Special Puja in Kedarnath And Badrinath During Char Dham by Helicopter Tour

For many yatris who choose Special Puja in Kedarnath and Badrinath During Char Dham by Helicopter Tour, attending a special puja in Kedarnath and Badrinath becomes the most meaningful part of their journey. Helicopter tours save time, reduce physical stress, and make it possible for families, senior citizens, and first-time visitors to experience early-morning rituals that are otherwise difficult during road trips.

This guide explains exactly how special puja works at Kedarnath and Badrinath—cost, booking, rules, overnight stay requirements, and what first-time visitors should realistically expect.

Why Special Puja Matters During Char Dham by Helicopter Tour

The biggest benefit of a Char Dham helicopter package is time. Without long mountain drives or unpredictable road conditions, pilgrims can actually slow down and experience deeper spiritual rituals.

Most yatris choose heli tours because:

• They want peaceful darshan without rush.
• They want to attend special morning pujas.
• Seniors and elderly couples prefer minimum walking.
• Families want a comfortable and well-managed experience.

Since helicopter travel saves multiple days, attending 4 AM puja becomes possible—but only with proper planning and correct overnight stays.

Special Puja at Kedarnath

Kedarnath special puja is extremely popular among Char Dham helicopter passengers, but there is only one correct way to do it, and it’s important that travelers understand the process.

What Puja Is Performed at Kedarnath?

Rudrabhishek Puja (Most Popular)

This is the only special puja that normal pilgrims can participate in at Kedarnath.

Cost:

• ₹5,000 for a group of up to 5 people
• PLUS ₹5,000 per adult for mandatory overnight stay at Kedarnath in a dharamshala

Why Overnight Stay Is Required:
Rudrabhishek happens between 4:00 AM – 6:00 AM, and pilgrims must report much earlier.
Therefore, you MUST stay inside Kedarnath overnight.

There is no other way to attend this puja.
Not Sersi, not Phata, not helicopter drop—only a night stay in Kedarnath.

Overnight Stay Requirement (Mandatory)

To perform Rudrabhishek during the Char Dham by helicopter itinerary:

✔ You must stay inside Kedarnath valley
✔ Dharamshala stay is booked in advance
✔ Helicopter operators cannot arrange same-day puja
✔ No one is allowed to trek early morning for puja if coming from outside Kedarnath

Dharamshala Stay Details

• Cost: ₹5,000 per adult (fixed as per current season)
• Facilities:
  • Basic room
  • Hot water bucket
  • Shared washroom
  • No luxury, heaters, meals, or modern amenities
• Purpose: Simply to enable early-morning entry for puja

This stay is only for those performing puja—not for general tourists.

How to Book Rudrabhishek Puja

You have two options:

1. Online Booking

Available on the official Shri Badri-Kedar Temple Committee (BKTC) website.
These slots open at specific times and fill quickly during May–June.

2. Offline Booking

Pilgrims can also book at the temple committee counter near Kedarnath Temple. This is helpful if:

• Online slots are full
• Plan changes last minute
• Heli passengers reach early enough

Both options work, but it’s best to book online if you’re traveling in peak season.

Who Should Choose Kedarnath Rudrabhishek Special Puja ?

This puja is ideal for:

• Senior citizens traveling by helicopter
• Families wanting peaceful darshan
• Couples seeking blessings
• Devotees with spiritual purpose
• Anyone who wants to avoid daytime rush

It is not recommended for:

• Guests who do not prefer basic accommodation
• Travelers sensitive to cold and high altitude
• Visitors with very limited time

Special Puja at Badrinath

Compared to Kedarnath, puja arrangements at Badrinath are smoother, more structured, and comfortable for families.

What Puja Is Performed at Badrinath?

Maha Abhishek Puja

This is the most powerful and highly requested puja for Badrinath yatris.

Cost:

• ₹5,000 per person

Timing:

• Starts around 4:30 AM – 6:30 AM
• Pilgrims must report early at the temple

This puja takes place inside the main sanctum and is performed by senior priests.

