Planning your pilgrimage to the holy shrine of Shri Kedarnath Dham this autumn? The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) in association with IRCTC has officially announced the opening date and time for the next slot of helicopter ticket bookings for October 2026.
Due to extremely high demand, chopper tickets for Kedarnath Dham sell out within minutes of opening. Here is everything you need to know about the upcoming booking window, essential rules, step-by-step booking procedures, and travel guidelines.
Important Dates and Schedule Overview
Mark your calendar and set your alarms so you don’t miss out on securing your flight to the revered shrine.
Detail | Official Announcement |
|---|---|
Booking Opening Date | 22nd September 2026 |
Booking Opening Time | 15:00 Hrs (3:00 PM IST) |
Travel Journey Dates | 1st October to 15th October 2026 |
Official Portal |
Helipads and Flight Routes
Helicopter services for Kedarnath operate mainly from three departure points in the Garhwal region. When making your reservation, you can choose from the following helipads:
Phata Helipad: Approximately 10–12 minutes flight time to Kedarnath.
Sersi Helipad: Located closest to Guptkashi, offering quick 7–10 minute flights.
Guptkashi Helipad: Around 15 minutes flight time.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Book Kedarnath Helicopter Tickets Online
To ensure a seamless booking experience on 22nd September at 3:00 PM, complete your prerequisite registration beforehand.
Step 1: Complete Char Dham Yatra Registration
Before booking helicopter tickets, every pilgrim must be registered on the official Tourist Care Uttarakhand portal.
Visit
touristcare.uttarakhand.gov.inor register via the Tourist Care Uttarakhand Mobile App.Obtain your unique Registration Number or Group ID.
Step 2: Log into IRCTC HeliYatra
Visit the official portal:
heliyatra.irctc.co.in.Create an account or log into your existing IRCTC HeliYatra account.
Step 3: Enter Registration & Journey Details
Enter your Char Dham Group ID or Registration Number.
Select your preferred Departure Helipad (Phata, Sersi, or Guptkashi).
Choose your journey date between 1st October and 15th October 2026.
Step 4: Passenger Details & Slot Selection
Select available time slots.
Enter details for all passengers (Name, Age, Gender, Weight, and ID Proof number).
Step 5: Complete Payment
Pay using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI.
Once successful, download and print your official IRCTC HeliYatra Ticket.
Essential Travel & Booking Guidelines
To avoid inconvenience or fraud during your pilgrimage, keep these crucial tips in mind:
Beware of Fake Booking Websites: Tickets are strictly issued through the official IRCTC HeliYatra website (
heliyatra.irctc.co.in). Do not trust unauthorized agents, social media groups, or third-party websites claiming guaranteed tickets.Aadhaar / ID Verification: Carrying the original government photo ID used during booking is mandatory at the time of boarding.
Weight Restrictions: Individual passenger weight will be verified at the helipad. Standard baggage allowance is usually restricted to 2–5 kg per person.
Weather Dependability: Helicopter operations are subject to weather conditions in the high-altitude Himalayas. Keep buffer time in your itinerary in case of weather delays.
Weather and Preparation for Kedarnath in October
October brings crisp, clear autumn skies to the Himalayas, making for stunning morning vistas of the Kedarnath peak. However, temperatures drop rapidly, especially after sunset.
Clothing Requirements: Heavy woolens, thermals, windproof jackets, warm gloves, and sturdy footwear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I book Kedarnath helicopter tickets on the spot?
No, offline on-the-spot bookings are generally not available. All helicopter bookings must be done online prior to your travel through the IRCTC HeliYatra portal.
2. Is Char Dham Yatra Registration mandatory for helicopter booking?
Yes, you cannot search for or book helicopter slots on the IRCTC portal without a valid Registration Number or Group ID from Uttarakhand Tourism.
3. What happens if my flight is cancelled due to bad weather?
If flights are cancelled due to adverse weather or technical reasons, passengers receive a full refund processed through the official portal as per UCADA guidelines.
Plan Your Spiritual Journey Today
With booking opening on 22nd September 2026 at 15:00 hrs, ensure your Char Dham registration is complete beforehand so you are ready when the booking portal goes live. Secure your chopper tickets for a comfortable and memorable journey to Shri Kedarnath Dham! Book Your Tour With Chardham Taxi Services.
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