Kedarnath helicopter weight limit and baggage rules, explained

Nothing on a helicopter yatra surprises people more than the scales. Every passenger is weighed, baggage is limited to a few kilograms, and a passenger over the limit pays extra or, if the aircraft cannot take the load, waits for another flight. None of this is commercial policy. It is how helicopters stay safe in thin mountain air.

Why does weight matter so much in the mountains?

A helicopter's rotor generates less lift in thin, cold or hot air, and Kedarnath stands at about 3,580 metres. The higher and warmer it is, the less the aircraft can carry. The pilot works out each flight's maximum load from the altitude, temperature and fuel on board, and every passenger and bag counts towards it. That is why a weight given at booking is checked on the scales at the helipad, and why a wrong figure can mean someone stays behind.

What is the weight limit on the packages?

On the Chardham and Do Dham helicopter packages, 75 kg per passenger is the standard weight, and each passenger's accurate weight is asked for at booking. Passengers above 75 kg can still fly by paying an excess weight charge per kilogram:

• Chardham Yatra by Helicopter: INR 2,500 per kilogram above 75 kg.
• Do Dham Yatra by Helicopter, 3 nights and same day: INR 2,000 per kilogram above 75 kg.

The charge is collected before boarding, at the hotel or the helipad. If the total load on a flight is too high even with charges paid, passengers may be moved between aircraft or flights; that decision belongs to the pilot.

How much baggage can you take?

Very little. On the Chardham and Do Dham 3-night packages it is 3 kg per passenger, and 4 kg including a handbag or backpack on the same-day Do Dham. Big suitcases do not fit in a helicopter's baggage space, and a pilot can refuse excess baggage. Duffle bags are handed out at the briefing; the rest of your luggage waits at the base hotel or travels by road.

What to put in those few kilograms: warm layers, medicines, ID, a phone and charger, and a small snack. Leave everything else behind.

How much can one helicopter carry?

A light helicopter on these routes typically carries four to six passengers, but the real limit is total weight, not seats. On the Chardham and Do Dham packages the aircraft's passenger load is about 450 kg; on the same-day Do Dham fixed departure, total passenger weight is held to around 380 to 430 kg depending on the aircraft. A group of heavier passengers may therefore fill a helicopter before every seat is taken, which is why weights are asked for at booking rather than at the helipad.

What about children and infants?

Children above 2 years are charged as adults and count towards the weight like any passenger. Infants under 2 years, and under 12 kg, travel free, on a parent's lap; a birth certificate may be checked to confirm the age.

What happens if a passenger is over the limit on the day?

If a passenger weighs more than the figure given at booking, the excess charge applies to the difference. If the aircraft cannot take the extra load safely, the pilot may move passengers between flights or aircraft. Giving accurate weights at booking avoids both, and keeps a family together on the same flight.

Is the Kedarnath shuttle different?

The shuttle between Phata, Guptkashi or Sersi and Kedarnath is booked on IRCTC, and its weight and baggage rules are set by the operators and printed on the IRCTC ticket. Check the ticket before you travel; the package rules above apply to the package's own flights.

Tips to avoid problems at the helipad

• Give the real weight of each passenger at booking, with clothing.
• Pack the hand bag the night before and weigh it.
• Keep ID and the booking confirmation in a pocket, not the bag.
• Read the full booking terms for your package before paying.

For why flights sometimes wait on weight and weather, see why helicopter yatra schedules move.