June 15, 2025 – In a devastating incident that has once again spotlighted the dangers of aerial travel in the Himalayas, a helicopter ferrying pilgrims from Kedarnath to Guptkashi crashed near Gaurikund in Uttarakhand, killing all seven on board. Operated by Aryan Aviation, the chopper went down shortly after takeoff amid dense fog and extremely poor visibility. Authorities have confirmed that all six pilgrims, including a child, and the pilot perished in the crash. The victims were from Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. Charred remains were recovered from the wreckage, which caught fire after impact in the forested terrain near Garud Chatti.
The crash triggered an immediate response from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and local police. Despite swift rescue efforts, no survivors were found. The tragedy has led Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to suspend all helicopter services to the Kedarnath shrine for the next two days. He also announced the formation of an expert committee to reevaluate aviation safety norms and protocols in the high-risk Char Dham region.
This fatal accident has reignited serious concerns regarding the safety of helicopter services in Uttarakhand’s mountainous pilgrimage routes. The Char Dham Yatra, which attracts thousands of devotees each season, is frequently challenged by unpredictable weather, difficult topography, and limited air traffic infrastructure. The crash comes just a year after similar incidents prompted calls for stricter regulations.
Officials have launched a formal investigation into the cause of the crash, examining weather conditions, airworthiness records, pilot decisions, and flight tracking data. Preliminary findings suggest that poor weather and reduced visibility were major contributing factors. The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) is also expected to conduct an audit of private helicopter operators serving the region.
As a precaution, pilgrims are being advised to use safer ground routes—either by road or via established trekking paths between Guptkashi, Gaurikund, and Kedarnath—until aviation services resume with reinforced safety checks.
While the sacred pilgrimage to Kedarnath is often seen as a spiritual high point in one’s life, this heartbreaking event underscores the risks that accompany faith-driven travel through some of India’s most unforgiving landscapes.
