Uttarakhand: Bookings for helicopter services for Shri Kedarnath Yatra 2026 will open on Saturday at 6 pm, providing pilgrims with early access to online tickets for the upcoming Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand, officials said.

According to the administration, all preparations have been completed to ensure a smooth and safe travel experience for devotees undertaking the Kedarnath Dham pilgrimage by helicopter.

In the first phase, Kedarnath helicopter ticket booking will be available for the travel window from April 22 to June 23. Authorities confirmed that bookings will be permitted exclusively through the official IRCTC website, with mandatory online registration to ensure transparency and prevent fraud in Kedarnath Yatra online booking.

Officials said the system has been designed to streamline access for pilgrims and eliminate the risk of unauthorised ticket sales or the black market.

Uttarakhand government strengthens Char Dham Yatra preparations

Meanwhile, preparations for the broader Char Dham Yatra 2026 in Uttarakhand are being closely monitored by the state government. On April 2, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met the Rawal (head priest) of Shri Kedarnath Dham, Shri Shri Shri 1008 Bhimashankar Ling, to review ongoing arrangements and development works.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister provided an update on reconstruction and infrastructure upgrades at Shri Kedarnath Dham, emphasising improved facilities for pilgrims visiting one of India’s most significant Himalayan shrines.

Focus on safety, infrastructure and crowd management

The state government is prioritising pilgrim safety, disaster preparedness, crowd management and improved connectivity for the upcoming pilgrimage season. Enhanced medical facilities, sanitation systems and emergency response mechanisms are also being put in place to handle the rising number of devotees.

Chief Minister Dhami said lessons from previous Char Dham Yatra seasons have been incorporated into current planning, with coordinated efforts across departments to ensure seamless operations.

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He reiterated the government’s commitment to offering a safe, organised and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims visiting Kedarnath Dham and the Char Dham circuit.

Officials also reviewed logistics, accommodation arrangements and sanitation infrastructure, along with contingency planning for emergencies, as part of preparations for the expected surge in footfall during the Kedarnath pilgrimage season 2026.

IANS