Overnight Stay Required

To attend Maha Abhishek, pilgrims must stay in Badrinath overnight because:

• The puja is too early for same-day arrivals
• Helicopter movements start only after sunrise
• Reporting happens before 4:30 AM

Most Char Dham by helicopter tour itineraries already include a night stay in Badrinath, so puja is easier compared to Kedarnath.

How to Book Maha Abhishek Puja

Online Booking

Maha Abhishek slots are available on the official BKTC website.

Offline Booking

Pilgrims can book at the temple committee counter near the main gate.

Offline booking is helpful for:

• Last-minute plans
• Families unsure of arrival time
• Guests wanting confirmation after reaching Badrinath

Can Helicopter Passengers Realistically Attend These Pujas?

Yes—if planned correctly.
No—if expecting to do it in a rush.

Here’s the ground reality for Char Dham by helicopter tour passengers:

Kedarnath Special Puja – Possible Only With Overnight Stay

✔ You MUST stay in Kedarnath
✔ Dharamshala mandatory
✔ 4 AM reporting
✔ Helicopters cannot drop you early morning
✔ No trekking from Sersi/Guptkashi for morning puja

This means you must dedicate one night in Kedarnath solely for this purpose.

Badrinath Special Puja – Easier for Heli Tourists

✔ Most itineraries include night halt
✔ Badrinath hotels are comfortable
✔ Morning reporting is manageable
✔ Maha Abhishek slots available online/offline

This is why Badrinath puja is more popular among helicopter yatris.

Travel Flow Example During Char Dham by Helicopter Tour

Here’s what usually happens when pilgrims plan special pujas in a heli tour:

Day in Kedarnath (If opting for Rudrabhishek)

• Morning: Helicopter from Sersi/Phata/Guptkashi to Kedarnath
• Afternoon: Temple darshan
• Evening: Settling into dharamshala
• Early morning: Rudrabhishek Puja
• Late morning: Helicopter back

Day in Badrinath (If opting for Maha Abhishek)

• Morning/afternoon: Helicopter arrival
• Evening: Short visit to Mana or temple darshan
• Night: Rest at hotel
• Early morning: Maha Abhishek Puja
• Post-puja: Breakfast & darshan
• Continue journey

This structure works well for families and senior citizens.

Important Information for First-Time Visitors

1. High Altitude Preparation

Kedarnath is at 11,755 ft.
Rest well, stay warm, and avoid heavy meals at night.

2. Only Basic Stay at Kedarnath

Do not expect hotel-like rooms.
Dharamshalas are strictly functional.

3. Dress Code

Traditional Indian attire is recommended, especially for Kedarnath.

4. No Photography

Special pujas are performed inside sanctum—photography prohibited.

5. Online Booking Preferred

Especially for May and June.
Slots fill quickly.

6. Offline Booking Is Still Reliable

Useful for last-minute decisions.

7. Weather Can Delay Helicopters

Keep a buffer in your plan.

Why Heli Travelers Choose These Pujas

Special pujas become the highlight of the Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter because they offer:

• A quieter, intimate blessing
• Early morning access to the sanctum
• Fewer crowds
• Spiritual depth rather than rushed darshan
• A structured experience managed by the temple committee
• Comfort for seniors and families

Pilgrims often say these rituals feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Final Summary – Special Puja in Kedarnath And Badrinath During Char Dham by Helicopter Tour

Special puja during Char Dham by helicopter tour is possible, meaningful, and well-organized—but only when you plan it correctly.
Here’s the simplest way to remember:

Kedarnath Rudrabhishek

✔ Cost: ₹5,000 (group up to 5)
✔ Stay cost: ₹5,000 per adult
✔ Overnight stay in dharamshala is mandatory
✔ Only way to attend 4 AM puja

Badrinath Maha Abhishek

✔ Cost: ₹5,000 per person
✔ Overnight stay required
✔ Easier to attend during heli tour

Booking Options

✔ Online on BKTC website
✔ Offline at temple committee counters

If your aim is calm darshan, traditional rituals, and meaningful spiritual time, both pujas are absolutely worth doing during the Char Dham helicopter journey.