Phata is a quaint little town en-route to Kedarnath in the Rudraprayag district of Uttarakhand. This town is generally famous because it has a helipad, from where you can book a helicopter ticket to Kedarnath. Many pilgrims who are journeying to Kedarnath book themselves for a helicopter ride and enjoy flying above those towering mountains. Some people also take a break from their journey here, as it is the ideal place to get refreshments and an overnight stay. This place also serves as a central point to many other beautiful places. So, those who want to explore Uttarakhand’s culture more can visit various popular destinations connected to this place.
The guide below will give you a brief description of the best time to visit this place, how to reach it, and the must-visit places near this town.
Phata is known for having an open ground that is used as a helipad by helicopter companies. It is located at a distance of 32 km from the main Kedarnath Dham. Some pilgrims choose to spend their night in Phata during their helicopter Yatra to Kedarnath before proceeding to Kedarnath, using this opportunity to freshen up. The journey to Kedarnath from Phata takes just 8 minutes by helicopter. Pilgrims can choose from various different helicopter providers, such as Pawan Hans and Pinnacle Air, which offer 5 to 7 seats. You also have the option of browsing, selecting, and booking your seat online well before the commencement of the Yatra. Various helicopter services are also available from Augustmuni; however, the Phata helipad reduces the flying time by 20 minutes and is much preferred by pilgrims.
Phata – Kedarnath Helicopter Charges:
The return cost for Phata to Kedarnath is Rs. 8,000/- per person (approximately). During the helicopter Yatra, you will be given ample time, almost 2 to 3 hours, for darshan and exploration of the places located in its vicinity.
Kedarnath Temple is one of the most sacred sites in Hinduism and attracts millions of devotees every year. This temple town is only 14 km away from Phata, so it is a must-visit place near Phata. The temple also exhibits a very eye-catching background full of snow-capped mountains, which are sure to make your journey memorable. It is believed to house one of the 12 famous Jyotirlingas of India and is always visited by millions with the wishful thinking of attaining salvation after death.
Gaurikund is yet another beautiful place to visit near Phata, which is only 15 km away. This small village is famous for its Gauri Devi temple because it is believed to have great spiritual powers in answering people’s prayers. According to legends, Goddess Parvati prayed at this site to win Lord Shiva as her husband. After many years of her prayers, Lord Shiva answered her wish and married her.
Vasuki Tal is a very beautiful glacial lake located at an altitude of 14,200 feet above sea level. It is definitely on every adventure traveler’s list because it would be one of the most mesmerizing journeys you will look forward to. If you want to see this lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains, you should visit this place in December or March.
Augustmuni is another beautiful town located somewhere on the downward slopes of Phata, so you will be driving 38 km in the downward direction to visit this town. The town is located on the banks of the Mandakini River and is famous for the Agastyamuni Temple, which is believed to be the site where Saint Agastya meditated for a period of one year. The temple has beautiful carvings of many Lords and Goddesses, so you can enjoy the deep Indian culture here.
Because Phata is a place surrounded by towering mountain ranges, it receives a fair amount of snowfall during the winter season. So, visiting this town during the winter will not be such a good idea. However, if you are adamant about witnessing snowfall in this area, you can consider going in December. Otherwise, you cannot reach the village from January to March, as the area generally enters the red-alert zone during that time.
The ideal time to visit Phata is from April to June and September to November. It will also not be a good idea to visit it during the monsoon, because Uttarakhand receives heavy rainfall during this season, and you may find yourself stuck in your hotel room all day.
Phata is located about 430 km away from Delhi and 235 km away from Dehradun. For transportation, the following options will help you decide:
By Air
The nearest airport to Phata is Jolly Grant Airbase in Dehradun (235 km away from Phata). After reaching Dehradun, you have two options: one is to take a private taxi, and the other is to hop on a Volvo bus. Instead of reaching out to taxi services outside the Airbase, it is better to first talk to the taxi services available at the airbase, as they usually provide better security.
By Train
The nearest railway station to Phata is Dehradun (235 km away from Phata), so book your tickets accordingly. From there, you can either book a private taxi or hop on a Volvo bus for the onward journey. The road journey will be one of the most picturesque experiences for you, as you will be driving alongside those great mountains in a zig-zag manner.
By Road
The road journey is the most thrilling and mesmerizing adventure out of all. Phata is about 517 km away from Delhi, and it will give you a chance to travel alongside those beautiful mountain ranges. You will also get as many chances to take breaks along this journey as you want if you are traveling in your own car, so don’t forget to savor all those beautiful sights in your mind.
Written By
Uttarakhand is a beautiful state in India, situated in the lap of the Himalayas, and is known for its mesmerizing beauty, which is because of the lush green meadows, breathtaking mountain views, some of the best treks, and whatnot. However, we often don’t talk about the amazing waterfalls in Uttarakhand, which makes this place even more majestic. Some popular waterfalls attract tourists througho...
Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful and popular states of India, since is it surrounded by the Himalayan range and you get to experience some of the best views which are a treat to your eyes, during your trip to Uttarakhand. It is a place of religious signific...
Uttarakhand is one of the most beautiful states of Uttarakhand, situated in the lap of the Himalayas. The state is a perfect example of beauty, with its mesmerizing landscapes, so many high peaks, some of the most challenging trekking routes, and what not. Notably,...
Ensconced amidst the most serene places in the northern part of India, the state of Uttarakhand is witness to the most heavenly paradise on earth in this part of the world. With the hills forming the major background here the hills and the flow of the River Ganges ...
Call
Enquiry