The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) opened bookings for helicopter services to Kedarnath Yatra today, for journey starting May 2 to May 31, 2025. These bookings can only be made on Heliyatra by IRCTC's official website. However, before booking the helicopter services, pilgrims planning the journey must first register for the Kedarnath Yatra at the official Uttarakhand tourism government portal.
First, register on the official Uttarakhand Tourism website. Those with existing accounts can log in using their credentials.
Select the start and end dates of the tour, along with mentioning the number of travellers opting for the journey.
Provide the travellers' details and download the Yatra letter to complete the registration process. This registration is mandatory for booking helicopter services to Kedarnath in Uttarakhand.
Head to the Heliyatra portal to create an account. An OTP verification on your mobile number and email ID verifies the details provided.
Log in using these newly created credentials.
Key in the previously received Yatra registration number and submit.
Next, choose the preferred date and time slot for the helicopter services, along with the number of travellers.
Choose the payment method and make the payment to complete the booking.
Keep the confirmation received handy when going on your helicopter services.
Nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas at an altitude of 3,580m, Kedarnath is an ancient temple with exquisite architecture. It makes up the third stop on the iconic Char Dham Yatra, which begins at Yamunotri, goes to Gangotri, then Kedarnath and finally, Badrinath.
The Kedarnath Temple is built of extremely large but evenly shaped grey stone slabs. A conical rock information inside the temple is believed to be the form of Hindu deity Shiva. The site also has the distinction of being one of 12 "Jyotirlingas" in the country.
A journey to Kedarnath is both physically and mentally tiring. The Kedarnath trek is almost 16km long and starts from Gauri Kund. The difficulty increases as the trek curves uphill after the first five-six km. Accordingly, your preparation should start one month before the journey. Brisk walking, light jogging and breathing exercises are ways you can prepare for the difficult trek.
You will want to take photos nearly every minute during your trek to Kedarnath due to the beauty of the Garhwal Himalayas and the surrounding landscape. However, it’s crucial to do so respectfully. Always seek permission before photographing locals, and refrain from intruding on private moments.
The fragile ecosystem should also be treated with respect. This translates to carrying reusable water bottles, avoiding single-use plastics, and carrying your trash with you until you reach a proper disposal site like a rubbish bin. This also extends to keeping noise pollution at a minimum by speaking in normal, soft tones and not playing loud music.
The trek to the temple is long and arduous and you will be physically worn by the end of it. To keep your health and spirits up, it is advisable to keep munching on light but satiating snacks like dry food, peanuts, dates, chocolates and energy bars. Keep yourself hydrated, too.
There are plenty of accommodation options for visitors to choose from at Kedarnath. Ashrams and guesthouses offer a comfortable stay while those seeking a more rustic experience can opt for tented accommodations. You can also consider a stay at the underground Rudra Cave. Remember to book beforehand as demand for lodging is high during the Char Dham Yatra.
It is important to carry physical currency as the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) system has limited reach in the town. ATMs are available but can stop working out of the blue or have long queues of people waiting to use them.
Carry essential items such as sweaters, fleece jackets, thermals, woollen caps, proper footwear, gloves, ID cards, raincoats, first-aid kits, sunscreen and a power bank. A battery-operated torch can also come in handy. Avoid travelling during the monsoon season as rockfalls and landslides can trap you for days at Kedarnath. Follow official guidelines and keep up to date with the weather and news.
This story was first published on May 14, 2024; and it has since been updated.