The Kedarnath Temple, located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand, is one of the most revered shrines in the Hindu religion. Every year, millions of devotees visit the temple to pay their respects to Lord Shiva. The temple is situated at an altitude of 11,755 feet above sea level, and the trek to the temple can be arduous and challenging. However, with the introduction of helicopter services by IRCTC, the journey has become much easier and more comfortable.
The helicopter services to Kedarnath Dham are operated by IRCTC (Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation) in partnership with a private helicopter operator. The helicopter services are available from two locations, Phata and Sersi, which are situated at a distance of around 20 and 7 km respectively from the temple.
The helicopter service is available from April to November, depending on the weather conditions. The service is suspended during the monsoon season, which is from July to September. The service operates on a daily basis, subject to weather conditions, and can be booked online through the IRCTC website.
The helicopter journey to Kedarnath Dham is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan range. The journey starts from either Phata or Sersi, depending on the availability of the service. The helicopters are operated by experienced pilots and are equipped with all the necessary safety equipment.
The journey from Phata takes around 30 minutes, while the journey from Sersi takes around 10 minutes. Upon arrival at Kedarnath, passengers are allowed around 1 hour to explore the temple and its surroundings before returning to the helicopter for the return journey.
The cost of the helicopter service varies depending on the location from where the service is availed. The cost of the service from Phata is around INR 7,500 per person, while the cost of the service from Sersi is around INR 5,500 per person. The cost includes the helicopter journey, VIP darshan at the temple, and a local guide.
In conclusion, the helicopter service to Kedarnath Dham offered by IRCTC is a convenient and comfortable way for devotees to visit the revered temple. The service provides an unparalleled experience, offering stunning views of the Himalayan range and saving time and effort that would otherwise be spent on the arduous trek to the temple. The service is also affordable and can be booked easily through the IRCTC website.
