Get ready for an exciting pilgrimage to Kedarnath Dham as the gates are set to open on 25 April. The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is all set to start online booking of helicopter services for the temple. According to a recent report by TOI, the trial run of the services was completed by 31 March and bookings will likely open from 1 April.

The DGCA has issued guidelines for respective Shrine Boards and District Administration to ensure safe and smooth helicopter operations. IRCTC recently signed an MoU with Uttarakhand Civil Aviation Development Authority (UCADA) for a period of 5 years to provide helicopter ticket booking services to pilgrims of Shri Kedarnath Dham. As per the official website notice, "Helicopter services for 2023 Shri Kedarnath Dham Yatra will be booked through IRCTC heliyatra website."

However, before booking the helicopter services, pilgrims must first register with the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Board to visit the holy shrine of Kedarnath. Registration can be done through the Tourist Care Uttarakhand App or via WhatsApp by typing Yatra and sending it to the mobile number 91 8394833833.

The Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand is one of India's most popular Hindu pilgrimages, encompassing four holy sites - Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri - nestled high up in the Himalayas. The doors of Kedarnath Dham will open on April 25, Badrinath Dham on April 27, and the Gangotri Temple Committee will open the temple doors from Akshaya Tritiya on April 22.

According to the Uttarakhand Tourism Development Council, a total of 6.34 lakh devotees have registered for the Char Dham Yatra, with 2.41 lakh registrations for Kedarnath Dham. So, get ready to embark on a divine journey to Kedarnath Dham and book your helicopter services through IRCTC heliyatra website.