Swati Kumari
Senior Travel Operations & Ticketing
Ek Dham
Ek Dham Yatra - Shri Kedarnath - 3N/4D
Haridwar Guptkashi Sonprayag Gaurikund Kedarnath Haridwar
Ek Dham Kedarnath 3N/4D ₹10,299
4N/5D ex-Delhi ₹12,185 Single-dham road yatra to Lord Shiva at Kedarnath - one of the 12 Jyotirlingas. Mandatory 16 km trek from Gaurikund (pony / palki / heli shuttle at own cost).
₹10,299 per person (Standard, 12 pax Tempo) - scales with group size and tier
Pricing matrix - per person (INR)
Four hotel tiers - Standard, Deluxe, Luxury, Premium - across group sizes from 2 pax to 24 pax. Prices are per person and include transport, accommodation, daily breakfast and dinner, tolls, parking, driver allowance, and taxes. Pony / palki / porter / helicopter shuttle on the Kedarnath trek are at own cost.
| Group size | Transport | Standard | Deluxe | Luxury | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 02 Pax | Indigo / Dzire | ₹15,015 | ₹15,400 | ₹16,748 | ₹18,365 |
| 02 Pax | Innova | ₹20,790 | ₹20,900 | ₹22,523 | ₹24,140 |
| 04 Pax | Innova | ₹13,860 | ₹14,300 | ₹15,593 | ₹17,210 |
| 06 Pax | Innova | ₹11,550 | ₹12,100 | ₹13,283 | ₹14,900 |
| 06 Pax | Tempo | ₹13,668 | ₹14,117 | ₹15,400 | ₹17,017 |
| 08 Pax | Tempo | ₹11,983 | ₹12,513 | ₹13,716 | ₹15,333 |
| 10 Pax | Tempo | ₹10,973 | ₹11,550 | ₹12,705 | ₹14,322 |
| 12 Pax | Tempo | ₹10,299 | ₹10,908 | ₹12,031 | ₹13,648 |
| 14 Pax | Tempo + Dzire | ₹10,973 | ₹11,550 | ₹12,705 | ₹14,322 |
| 14 Pax | Tempo + Innova | ₹11,798 | ₹12,336 | ₹13,530 | ₹15,147 |
| 16 Pax | 02 Tempo | ₹11,983 | ₹12,513 | ₹13,716 | ₹15,333 |
| 18 Pax | 02 Tempo | ₹11,422 | ₹11,978 | ₹13,154 | ₹14,771 |
| 20 Pax | 02 Tempo | ₹10,973 | ₹11,550 | ₹12,705 | ₹14,322 |
| 22 Pax | 02 Tempo | ₹10,605 | ₹11,200 | ₹12,338 | ₹13,955 |
| 24 Pax | 02 Tempo | ₹10,299 | ₹10,908 | ₹12,031 | ₹13,648 |
Supplements (INR)
| Standard | Deluxe | Luxury | Premium | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Extra adult | ₹4,600 | ₹5,060 | ₹5,750 | ₹6,900 |
| Child without bed | ₹2,070 | ₹2,760 | ₹3,220 | ₹3,450 |
| Single-room supplement | ₹5,750 | ₹6,440 | ₹8,050 | ₹8,740 |
Important notes
- The Kedarnath trek is mandatory. Pilgrims walk 16 km up from Gaurikund to the temple at 3,584 m. The trail is paved and well-marked but steep in sections - expect 6 to 8 hours on foot up, 4 to 6 hours down. There is no road alternative.
- Pony, palki and porters are available at Gaurikund on direct payment for those who cannot trek. Rates are seasonal and posted at the trail head.
- Helicopter shuttles from Phata, Sersi or Guptkashi to Kedarnath helipad are also available at own cost (around ₹7,000-₹12,000 per person, weight cap ~80 kg). Booking via heliyatra.irctc.co.in is subject to availability and weather.
- Medical fitness is required. The trek climbs from 1,982 m at Gaurikund to 3,584 m at the temple. Pilgrims with cardiac, respiratory, or severe joint conditions should consult their doctor and consider the helicopter shuttle or the same-day chopper Do Dham instead.
- The Sonprayag - Gaurikund - Sonprayag local jeep / Max transfer (~3 km each way) is paid directly to the operator at around ₹100 per person each way and is not included.
- Kedarnath stay is ordinary, sharing-basis on-trek accommodation - basic at best. Mountain hotel services cannot be compared to plain areas.
