Kedarnath Dham
by Helicopter 2026
The Highest Jyotirlinga - Sacred Abode of Lord Shiva
About Kedarnath Dham
Reaching Kedarnath by helicopter means a 7-minute IRCTC sector from Sersi, Phata or Guptkashi to the Kedarnath helipad, replacing the 16km foot trek up from Gaurikund. From the helipad it is a 500-metre paved walk to the temple sanctum. Saffron Chariot books the IRCTC seats on this sector through the official heliyatra portal as part of every Char Dham helicopter package, and pre-coordinates VIP darshan slots with the Badrinath-Kedarnath Temple Committee so darshan completes in 20-40 minutes instead of the 4-8 hour general queue. For the deeper religious context, the Pandava-era origin story, the Adi Shankaracharya reconstruction and the architecture of the sanctum, see our Kedarnath Temple destination guide.
Spiritual Highlight
VIP darshan is bundled into every package: priority temple entry, the optional Mahabhishek puja booking handled in advance with the priest committee, and the prasad collection done by our ground team while you are inside the sanctum. Committee-set sponsored darshan rates start around ₹2,100-₹4,500 per person depending on whether you add the Mahabhishek bath of the lingam.
Nearby Attractions
- Bhairav Temple - 5 min walk from main temple, included in helicopter day timing
- Adi Shankaracharya Samadhi - directly behind the main temple, 10 min if requested
- Helipad-to-temple paved path - 500m, gentle uphill, accessible for most pilgrims
How We Get You to Kedarnath by Helicopter
Our DGCA-approved helicopter operations bring you directly to Kedarnath - no mountain roads, no trekking risk.
Dehradun Departure
Your helicopter departs from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun. Our ground team briefs you on the day's journey and assists with boarding.
Helipad Arrival
Helicopter lands at Sersi Helipad → Shuttle to Kedarnath. Spectacular Himalayan aerial views throughout the flight - a memory in itself.
Temple Transfer
~500m on paved path from shuttle landing to temple. Our ground team walks with you throughout.
VIP Darshan
Pre-arranged VIP entry. Darshan in 20-40 minutes - not the 3-6 hour general queue. Unhurried, peaceful, complete.
Best Time to Visit Kedarnath
May
Temple opens. Peak demand. Lush green valleys. Best for families - manageable weather, full facilities.
Peak SeasonJune
Busy but accessible. Pre-monsoon weather begins late June. Book well in advance.
July - August
Monsoon season. High weather cancellation risk. Not recommended for helicopter yatra.
AvoidSeptember
Post-monsoon. Crystal clear skies. Fewer crowds. Often the best helicopter views of the season.
October
Excellent weather. Temple closes late October / early November. Last chance for the season.
Packages That Include Kedarnath
Char Dham 5N/6D - Standard
5 Nights / 6 Days · Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Return helicopter on all 4 Dhams
- VIP Darshan at all 4 temples
- 5 nights in 3-star hotels
- All meals (vegetarian)
Char Dham 5N/6D - Premium
5 Nights / 6 Days · Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Return helicopter on all 4 Dhams
- Priority VIP Darshan at all 4 temples
- 5 nights in 4-star hotels
- All meals (vegetarian, Jain on request)
Do Dham Helicopter - Kedarnath & Badrinath
3 Nights / 4 Days · Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Return helicopter on Kedarnath & Badrinath
- VIP Darshan at both temples
- 3 nights in quality hotels
- All meals (vegetarian)
Char Dham 9N/10D - by Road
9 Nights / 10 Days · Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Ex-Dehradun Airport or Haridwar Railway Station transfers
- Accommodation for all 9 nights
- Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels
- All toll, parking, and driver allowance
Char Dham 10N/11D - Ex-Delhi (with Kedarnath Helicopter)
10 Nights / 11 Days · Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Ex-Delhi airport or railway station pickup and drop
- Accommodation for all 10 nights (Haridwar x2, Barkot x2, Uttarkashi x2, Guptkashi x2, Badrinath x1, Rudraprayag x1)
- Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels
- All toll, parking, and driver allowance
Do Dham Same-Day Helicopter - Kedarnath & Badrinath
1 Day · Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Round-trip helicopter charter from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun
- Sahastradhara → Kedarnath → Sirsi → Badrinath → Sahastradhara routing
- VIP darshan at both Kedarnath and Badrinath
- Lunch and breakfast at Badrinath
Do Dham 5N/6D - Kedarnath & Badrinath by Road
5 Nights / 6 Days · Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Ex-Dehradun Airport or Haridwar Railway Station transfers
- Accommodation for all 5 nights (Guptkashi x2, Kedarnath x1, Badrinath x1, Rudraprayag x1)
- Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels
- All toll, parking, and driver allowance
Char Dham 8N/9D - Ex-Haridwar (with Kedarnath Helicopter)
8 Nights / 9 Days · Yamunotri → Gangotri → Kedarnath → Badrinath
- Ex-Haridwar or Dehradun Airport transfers
- Accommodation for all 8 nights
- Daily breakfast and dinner at hotels
- All toll, parking, and driver allowance
Frequently asked about Kedarnath Dham
Where is Kedarnath Dham located and at what altitude?
Kedarnath Dham sits at 3,584m (11,755 ft) in Uttarakhand, India. The nearest helipad is Sersi Helipad → Shuttle to Kedarnath. From the helipad, ~500m on paved path from shuttle landing to temple
When does Kedarnath Dham temple open and close in 2026?
Kedarnath Dham temple opens around May (exact date announced Feb-Mar) 2026 (date set annually by the temple committee) and closes around November (Diwali or Bhai Dooj) 2026 for the winter season. Outside these months the deity moves to its winter abode and worship continues there.
What is the spiritual significance of Kedarnath Dham?
VIP darshan is bundled into every package: priority temple entry, the optional Mahabhishek puja booking handled in advance with the priest committee, and the prasad collection done by our ground team while you are inside the sanctum. Committee-set sponsored darshan rates start around ₹2,100-₹4,500 per person depending on whether you add the Mahabhishek bath of the lingam.
What is the best time to visit Kedarnath Dham?
The best months to visit Kedarnath Dham are May, June, September, October. May is the peak season - book 2-3 months ahead. Monsoon months (typically July and August) reduce helicopter operations significantly.
How do I reach Kedarnath Dham by helicopter?
Helicopters depart from Sahastradhara Helipad in Dehradun and land at Sersi Helipad → Shuttle to Kedarnath. ~500m on paved path from shuttle landing to temple Our ground team accompanies pilgrims throughout. The full Char Dham helicopter yatra covers Kedarnath as part of the 5 Nights / 6 Days circuit alongside the other three Dhams.
Is Kedarnath Dham suitable for senior pilgrims and travellers with health concerns?
Kedarnath is the highest point on the Char Dham circuit at 3,584m - the altitude most likely to cause AMS symptoms. Our itinerary visits Kedarnath on Day 4, after your body has acclimatised at lower dham altitudes. Our team carries emergency oxygen at the helipad and temple.