluxe, ₹8,000 premium |
| Single room supplement | Per person | ₹9,900 for the full tour |
| Child 5 to 11 years with extra bed | Per child | 25% less than the adult price |
| Lunch add-on | Per person | ₹350 per lunch |
Prices are for the 2027 season and are starting prices. Peak dates in May, June and the October holidays may cost more. Helicopter fares are set by the government portal and change every season. GST is extra where applicable.
Hotels Used on the Char Dham Yatra with Kedarnath Helicopter
Hotel names are confirmed on your booking voucher. Rooms at the dhams are simple, so most comfort is at the halts below the temples.
| Night | Halt | Standard | Deluxe | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Night 1 and 2 | Barkot | Clean hotel with attached bath and hot water | Resort or camp with garden and valley view | Best available riverside resort |
| Night 3 and 4 | Uttarkashi or Harsil | Hotel in Uttarkashi town | Hotel in Uttarkashi or camp at Harsil | Harsil valley resort with apple orchards |
| Night 5 and 7 | Guptkashi or Sitapur | Hotel with attached bath | Resort with Chaukhamba view | Premium resort with spa or heated rooms |
| Night 6 | Kedarnath | GMVN dormitory or lodge near the temple | Private lodge or tent with attached bath | Premium tent or guest house, or same-day helicopter return |
| Night 8 | Badrinath | Hotel or dharamshala near the temple | Hotel with heated rooms near Tapt Kund | Best available hotel near the temple |
| Night 9 | Joshimath, Pipalkoti or Rudraprayag | Hotel in Pipalkoti | Hotel or resort in Joshimath | Resort in Joshimath or Auli |
| Night 10 | Rishikesh or Haridwar | Hotel near Tapovan or Haridwar | Riverside hotel or ashram-style resort | Luxury riverside resort |
All hotels have attached bathrooms, hot water in the morning and evening, and pure vegetarian food. At Kedarnath, electricity and hot water are limited and rooms are shared in GMVN dormitories on the standard with helicopter plan. Heated rooms are available at Badrinath, Joshimath and Guptkashi on the deluxe and premium plans. Family rooms with three or four beds can be arranged at most halts on request.
If you prefer to book the stay yourself, see Char Dham hotel booking and Kedarnath hotel booking, or ask us for a vehicle-only taxi package below.
Package Inclusions and Exclusions
Package Inclusions
- 10 nights hotel stay on twin sharing as per the category booked
- 10 breakfasts and 10 dinners, pure vegetarian
- Kedarnath helicopter ticket from Phata or Sersi to Kedarnath and back for every pilgrim, booked on the IRCTC Heli Yatra portal
- Transfer to the helipad and back, and priority darshan slot where available
- Night at Chopta with the optional Tungnath trek in place of the Kedarnath night
- Dedicated AC vehicle from Haridwar to Haridwar for the full route (AC is switched off on hill climbs)
- Uttarakhand-registered hill driver with the same vehicle for the whole tour
- Fuel, driver allowance, tolls, parking, state tax and green tax
- Uttarakhand yatra registration for every pilgrim
- Shared jeep from Sonprayag to Gaurikund and back
- Darshan, aarti and temple timing guidance by our tour coordinator on call
- Pick-up and drop at Haridwar railway station, Rishikesh or Dehradun airport
- All hotel and vehicle taxes except GST
Package Exclusions
- Train or flight tickets to Haridwar, Dehradun or Delhi
- Delhi pick-up and drop unless added
- Kedarnath helicopter tickets in the standard and deluxe plans
- Pony, palki, pithu, doli and porter charges on the treks
- VIP darshan, special puja, rudrabhishek and donation
- Lunch, tea, snacks, mineral water and any meal not listed
- Entry fees, camera fees and Mana village or Kempty Falls parking
- Room heater charges where hotels charge separately
- Medical, travel and trip cancellation insurance
- Personal expenses such as laundry, calls and tips
- Extra stay or vehicle cost due to landslide, weather, strike or road closure
- GST at the applicable rate
Char Dham Taxi Fare: Vehicle Only
Round trip for the full circuit with the same driver. Fuel, driver allowance, tolls, parking and taxes included.
