Kedarnath and Badrinath in one day by helicopter: how the day runs

Yes, Kedarnath Ji and Badrinath Ji can both be seen in one day by helicopter, starting and ending in Dehradun. It is the shortest way to make the Do Dham, and also the tightest. This guide walks through how the day is planned, the one step that decides whether it runs to time, and how to tell whether it suits your group.

What does the same-day Do Dham include?

The Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter Same Day is a fixed departure: four to six passengers share a helicopter, and seats are filled first come, first served. The published price is INR 1,37,000 per person, for a minimum of two passengers, on a single-engine helicopter, inclusive of taxes and the State Government royalty.

That price covers the helicopter sectors from Dehradun, VIP darshan arrangements at each Dham, helicopter handling, ground transport with a driver and escort, and help booking your Kedarnath shuttle ticket. It does not cover the shuttle fare itself: the Kedarnath shuttle ticket is booked on heliyatra.irctc.co.in in each pilgrim's own name, and its fare is paid to IRCTC.

How is the day planned?

• The day before: arrive in Dehradun. The flight leaves in the morning, so arriving the same day is not an option.
• 08:00 to 08:30: fly from Dehradun to the Kedar valley base at Phata, Guptkashi or Sitapur.
• The Kedarnath shuttle: from the base, you board the shuttle helicopter to Kedarnath on your IRCTC ticket. The Kedarnath helipad is about 300 to 400 metres from the temple, and about 1.5 to 2 hours are planned for darshan before the shuttle back down.
• 11:00 to 11:30: fly from the Kedar valley base to Badrinath. A car takes you about five minutes to the temple parking, and about 1.5 to 2 hours are planned for darshan. On the way back you pass the hot spring pool just below the temple.
• 14:00 to 14:45: fly from Badrinath back to Dehradun, about 45 minutes, where the services end.

Where can the day slip?

At the Kedarnath shuttle. The average wait for the shuttle at Phata, Guptkashi or Sitapur is 1.5 to 2 hours, and that wait sits inside a schedule that also needs darshan time at Kedarnath before the 11:00 flight to Badrinath. The times above are the planned schedule, not a promise: the package page itself says the day is subject to weather, aircraft operations and passenger weight.

Weather is the other factor. Hill flying stops when cloud closes a valley, and a same-day plan has no spare day to absorb that. If a Dham cannot be flown at all because of the weather, the package terms refund the flying cost of about INR 20,000 per Dham per seat. Read why helicopter yatra schedules move before you plan a connecting flight home the same evening.

Weight, baggage and children

• Baggage: 4 kg per passenger, including a handbag or backpack. Large suitcases cannot be carried.
• Weight: give each passenger's accurate weight at booking. Excess weight is charged at INR 2,000 per kilogram above 75 kg.
• Children: children above 2 years pay the adult fare. Infants below 2 years or 12 kg fly free, with a birth certificate or other proof of age.

The Kedarnath helicopter weight limit and baggage rules explain why these limits are strict.

Payment

50% of the tour cost confirms the booking, the balance is due 30 days before departure, and full payment is needed before boarding. Cancellation and rescheduling charges are set out on the booking terms page.

Is one day right for your group?

The same-day plan suits pilgrims who are short on days, comfortable with an early start and a long day of flying, and who would rather not sleep at altitude. It suits less well anyone who wants unhurried darshan, an evening aarti, or room in the plan for the weather.

If that sounds like your group, there are two slower ways to see both Dhams:

• The Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter, 3 nights 4 days from Dehradun, with a night at Badrinath, a visit to Mana village and the evening Swarna Aarti.
• The Kedarnath Badrinath Yatra by Helicopter from Phata, 2 nights 3 days at INR 55,000 per person, for pilgrims who reach Phata by road. The Kedarnath shuttle fare is extra here too.

For help choosing between them, read Kedarnath vs Badrinath by helicopter. For older travellers, the guide to helicopter yatra for senior citizens covers altitude, fitness and pacing.

To check the next fixed departure and seats for your date, call +91-9634801801 or send an enquiry.