Kedarnath: Devotees planning to visit Kedarnath this year will face a sharp rise in Kedarnath helicopter fares. The Uttarakhand authorities have increased prices by nearly 49% to fund advanced safety systems and better flight monitoring.
The Kedarnath Yatra is one of India’s most important pilgrimages as every year, thousands of pilgrims take the tough trek to the shrine. Many, especially the elderly and unwell, rely on helicopters to avoid the long, challenging route.
New Helicopter Fares for 2025 Yatra
- Guptkashi–Kedarnath (Round trip): Rs 12,444 (Earlier Rs 8,500)
- Phata–Kedarnath (Round trip): Rs 8,900 (Earlier Rs 6,500)
- Sirsi–Kedarnath (Round trip): Rs 8,500 (Earlier Rs 6,500)
Pilgrims will now pay an extra Rs 4,000–5,000. Online booking through IRCTC starts on September 10, 2025, and fares will be applied from September 15, after DGCA approval.
Enhanced Safety Measures Introduced
Officials say the hike comes with major upgrades:
- Automatic Weather Stations at all four Char Dham locations for real-time updates.
- PTZ cameras, ATC, VHF sets, and ceilometers for flight tracking.
- Two control rooms at Sahastradhara (Dehradun) and Sirsi.
- A ground team of 22 operators to monitor flights continuously.
The new measures follow safety concerns after past helicopter accidents on other Char Dham routes. A high-level committee led by Home Secretary Shailesh Bagauli recommended tighter surveillance.
Officials insist the fare rise will make Kedarnath helicopter fares services safer, more organized, and reliable. While some pilgrims may feel the extra cost, helicopters remain a vital option for seniors and those with health issues. As the yatra season begins on September 15, 2025, all eyes are on how these changes will impact travel and safety this year.
