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A helicopter crash near Gaurikund, Uttarakhand, killed all seven on board, prompting stricter air safety protocols by CM Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Kedarnath Helicopter Crash: Check Out Alternate Trekking And Road Routes For Your Future Journey. (ANI)
A devastating helicopter crash on Sunday morning near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand resulted in the deaths of all seven people on board, sending shockwaves across the nation. The chopper, travelling from Kedarnath to Guptkashi, went down amid adverse weather and challenging terrain, raising concerns about air safety protocols during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra.
Following the crash and recent incidents, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has ordered stricter regulations for helicopter operations, directing the implementation of a standard operating procedure (SOP) that includes rigorous technical inspections and thorough weather evaluations before each flight.
Apart from helicopters, there are other means of transportation for travelling to the Char Dham from Gaurikund.
Pilgrims heading to Kedarnath typically start their journey from Haridwar or Rishikesh, travelling by road or rail to Gaurikund, the last motorable point. Those flying in can land at Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, from where taxis and buses connect to Sonprayag. A short jeep ride from Sonprayag leads to Gaurikund, marking the beginning of the trek to Kedarnath.
Once you reach Gaurikund, the most dependable route to Kedarnath is a 16–18 km uphill trek. Though the trail is steep in parts, it is well-paved and lined with essential amenities like rest shelters, food stalls, and medical aid tents. For a person in good health, the trek usually takes between 6 to 8 hours.
Assisted travel options for pilgrims include ponies/mules: suitable for those needing moderate support. Palanquins (Dolis): Carried by four bearers, ideal for the elderly or those with mobility issues. Pithoo (Porters): Available to carry children or luggage
These government-regulated services can be booked at Gaurikund.
Pilgrim Tips: Start your trek early, ideally before 5:00 AM, to avoid afternoon weather disruptions. Wear layered warm clothing, carry a raincoat, and pack energy-boosting snacks. Be prepared for unreliable mobile networks along the route and keep essential contact numbers written down. Additionally, basic medical assistance is available at various points during the journey.
- Location :
Uttarakhand (Uttaranchal), India, India
- First Published:
