A tragic helicopter crash near Gaurikund, Uttarakhand, has claimed the lives of five people on Sunday, June 15, 2025. The Aryan Aviation helicopter, en route to Kedarnath from Guptkashi, crashed in the forested area between Gaurikund and Sonprayag. Rescue operations are currently underway.
Initial reports suggest that poor weather conditions in the Kedarnath valley may have caused the helicopter to stray off course, leading to the accident. The helicopter reportedly lost contact between Trijuginarayan and Gaurikund. The challenging terrain of the region, covered in dense forests, is further complicating rescue efforts.
Several sources confirm the crash and the ongoing rescue attempts. Authorities are investigating the incident to determine the exact cause of the crash. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami expressed his condolences and stated that SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) teams, local administration, and other rescue teams are engaged in relief and rescue operations. He also prayed for the well-being of all passengers.
The Aryan Aviation helicopter was carrying pilgrims to Kedarnath Dham, a significant Hindu pilgrimage site. The incident has cast a shadow over the ongoing pilgrimage season. This is not the first aviation incident in the region recently. On June 7, 2025, a private helicopter carrying six pilgrims crash-landed on the Guptkashi–Gaurikund highway due to a technical glitch. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in that incident. Earlier, on May 8, six people died after a helicopter en route to Gangotri Dham crashed in the Gangnani area of Uttarkashi district.
The latest crash underscores the risks associated with helicopter travel in the challenging Himalayan environment. Unpredictable weather patterns, difficult terrain, and the high altitude all contribute to making these flights inherently dangerous. Safety concerns regarding helicopter operations in the Char Dham region have been raised in the past, prompting calls for stricter regulations and improved monitoring.
Authorities are likely to review existing safety protocols for helicopter operations in the region following this tragic incident. This review may include more stringent weather checks, enhanced pilot training, and improved navigation systems. The focus will be on minimizing the risk of future accidents and ensuring the safety of pilgrims traveling to Kedarnath and other Himalayan shrines.
