Kedarnath, a sacred site in India, sits at an elevation of 3,584 meters in Uttarakhand, along the banks of the Mandakini River. This temple is an important part of CharDham and Panch Kedar, and it stands as one of the 12 Jyotirlingas dedicated to Lord Shiva. For those planning a Yatra in 2025, there are three options: a 16-kilometer trek, traveling on horseback, or using helicopter services, which are the most convenient. And if you plan to do the Kedarnath Yatra by helicopter, be prepared for increased costs, as helicopter fares have surged by nearly 49% this year. Read on for more deets.
Starting September 15, 2025, new fare rates for helicopter services will come into effect, pending final approval from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) has announced these updated rates, which indicate a significant price increase.
Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket Prices Increase By INR 4000 To INR 5000
For instance, a round-trip from Guptkashi to Kedarnath will now cost INR 12,444, compared to the previous rate of around INR 8,500.
Similarly, the fare for a round trip from Phata to Kedarnath will rise to INR 8,900, up from about INR 6,500, and the Sirsi to Kedarnath round trip will increase to INR 8,500, also previously around INR 6,500. This fare hike means that passengers will face an additional cost of approximately INR 4,000 to INR 5,000 compared to earlier years.
Accompanying this fare increase, UCADA officials highlighted several safety enhancements aimed at improving passenger security.
These measures include the installation of Automatic Weather Stations at all four Char Dham sites to provide real-time weather information. Additionally, there will be PTZ cameras, air traffic control facilities, VHF communication sets, and ceilometers to enhance flight monitoring.
The establishment of two control rooms in Sahastradhara (Dehradun) and Sirsi, along with a ground control team composed of 22 operators dedicated to continuous flight tracking, signifies a comprehensive approach to safety.
Surge In Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket Prices Will Impose A Financial Strain On Pilgrims
Recent accidents involving helicopters on Badrinath and Gangotri routes have raised alarms, prompting the Uttarakhand government to form a high-level committee led by Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli to evaluate and recommend improved surveillance following DGCA’s guidance. These recommendations have directly resulted in the newly announced safety measures.
For many pilgrims, especially senior citizens and individuals with health issues, helicopter travel is not merely a luxury but often a necessity, because they cannot do the trek. The sharp increase in fares could impose a financial strain on regular pilgrims. Nevertheless, government officials assert that the enhanced safety measures will make the helicopter service more dependable, organized, and secure.
How To Book Kedarnath Helicopter Tickets
Helicopter ticket bookings will begin on September 12, 2025, at 12:00 noon for journeys taking place from September 15 to September 22, 2025. You can book the tickets here.