| Vehicle | Seats | Suited for | Haridwar to Haridwar, 11 days | Delhi to Delhi, 12 days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan (Dzire, Etios, Aura) | 4 | Couple or 3 pilgrims with light luggage | ₹32,000 | ₹38,500 |
| SUV (Ertiga, Marazzo, Xylo) | 6 | Small family | ₹40,000 | ₹48,000 |
| Innova Crysta | 6 to 7 | Family or senior citizens who want more comfort | ₹50,000 | ₹58,000 |
| Tempo Traveller 12 seater | 12 | Joint family or small group | ₹72,000 | ₹85,000 |
| Tempo Traveller 17 seater | 17 | Group of friends or society | ₹85,000 | ₹99,000 |
| Tempo Traveller 26 seater | 26 | Large group or satsang mandal | ₹1,10,000 | ₹1,30,000 |
Only vehicles with an Uttarakhand green card and a trip card from the transport department are allowed on the yatra route, and we use those. Night driving is not allowed on the hill roads, so every day ends before dark. Each extra day costs about ₹3,500 for a sedan, ₹4,500 for an SUV or Innova and ₹7,000 for a tempo traveller. Local taxis from Sonprayag to Gaurikund are shared jeeps run by the local union and are paid on the spot.
See also Char Dham taxi booking, tempo traveller booking and Haridwar to Char Dham taxi.
Trek, Pony, Palki and Helicopter Options
Rates are set by the district administration and the government helicopter portal each season and are paid locally unless pre-booked.
| Dham | Route | Distance | Options and approximate rates |
|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | Janki Chatti to Yamunotri | 6 km each way | Pony ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 one way; palki ₹4,000 to ₹6,000 one way; pithu ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 |
| Kedarnath | Gaurikund to Kedarnath | 16 to 18 km each way | Pony ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 one way; palki ₹8,000 to ₹10,000 one way; pithu ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 |
| Kedarnath helicopter | Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi to Kedarnath | 8 to 10 minutes | About ₹2,700 to ₹3,900 one way, set by the government Heli Yatra portal |
| Gangotri and Badrinath | By road to the temple | No trek | Short walk from the parking; wheelchair help can be arranged |
The Kedarnath helicopter flies from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi helipads and the ride takes under 10 minutes. Tickets are sold only on the official IRCTC Heli Yatra portal, need the yatra registration number and a photo ID, and open in phases before the season. Weight above 80 kg is charged extra and weather can cancel flights, so keep the trek as a backup. Read our Kedarnath helicopter booking guide for the current fare and timings.
Registration and Documents Checklist
- Yatra registration. Compulsory for every pilgrim on the Uttarakhand Tourism portal. We complete it for you and send the slip on WhatsApp. Carry a printout.
- Photo ID. Aadhaar, voter ID, passport or driving licence for every traveller, original and one copy.
- Medical fitness. A doctor's certificate is advised for pilgrims above 50 and anyone with heart, blood pressure or breathing conditions. Health screening is done at the check posts.
- Helicopter tickets. Carry the IRCTC e-ticket and the same photo ID used for booking.
- Hotel vouchers. We send a single voucher with all hotel names, driver name and vehicle number before departure.
- Emergency contacts. Our coordinator's number, the Uttarakhand tourist helpline 1364 and the police helpline 112.
Travel Tips and What to Pack
- Start early every day. Hill roads have gates that close at dusk, and the Kedarnath trek should begin by 6 am.
- Go slow on altitude. Kedarnath is at about 3,580 m and Badrinath at 3,300 m. Drink water, avoid alcohol and tell the driver if you feel breathless or dizzy.
- Pack for cold and rain. Thermals, a down or fleece jacket, raincoat, warm cap, gloves, trekking shoes with grip, two pairs of socks a day, sunscreen and a torch.
