Kedarnath helicopter crash: Exploring alternative travel options
Planning to visit Kedarnath for the Char Dham Yatra? You can either trek from Gaurikund or hop on a helicopter to reach the temple. But after a recent helicopter crash, safety is getting extra attention this year.
Helicopter crash raises safety concerns
On June 15, 2025, a helicopter accident near Gaurikund took seven lives due to bad weather. Now, Uttarakhand's Chief Minister has called for stricter rules—think more technical checks and better weather monitoring before every flight—to help keep travelers safe.
Trek or chopper—what's your pick?
You can get to Gaurikund by road from places like Haridwar or Rishikesh, or fly into Dehradun first. From Gaurikund, it's a 16-18km trek with rest stops and medical aid along the way. Ponies and palanquins are available if you need them. For a smoother trip, start early in the day and pack layers—it gets chilly up there!