Kedarnath Helicopter Fare Hike: ₹5,000 Extra, 49% Increase Announced for 2025
Pilgrimage season brings both spiritual blessings and sometimes, unwelcome surprises. The Kedarnath Dham helicopter service, a lifeline for lakhs of devotees every year, has become significantly more expensive in 2025. The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has announced a 49% increase in helicopter fares to Kedarnath, shocking pilgrims who rely on this service during the Char Dham Yatra season.
Starting 15 September 2025 (subject to approval by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation – DGCA), the new rates will be enforced. This means that devotees will now have to spend nearly ₹4,000 to ₹5,000 more than previous years to reach Kedarnath by helicopter.
New Fare Rates for Kedarnath 2025
As per the revised fare chart released by UCADA, the new round-trip ticket prices are as follows:
- Guptkashi to Kedarnath: ₹12,444 (earlier around ₹8,500)
- Phata to Kedarnath: ₹8,900 (earlier around ₹6,500)
- Sirsi to Kedarnath: ₹8,500 (earlier around ₹6,500)
This sharp price hike in Kedarnath helicopter tickets is being justified by authorities as a step to improve safety, technology, and ground control systems in the high-altitude Himalayan terrain.
Online Booking of Kedarnath Helicopter Tickets
According to UCADA, IRCTC’s official website will begin online ticket booking for Kedarnath helicopters from 10 September 2025.
The first helicopter flights of the new Kedarnath Yatra season are also expected to begin from 15 September 2025.
Devotees are advised to book tickets only through IRCTC’s official portal to avoid fraud, as the demand for seats is extremely high every year.
Why Have Kedarnath Helicopter Fares Increased?
The CEO of UCADA, Ashish Chauhan, stated that the fare revision is necessary due to the implementation of new safety measures and advanced technology. Recent years have witnessed helicopter accidents in Badrinath and Gangotri routes, prompting DGCA to instruct the state government to upgrade safety standards.
Some of the new developments include:
- Installation of Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) across all Char Dham Yatra routes.
- Deployment of PTZ cameras, Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems, VHF communication sets, and ceilometers for real-time monitoring.
- Establishment of two advanced control rooms – one in Sahastradhara, Dehradun, and another in Sirsi.
- Appointment of 22 ground control operators to monitor helicopter flights and enhance safety.
These upgrades aim to make Kedarnath helicopter travel safer, more reliable, and better organized, though at a higher cost to pilgrims.
Impact on Devotees and Pilgrimage
Every year, lakhs of pilgrims visit Kedarnath Temple, one of the holiest shrines of Lord Shiva and part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. For many devotees, especially the elderly, differently-abled, or those suffering from health conditions, the helicopter service to Kedarnath is not just a convenience but a necessity.
The sudden increase in helicopter ticket prices means that ordinary pilgrims will have to spend much more to complete their yatra.
- For example, a family of four flying from Guptkashi to Kedarnath will now spend nearly ₹50,000 on helicopter tickets alone, compared to about ₹34,000 earlier.
- Senior citizens and budget travelers may find this fare hike especially burdensome.
However, the Uttarakhand government maintains that the improved safety infrastructure will ensure a more secure journey, reducing the risk of accidents in the treacherous Himalayan weather conditions.
The Importance of Helicopter Services in Kedarnath Yatra
The trek to Kedarnath Temple is about 16 km from Gaurikund. The path is steep, challenging, and situated at high altitude (3,583 meters). While many pilgrims prefer to trek, pony rides, palanquins, and helicopter services remain popular alternatives.
For elderly devotees or those with health concerns, the Kedarnath helicopter ride is often the only viable way to reach the shrine.
This makes the fare hike a matter of serious concern, as it could limit access for economically weaker devotees, even though the government insists safety upgrades are in everyone’s interest.
Safety Over Cost – Government’s Stand
The DGCA’s safety directives came after multiple incidents, including helicopter crashes in the Badrinath and Gangotri regions. A high-level committee chaired by Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli reviewed the risks and recommended advanced safety protocols, which have now been implemented.
According to authorities, these changes will:
- Improve real-time weather tracking.
- Enhance communication systems between pilots and ground staff.
- Allow better air traffic management in the Himalayan skies.
- Provide continuous surveillance of flights, reducing the risk of accidents.
Thus, while devotees will have to pay more, the value proposition lies in improved safety and better-managed operations.
FAQs on Kedarnath Helicopter Fare Hike 2025
1. What is the new fare for Kedarnath helicopter tickets in 2025?
The fares have increased by 49%. Round-trip fares are now ₹12,444 from Guptkashi, ₹8,900 from Phata, and ₹8,500 from Sirsi.
2. From when will the new Kedarnath helicopter rates apply?
The new fares will be applicable from 15 September 2025, subject to final approval by DGCA.
3. Where can devotees book Kedarnath helicopter tickets?
Pilgrims can book tickets only on IRCTC’s official website, starting 10 September 2025.
4. Why has the Kedarnath helicopter fare increased?
The fare hike is due to new safety measures, installation of automatic weather stations, advanced ATC systems, and establishment of two control rooms for flight monitoring.
5. Is the Kedarnath helicopter service safe now?
Yes. With upgraded technology, ground control systems, and DGCA-supervised safety protocols, the helicopter service is expected to be safer and more reliable than before.
Book Your Char Dham Yatra with YatraKey
If you are planning to embark on the sacred Char Dham Yatra 2025, covering Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri, look no further than YatraKey, a trusted local travel agency based in Haridwar, Uttarakhand. Known for its affordable packages, personalized itineraries, and expert guidance, YatraKey ensures that every devotee experiences a safe, comfortable, and spiritually enriching journey.
With YatraKey, you get:
- Customizable Char Dham Yatra packages tailored to your budget and preferences.
- Assistance in helicopter ticket booking for Kedarnath and other pilgrimage services.
- Experienced local guides who provide authentic spiritual insights and ensure your journey is hassle-free.
- 24/7 customer support, ensuring peace of mind throughout your trip.
- Transparent pricing with no hidden charges, making your pilgrimage both affordable and reliable.
Whether you wish to travel by road, helicopter, or a mix of both, YatraKey’s team helps you plan the best route, accommodation, and travel arrangements for a smooth and memorable yatra.
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