How To Avoid Scams During Kedarnath Yatra
More than 1.5 million people go to the holy Kedarnath annually. The pilgrims are granted access to the divine spot from May to November. The journey is spiritual and a dream of every devotee of Lord Shiva to visit the place once in their lifetime. But travellers have to avoid scams like fake helicopter bookings, fake hotel agents and more.
Image source- Himalayan Ambition
How to Avoid Scams During Kedarnath Yatra
Fake VIP Darshan Passes
You may find people around you claiming to have VIP Darshan Pass. The scammers offer VIP pass or a backdoor entry for Rs. 2000 to 5000. They have fake ID cards and forged slips just to convince you.
How to avoid fake pass scam
- Nobody can get you a VIP pass or a backdoor entry
- The registration is biometric and based on QR code.
- Booking is available online and offline. Utilise the online registration and touristcare.uk.gov.in. website. Hrishikesh and Haridwar have government operated kiosks. You can even download “Tourist Care Uttarakhand” mobile app.
Overpriced and Fake Helicopter Booking
Fraudsters are creating fake websites to book helicopter trips to Kedarnath. The website looks similar to the original portal.
How to avoid fake helicopter scam
- Utilise official helicopter booking portal.
- Never send money to personal UPI ID.
- The official website is heliyatra.irctc.co.in
- Websites with similar name with .com, .org, or .net can be fake.
Fake Guest House and Hotel Offers
Scammers have fake websites and list hotels that do not exist on booking applications. They even charge 50% to 100% of the booking amount in advance to confirm your booking even when app says “Pay at Property”
How to avoid them
- Always verify the website/app before booking.
- Sponsored links on Google, Facebook and WhatsApp should be cross checked.
- Book hotels and guest houses after checking on Uttarkhand Tourism Portal.
- Avoid sending money to random bank accounts.
Image source- traveltonirvana
Yatra Registration Scam
Registration for Kedarnath is compulsory and free. The procedure is easy and fast. Some fake websites or agents charge from Rs. 200 to 1,000 for registration.
How to avoid registration scam
- Uttarakhand government does not charge for registration.
- You can easily register on registration and touristcare.uk.gov.in.
- You can also use Tourist Care Uttarakhan App for registration.
- Offline booking is also available at Haridwar, Hrishikesh and on the way to Kedarnath. Offline booking should be done in early hours of morning because slots fill quickly.
Overpriced Palki and Poines
The 16 kilometer route from Gaurikund to Kedarnath is not always easy. Most of the people take the palki and ponies that try to scam you in different ways. Initially, they will ask for Rs. 2500 and may demand additional Rs. 2000 after reaching halfway. They may give an excuse that the animal is tired or weather is bad ahead.
How to avoid pony and palki scam
- The government has fixed prices for palki and pony.
- Avoid dealing with the handlers directly.
- Book at official booking counters and also get receipts.
- Booking can done at Sonprayag and Gaurikund.
Photograph Fine Scams
Taking a picture and filming a video or a reel is completely banned at the temple and within 30 meters around the sacred place. Unothorised individual may catch you clicking a snap or making a video. They may threaten you will police complaian and a huge fine. The scmmers will ask you pay a good amount as settlement.
How to avoid photography scam
- Don’t take pictures and maintain the purity of the holy place.
- If someone is asking money for phone violation then contact any police or security person around you.
Image source- travelindiatourism
FAQ’s
How to avoid scams at Kedarnath?
Don’t be in a hurry to decide and always be calm. Book everything from the official website or app that will avoid all online scams.
What are common scams at Kedarnath?
On the way to Kedarnath you will find many roadside dhabas selling water and stuff. They always charge more than double from the original rate.
Shops along the trek sell pure bottled ‘Ganga jal’ which is overpriced. Not all the sellers keep real Ganga jal and just trick you with tap water.
What is the ideal period to visit Kedarnath?
The best time is the months of May and June or September and October. During these months the weather is bright and the climate is mild. It is safe for the pilgrims to travel during May and June even if the place is crowded. September and Octomber have less pilgrims and great views of the mountains after the monsoon.
What is the action to be taken if someone pressures for donations?
Donations are not compulsory at the Kedarnath. If someone is aggressively asking for donation just refuse politely. You can make donations at official counters if you wish.
Kedarnath is a pilgrimage spot which is open for visitors for 5 to 6 months of the year. All the individuals there are deceivers but some of them just want some money with little effort. Stay alert and avoid getting tricked during Kedarnath Yatra to make the trip cherished for long.