- All vehicles in the hills are non-AC.
- In case of a hike in hotel rates, the package cost will be amended accordingly.
- If group members do not arrive or depart with the group, additional transfer charges apply.
- Any expense incurred due to weather, road closures, or landslides is not covered. We will re-route where possible but cannot guarantee completion if a road or trail is shut.
- Helicopter operations and the Kedarnath kapat schedule are subject to weather and regulatory clearance.
Our Tour Managers
The people pilgrims actually speak to before, during, and after the Yatra.
Rashmita Sharma
Travel Consultant & Itinerary Specialist
Ankit Saini
Tour Reservation Specialist
Ritika Tomar
Operations Manager
Questions Pilgrims Ask
18 answered - Grouped by topic. Still unsure? WhatsApp us in under 30 minutes.
Booking & Pricing 6 questions
Health & Seniors 6 questions
Logistics & Planning 6 questions
What is the cost of Char Dham Yatra by helicopter in 2026?
Our packages start at ₹2,20,000 per person for the 5N/6D Standard package, and ₹2,40,000 for the Premium package. The Do Dham package (Kedarnath + Badrinath only) starts at ₹1,40,000 per person. All prices are all-inclusive - helicopter transfers, VIP darshan, hotels, all meals, on-ground support, and government charges. GST is included. There are no hidden charges.
Is there a group discount for Char Dham helicopter booking?
Yes. Groups of 6 or more receive preferential pricing. Groups of 12 or more may qualify for a private helicopter charter arrangement. Please contact us via WhatsApp or call for a custom group quote with your group size and preferred travel dates.
When should I book to get seats for May-June 2026?
We strongly recommend booking 3-4 months in advance. May and June seats - the peak season - typically fill by January-February. September-October seats fill by July. Early booking also allows more flexibility in choosing your preferred departure dates. Waiting until March or April for a May trip is a significant risk.
Can I book Char Dham helicopter from outside India (NRI booking)?
Yes, we handle NRI bookings regularly. You can book via email, WhatsApp, or our online inquiry form. Payment can be made via international bank transfer (SWIFT), international credit/debit card, or UPI (for NRIs with Indian bank accounts). We require a valid passport copy instead of Aadhaar. Our team handles everything on the ground - you just need to arrange flights to Dehradun.
What documents are required for helicopter booking?
Indian nationals: Valid Aadhaar card (mandatory for Uttarakhand tourism portal registration). NRIs and foreigners: Valid passport. Additionally, all passengers must be registered on the Uttarakhand government's Char Dham tourism portal - we complete this registration on your behalf as part of your confirmed booking. No extra effort needed from your side.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept bank transfer (NEFT/RTGS/IMPS), UPI, credit card, debit card, and international wire transfer for NRI bookings. A 30-50% advance is required to confirm your booking. The balance is due before your departure date. We provide a GST invoice for all bookings.
Can elderly or senior pilgrims (age 70+) take the helicopter yatra?
Yes - and helicopter yatra is specifically recommended for seniors and elderly pilgrims. The helicopter eliminates all trekking. Our ground team assists with walking support at each dham. Our hotels are selected for accessibility (ground-floor options where available, attached washrooms, hot water). We have successfully served pilgrims up to age 82. If your loved one can walk short distances (100-400m on paved paths), they can complete Char Dham by helicopter.
I have heart disease / high blood pressure. Can I do Char Dham by helicopter?
We strongly recommend consulting your cardiologist before booking. Key altitudes: Kedarnath 3,584m, Badrinath 3,100m, Gangotri 3,048m, Yamunotri 3,291m. If your doctor clears you for high-altitude travel, helicopter yatra is significantly safer than road travel as it eliminates physical exertion and trekking. Please carry your medications, a recent ECG, and a fitness certificate from your physician. Inform us at booking so we can make appropriate arrangements.
What is altitude sickness and can it affect helicopter yatra pilgrims?
Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness / AMS) can occur above 2,400m when the body receives less oxygen. Symptoms include headache, nausea, dizziness, and fatigue. Our itinerary is paced to allow gradual acclimatization. We carry emergency oxygen at all dham points. Pilgrims with prior AMS history should inform us at booking. If you feel unwell at any point, our ground team will respond immediately. Staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol, and not rushing at the temples significantly reduces AMS risk.
