Phata To Kedarnath Helicopter Service - AvaniHolidays

The Phata to Kedarnath helicopter service is operated by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam Ltd (GMVN) in partnership with private helicopter operators. The service is aimed at providing a safe, convenient, and fast mode of transport for pilgrims and tourists visiting the Kedarnath temple, which is located in a remote and difficult-to-reach area of the Himalayas.

The helicopter service operates from the Phata helipad, which is located about 15 km from Guptkashi, and takes passengers on a 10-minute flight to Kedarnath. The helicopter can accommodate up to 6 passengers at a time and offers panoramic views of the stunning Himalayan landscape.

The service is available during the Char Dham Yatra season, which typically runs from April/May to November, depending on weather conditions. However, the helicopter services are subject to weather conditions and may be cancelled or rescheduled at short notice.

The Phata to Kedarnath helicopter service is a popular option for those who are short on time or unable to undertake the strenuous trek to Kedarnath on foot. However, it's important to note that the helicopter service is not a substitute for physical fitness, and passengers should be in good health and able to withstand the high altitude and weather conditions of the Himalayas.

To book a helicopter from Phata to Kedarnath, you can follow these steps:

• Visit the official website at https://heliservices.uk.gov.in/.
• On the home page, you'll find a section called "Online Booking". Click on "Book Now" button for helicopter services.
• Select "Kedarnath" as your destination and "Phata" as your departure point.
• Choose your preferred date and time for travel, and the number of passengers.
• Fill in your personal details, including your name, contact information, and ID proof.
• Review your booking details and make the payment using the available options like credit card, debit card, net banking or any other digital wallet.
• Once the payment is successful, you'll receive a confirmation email and SMS with your booking details.

On the day of your travel, arrive at the helipad at least 1 hour before the scheduled departure time. You'll need to present your ID proof and booking confirmation to board the helicopter.

Opening Dates for Kedarnath Temple 2023
Kedarnath Temple will be open on 25th April 2023 at 6:20 AM for 2023 Char Dham Yatra
Kedarnath Temple will be closed on Date to be Announced for 2023 Char Dham Yatra

Kedarnath temple is one of the sacred pilgrimage centre in Northern India, located on the bank of Mandakini river at an altitude of 3584 meters above sea level. The historical name of this region is "Kedar Khand". Kedarnath temple is a part of Char Dhams and Panch Kedar in Uttarakhand and one of the 12 Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva in India.

Kedarnath Yatra Helicopter Operators 2023
Guptkashi – Kedarnath - Guptkashi	1. Aryan Aviation 2. Arrow Aircraft
Phata - Kedarnath - Phata	1. Thumby Aviation 2. Pinnacle Air 3. Pawan Hans 4. Chipsan Aviation
Sersi - Kedarnath - Sersi	1. Kestrel Aviation 2. Himalayan Heli 3. Arrow Aircraft

There are more than 200 shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva in Chamoli district of Uttarakhand itself, the most important one is Kedarnath. According to legend, the Pandavas after having won over the Kauravas in the Kurukshetra war, felt guilty of having killed their own Kith and Kin and sought blessings of Lord Shiva for redemption. He eluded them repeatedly and while fleeing took refuge at Kedarnath in the form of a bull.

On being followed, the Lord dived into the ground, leaving his hump on the surface at Kedarnath. The remaining portions of Lord Shiva appeared at four other places and are worshipped there as his manifestations. The arms of the Lord appeared at Tungnath, the face at Rudranath, the belly at Madmaheshwar and his locks (hair) with head at Kalpeshwar. The Kedarnath and four above mentioned shrines are treated as Panch Kedar (Panch means Five in Sanskrit).

The Temple at Kedarnath presents an imposing sight, standing in middle of a wide plateau surrounded by lofty snow covered peaks. The temple was originally built in 8th century A.D. by Jagad Guru Adi Shankaracharya and stands adjacent to site of an even earlier temple built by the Pandavas. The inner walls of the assembly hall are decorated with figures of various deities and scenes from mythology. Outside the temple door a large statue of the Nandi Bull stands as guard.

Dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Kedarnath temple has exquisite architecture Built of extremely large, heavy and evenly cut grey slabs of stones, it evokes wonder as to how these heavy slabs were moved and handled in the earlier centuries. The temple has a Garbha Griha for worship and a Mandap, apt for assemblies of pilgrims and visitors. A conical rock formation inside the temple is worshipped as Lord Shiva in his Sadashiva form.

Winter (October to April)

Winters has chilly days. Minimum can touch sub zero levels and snowfall is very common. These months are not the perfect time for travelling.

Summer (May to June)

Summer (May to June) are very pleasant with moderately cold climate. Summers is ideal for all sight seeing and the holy Kedarnath pilgrimage.

Monsoon (July to mid-September)

Monsoon (July to mid-September) are accompanied with regular rains and also temperature drops down. The region is prone to occasional landslides and travelling can be difficult.

The holy city of Kedarnath is open for public views from May to October/November but the temple remains closed during the monsoon months as landslides are common.

The region experiences pleasant and cool summer while winters are very chilly and snowfall is a regular occurrence.

By Flight: Jolly Grant Airport (35 kms from Dehradun) is the nearest Airport to Kedarnath situated at a distance of 235kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Gaurikund.

By Train: The nearest railway station to Gaurikund is Rishikesh. Rishikesh railway station is situated 243kms before Gaurikund on NH58. Rishikesh is well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Srinagar, Rudraprayag, Tehri and many other destinations to Gaurikund.

By Road: Gaurikund is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Haridwar, Rishikesh and Srinagar are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate New Delhi. Buses and Taxis to Gaurikund are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Dehradun, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Pauri, Rudraprayag, Tehri etc. Gaurikund is connected with Ghaziabad by National Highway 58.