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Originally Posted by SS-Traveller So walking / trekking is not an option for all but the fittest of people. Any information regarding the helicopter service? |
Well anyone can walk. I saw not so fit people also walking with good number of halts. At any point if someone feels exhausted can get a horse. Plenty of horse options throughout the route. I took 7.25 hours to cover 16km stretch from Gaurikund to Shri Kedarnath. Some took 8.5 hrs whereas some others were quicker as well.
On helicopters, I heard that daily slots are decided and website is open for booking for a very short duration and tickets are sold out for 2-3 days in advance. So options are 1) to stay at place where helicopter booking is done [Phatta/Guptkashi] and be at counter to book tickets or
2) get a local agent there who would stand in queue to get your tickets from counter.
3) identify an agent if any who can book online for you.
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Originally Posted by ravib Thank you Steadfast. This is very timely update and much appreciated.
I am visiting Kedarnath and Badrinath next week 19th and 20th May , via Panicker travels organized tour with family (wife and daughter).
Ravi |
Thank you and Please find my responses online.
Few additional questions on top of what you already answered.
1) How is the weather conditions and temperature now? Do we need very heavy winter clothes or normal ones are sufficient?
Ans: Weather is cold in day and chilled in night. Kedarnath temperature was around 11 in day and around 2 in night. Plz carry Heavy jackets for night. In day a sweatshirt would do. But the atmosphere there is so electrifying that you might not feel the chill also
2) How did you manage any altitude sickness, if any? Sorry if it was offending.
Ans: Not offending at all. There was no altitude sickness for me. But there are good number of medical camps on way to take care of any such challenges. Near to Kedarnath, number of medical camps rise. Also there is a number, I suppose 108 that you can dial if any challenge. It could be another number too. I faintly remember now but there is indeed such a number.
3) Are they operating helicopter service? I am daily checking GMVN site, but it shows 0 availability for all dates from all places.
Ans: Answered about helicopters in detail in my previous response. Please go through and happy to answer if still any queries.
4) If helicopter service is not available, how many hours are needed to go via pony or by walk?
Ans: I took 7.5 hours uptrack and 5 hours down track by walk. Some people were quicker some others took 8 hours too. Pony take a shorter time could be around 5- 6 hrs uptrek and 3 hrs downtrek.
5) Can you please suggest or recommend additional items to carry? (Umbrella, moisturizer, medicines etc..?)
Ans: Umbrella, moisturizer, sun screen, light bags, no leather items, lip guard, walking stick of inr 30 buy there on route, power bank, bath towels (dont depend on accomodation owners to provide you ), sanitizer, paper soap, extra socks, raincoat.
6) I can't stay in Kedarnath as accommodation is arranged by Panicker travels. But to budget the time End to End, from Sonprayag-Kedarnath-Sonprayag, how many hours are needed by Walk or Pony?
Ans : 24 - 28 hours :
Sonprayag to Gaurikund : 2 hours [ 1 hr line + 1 hr travel by taxi]
Gaurikund to Shri Kedarnath: 7.5 hours by walk
At Kedarnath : 8 - 10 hrs including 5 hrs stand in line.
Kedarnath to Gaurikund : 5 hrs by walk.
Gaurikund to Sonprayag : 2 hrs.
7) My daughter is 10 year old, so if we have to walk with kids, what additional things to take care or plan?
Ans: kids will enjoy. Just take care of weather, rains and ensure they are walking on inner side of track and not towards valley facing side. Keep them front so that you can watch them. I am still a bachelor so not much of kids experience.
8) Are there sufficient rest room and water facilities in the trekking way?
Ans : Yes enough rest rooms and food and water facilities.
9) How is the rush in temple? Not sure how many hours are needed on an average to get darshan in this season or is there any special entry tickets available. I assume it will be crowded. Do we need to do any booking or ticket purchase in advance?
Ans: No special tickets sold there. If you have any reference then vip entry is probably possible [Not sure though]. Rush is huge. My line on opening day was of 5 hours when I entered the line at 7 am.