Preparations for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand are underway, with authorities announcing that online booking for helicopter services to Kedarnath is expected to begin in the first week of April.
Char Dham Yatra
The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on April 19, while the doors of the sacred Kedarnath Temple will open for devotees on April 22. Officials from the tourism department have already started the registration process for pilgrims planning to undertake the journey.
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Online Booking for Kedarnath Temple Helicopter Service Likely in Early April
According to officials, the Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) will soon select aviation companies that will operate the helicopter services for the Kedarnath route during the pilgrimage season.
Helicopter services remain one of the most popular travel options for pilgrims visiting Kedarnath, especially for elderly devotees and those with limited time. Every year, thousands of pilgrims opt for this facility due to the challenging terrain and long trekking route.
The helicopter operations are conducted from nine helipads located in Guptkashi, Sirsi and Phata, which serve as the main base points for flights to Kedarnath.
Authorities said strict compliance with safety guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) will be ensured during helicopter operations to maintain passenger safety.
Officials also stated that live monitoring of helicopters operating in the Kedarnath valley will be carried out to ensure safe and smooth flight operations throughout the pilgrimage period.
The state government is also strengthening arrangements such as medical facilities, disaster management teams, traffic control and accommodation services to manage the expected influx of pilgrims during the yatra season.
Officials said improved infrastructure, better crowd management and digital registration systems are being implemented this year to ensure a safe, smooth and well-organised pilgrimage experience for devotees.
With preparations progressing rapidly, authorities expect a large number of pilgrims to participate in this year’s Char Dham Yatra, one of the most significant religious pilgrimages in India.