- Medicines. Your regular medicines for the full trip plus a basic kit: pain relief, ORS, antacid, motion sickness tablets, band-aids and a pulse oximeter if you have one.
- Cash and network. ATMs and mobile network are unreliable beyond Uttarkashi, Guptkashi and Joshimath. Carry cash for pony, prasad and local jeeps. BSNL and Jio work best.
- Keep buffer days. Landslides and rain can block roads for a few hours or a day. Do not book a flight or train on the evening you return.
- Respect temple rules. Photography is not allowed inside the temples. Dress modestly and follow the queue system.
This is a likely schedule. The tour coordinator may adjust it for weather, road conditions, temple timings or local rules. Extra stay caused by landslides, bad weather, road closures or flight cancellations is payable by the guest.
How to Reach the Yatra Base and Best Time to Visit
| Mode | Gateway | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Air | Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (DED) | About 35 km from Rishikesh and 40 km from Haridwar; flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru and Hyderabad |
| Train | Haridwar Junction (HW) | Direct trains from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Chennai and many cities; the main yatra base |
| Train | Rishikesh, Yog Nagari Rishikesh or Dehradun | Vande Bharat and Shatabdi from Delhi to Dehradun in about 4.5 hours |
| Road | Delhi to Haridwar | About 220 km, 5 to 6 hours by car or Volvo bus from Kashmere Gate ISBT |
| Helicopter | Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi to Kedarnath | Optional sector; tickets sold only through the IRCTC Heli Yatra portal |
Month by Month
| Month | Weather | Crowd and advice |
|---|---|---|
| Late April to May | Cold nights at the dhams, pleasant days; snow still around Kedarnath | Opening days are the busiest of the year; book hotels and helicopter 2 to 3 months ahead |
| June | Warm days, cool nights; pre-monsoon showers | School holidays, very busy; expect queues at Kedarnath |
| July to August | Monsoon; heavy rain, landslides and road closures | Low crowd and low prices, but keep extra days and travel insurance |
| September to October | Clear skies, cold nights, best mountain views | Best months for the yatra; moderate crowd, pleasant walking weather |
| November | Very cold; temples close after Diwali | Only the first week or so; check the closing dates |
FAQs for Char Dham Yatra with Kedarnath Helicopter
Is the Kedarnath helicopter included in the price?
Yes. The return ticket from Phata or Sersi is inside the ₹56,900 per person price and booked by us on the IRCTC portal for every pilgrim.
How long is the helicopter ride to Kedarnath?
About 8 minutes from Phata or Sersi and 10 from Guptkashi. The whole Kedarnath visit, including darshan, takes about 4 hours from the hotel and back.
What if the helicopter is cancelled by weather?
We try the next slot; if the day is lost we arrange a palki or pony from Gaurikund at district rate and move the Chopta night. The portal refunds cancelled tickets and we pass the refund to you.
Why is there a night at Chopta?
Because you no longer sleep at Kedarnath, the plan gains a night. Chopta is on the way to Badrinath, with meadows at 2,700 m and the optional 3.5 km trek to Tungnath.
Is there a weight limit?
Passengers above 80 kg pay an extra charge set by the portal. Tell us weights at booking so the ticket is issued correctly.
Can I start from Delhi?
Yes. The 12 day plan from Delhi with the helicopter is on the Char Dham Yatra package with helicopter page, from ₹62,900.
Is registration compulsory?
Yes. Every pilgrim must register on the Uttarakhand Tourism portal and carry the slip with a photo ID. We complete the registration for you once you share names, ages and ID numbers.
What is the best time for the yatra?
May to June and September to October. July and August are monsoon months with landslide risk and slower drives. The temples close after Diwali and reopen in late April or May.
Can senior citizens do this tour?
Yes, with a slower pace. We advise a medical check before travel, the Kedarnath helicopter or palki, and an extra rest night at Guptkashi. Pilgrims above 50 may be asked for a health screening at the check posts.
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