I have knee problems or arthritis. Can I manage the Char Dham helicopter yatra?
Yes. Helicopter yatra is specifically designed for pilgrims with mobility limitations. The helicopter lands close to each temple, requiring only a short walk (100-400m on paved/semi-paved paths). At Yamunotri, where there is a longer path to the hot spring, we arrange palkhi (palanquin) or doli service for those who need it. Please inform us at booking so we can pre-arrange assistance at each stop.
Is Char Dham yatra by helicopter suitable for diabetic pilgrims?
Yes, with proper preparation. Diabetic pilgrims should: carry sufficient insulin/medication for the full trip plus extra, monitor blood glucose more frequently at altitude (altitude can affect readings), carry fast-acting glucose (sweets/glucose tablets), and inform our ground team at the briefing. All our hotels have refrigeration for insulin storage. We provide vegetarian meals throughout - please inform us of any dietary requirements at booking.
What medical facilities are available at each Dham?
Each dham has basic medical facilities operated by the government. Kedarnath has the most comprehensive setup including a government medical centre and NDRF presence. Our ground team carries a first-aid kit at all dham points. For serious emergencies, helicopter evacuation to Dehradun is possible from all helipads. We strongly recommend travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage.
What is the best time of year for Char Dham helicopter yatra?
Two main seasons: (1) May-June: Peak season. Temples open from late April/early May. Lush green landscapes, moderate temperatures. Most popular month is May. (2) September-October: Post-monsoon. Clearer skies, fewer pilgrims, vibrant foliage. Temple closures begin in October-November. Both seasons are excellent. September-October often has better visibility for the helicopter rides. Avoid July-August (monsoon - high weather cancellation risk).
When do the Char Dham temples open in 2026?
The 2026 temple opening dates are typically announced in February-March by the temple committees. Approximate 2026 openings: Yamunotri & Gangotri - late April 2026; Kedarnath & Badrinath - early to mid-May 2026. We will update our website with confirmed 2026 dates as soon as they are announced. Subscribe to our updates to be notified first.
What should I pack for Char Dham helicopter yatra?
Essential items: (1) Warm layered clothing - temperatures at Kedarnath can drop to 4-10°C even in June; (2) Comfortable walking shoes with grip; (3) Sunglasses and sunscreen - UV intensity is very high at altitude; (4) Personal medications + a spare supply; (5) Warm inner layers (thermal undershirt); (6) Rain poncho (especially June); (7) Devotional white/simple clothing for darshan; (8) Cash in small denominations for daan, prasad; (9) Water bottle. Total baggage: 5kg per person (soft bag only - no hard suitcases). A complete packing list is emailed to you after booking.
Is the Uttarakhand government portal registration mandatory?
Yes. The Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board mandates registration for all Char Dham yatra visitors, including helicopter yatra passengers. This involves an online registration, RFID card issuance, and biometric data in some cases. We complete this entire registration process on your behalf as part of our booking service. You do not need to do anything additional.
Can I bring my own puja items and offerings?
Yes. Personal puja items - malas, photos of deities, flowers - are welcome. Note that liquids above 100ml may be restricted due to helicopter weight and safety rules. Fresh flowers, coconuts, and sweets can also be purchased at stalls near each temple if you prefer not to carry them.
How many passengers fit in the helicopter?
Our helicopters carry 5-6 passengers per flight. If your group is larger, multiple flights are coordinated. For groups of 12+, we can arrange chartered helicopter services. The pilot may decide to adjust passenger loads based on altitude conditions and total weight - safety always takes priority.
Reserve Your Seat for 2026
24-hour courtesy hold. No payment required to confirm your slot.
Selected: Ek Dham Yatra - Shri Kedarnath - 3N/4D ₹10,299 per person
24-hr courtesy hold
No advance payment
Free cancellation to 60 days
Saffron Chariot in the News
"Featured coverage of Saffron Chariot Char Dham helicopter operations."
Read Story →
"PTI news wire feature on Saffron Chariot helicopter yatra."
Read Story →
"Saffron Chariot Char Dham helicopter yatra coverage on BusinessWire."
Read Story →
"Business Upturn profile of Saffron Chariot helicopter pilgrimage."
Read Story →
"The Wire report on Char Dham helicopter operations."
Read Story →
"Saffron Chariot coverage syndicated on Dailyhunt."
Read Story →Featured and independently reviewed by India's leading travel publications.