GMVN Kedarnath Helicopter Online Booking

Located in Rudraprayag district, Kedarnath Temple is one of the most revered and important Shiva shrines in India. However, reaching the holy shrine requires a 16 km strenuous trek, which every pilgrim is not comfortable with. Luckily, alternative modes of transport like a helicopter are also available. To book for the same, you can use the Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) portal. Although they don’t operate the choppers directly, they undertake bookings for helicopter flights headed to Kedarnath from all the prospective helipads, such as Phata, Guptkashi, and Sersi. Read on to find all about the Kedarnath Helicopter booking by GMVN.

Operational Period

The portal stays active and open for booking from the months of late April to late October. However, it's best if you plan your trip in the months of May-June and September-October, as the weather is pleasant at Kedarnath in these windows. Also, always pick Phata or Sersi as your helipads when the weather is relatively bad.

In July-August, there's heavy rainfall, and the charter services are halted owing to safety concerns. And from November-April, the temple gates are shut because of snowfall.

How to Book Kedarnath Helicopter Ticket GMVN Online

You can book the tickets with the following simple procedure:

Visit the GMVN official portal and register using your mobile number. You can book up to 6 seats per user ID.

Thereafter, log in using the same mobile number.

Choose your preferred travel dates. Also, select whether you'll be returning on the same day or the next one.

Pick your helipad out of these three: Phata, Guptkashi, or Sersi.

Next, select your operator. There are a number of charter services that you can choose from: Pawan Hans, Himalayan Heli, Arrow Aircraft, Pawan Hans, Aryan Aviation, Heritage, Thumby Aviation, Kestrel, etc.

Select your slot against the chosen operator.

Now, fill in your personal details like name, DOB, etc. Also, upload your government-approved ID proof, such as Aadhaar, PAN, or Passport.

The last step involves payment. You can pay via a variety of methods, such as: net banking/credit/debit card.

Once your payment is successfully processed, an e-ticket will be generated. Download it and also keep a physical copy with you as it'll be required to produce at the time of boarding.

Note: Keep in mind that the passenger must weigh less than 80 kg. If they weigh more than this limit, then they'll have to pay INR 150/kg for the exceeding weight.

Essential Documents for GMVN Helicopter Booking for Kedarnath

Kindly keep the following handy:

At the time of booking, you will be asked to submit a valid ID proof. You can upload PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Passport, driving license, etc.

Carefully fill up the details asked in the form, including date of birth, gender, age, and most importantly, your name, matching with what's on your ID proof.

You can pay for only 6 tickets at a time, and for online payment, you can only use a debit card, net banking, or a credit card.

After the completion of ticket booking procedures, take out a printout of payment details and also the generated ticket, which must be produced at the time of flight.

GMVN Kedarnath Helicopter Price

The fares of the chopper depend on the route you are taking, which helipad you're picking, and most importantly, which operator you're travelling with. However, generally, the prices are in the following range:

Phata–Kedarnath

• One-Way: ₹2,399
• Round-Trip: ₹4,798
• Popular Operators: Pawan Hans, Thumby, ICPL

Sersi–Kedarnath

• One-Way: ₹2,349–2,470
• Round-Trip: ₹4,940
• Popular Operators: Heritage, Kestrel, Himalayan Heli

Guptkashi-Kedarnath

• One-Way: ₹4,275
• Round-Trip: ₹8,550
• Popular Operators: Aryan Aviation, Arrow

Additional charges are levied in case your weight exceeds 80 kg.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

In case you change your mind after booking your tickets, you can still cancel your tickets with the following refund fee structure:

• If you cancel less than 10 days before the travel date: 80% refund
• If you cancel between 2 to 9 days before the travel date: 70% refund
• If you cancel less than 1 day before the travel date: No refund

Also, if the flight gets cancelled due to bad weather or a technical glitch, you get a full refund. Please note that processing of the refund takes about 5-7 business days.

On-the-Day Protocol

Wondering what your onboarding day at the helipad looks like? Well, here's what you can expect:

• The reporting time is provided a day before the travel date. To ensure everything is executed smoothly, make sure you reach the helipad at least an hour before take-off.
• A medical and biometric check will be conducted at the helipad itself, and thereafter, you're boarded onto the chopper.
• You must declare your weight. Weighing more than 80 kg will incur extra charges.
• You'll be allowed to carry one bag onto the flight. You can carry a maximum of 5 kg onto the flight.
• The passengers who opted for the same-day return are given a time window of 2 hours to complete their Darshan and other Puja rituals. You're also provided with a VIP Darshan pass, which speeds up the whole process.

Tips for Pilgrims

These tips might come in handy for the onboarding Yatris:

• Keep tabs on the reporting time. It's usually shared a day prior to the actual trip.
• Carry light weight as it'll only help you travel with ease. In addition, only 5 kg is allowed on the flight.
• Your Chardham registration, as well as booking for the charter services, must be done in advance. Last-minute slots are very unlikely.
• Do not reach the helipad late, as there are multiple protocols, like a medical check-up up that still need to be done. Reach there at least an hour prior to the takeoff time.
• Be mentally prepared for the delay in charter services. This might happen due to rainy weather or other technical problems.
• Keep your printouts for the helicopter ticket handy once you reach the helipad.
• Do not forget to apply for the VIP Darshan slip. Try to procure it as early as possible.

GMVN offers a convenient, well-structured platform for you to book your helicopter tickets to the Kedamath Dham. With transparent fares, easy cancellation policy, and a simple process, you can easily avail your tickets for the charter services.