Lose weight or pay more for Kedarnath helicopter services; you need to know this before you plan a trip

If you're planning a trip to Kedarnath and are opting for helicopter services, there is one rule that you need to know. Reportedly, devotees weighing over 80 kg will have to pay an extra charge of INR 150 per kg.

The temple is set at an elevation of 12000 ft in the Himalayas. To reach the shrine, people are required to trek 18 km uphill or opt for helicopter ride. So, the rule is important for those who opt for helicopter mode.
The chopper service providers will only consider an individual passenger’s weight, which can't be offset by other passengers. Also, passengers can carry along 2 kg of baggage on the flight.

As far as fare is concerned, it remains within the range of INR 6500 to INR 8000 (per person) for a round trip. For one-way helicopter service, the chopper firm charges between INR 3000 and INR 3500. The price fluctuates as per demand and footfall.
There are several chopper firms offering their services in the region, such as Pawan Hans, Pinnacle Air and Heritage Aviation, to name a few. Pilgrims can take choppers from various locations like Dehradun, Phata, Sersi, Sitapur and Guptkashi, among others.

It has to be noted that Kedarnath is one of the prime four Char Dham temples in Uttarakhand, and a number of devotees visit it.

The other three sites are Badrinath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. Also known as the Chota Char Dham, these temples, together, are an important Hindu pilgrimage in the Indian Himalayas. All the shrines are located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand.

1. What are the four Chardham temples in Uttarakhand?
   Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
2. Are helicopter services available for Kedarnath shrine?
   Yes, there are several chopper firms providing their services.
3. Kedarnath is dedicated to which Hindu god?
   The shrine is dedicated to Hindu lord Shiva.