Mussoorie, May 4 -- The footfall in Kedarnath dham crossed the 30,000-mark on the first day of the opening of the portal of the shrine on Friday, officials said, adding tickets for heli-services for the month of May has been sold out. District tourism officer Rahul Choubey said, "The online slots for May are completely booked, and for the pilgrims planning their yatra in June, the online booking will start from May 7." The helicopter service to Kedarnath is being provided through nine operators from Guptkashi, Sersi and Phata helipad in Rudraprayag district and the online bookings are being done through the official IRCTC portal designated for the heli-yatra. "Pilgrims are cautioned to book helicopter services for June only from the official website and stay away from any other online booking platform," said Rahul Cahoubey. Rudraprayag district administration and police have categorically warned pilgrims that any booking through other websites, social media pages, or WhatsApp chat links are invalid. Amid high demand for helicopter services to Kedarnath Dham, authorities have reassured pilgrims who were unable to secure heli-tickets, reminding them of the traditional and accessible alternatives available for the pilgrimage. "Pilgrims are advised not to be disheartened if they cannot book a helicopter ticket because the journey to the Kedarnath Dham can still be undertaken through several well-managed options as the traditional pedestrian route, horses and mules operating on the route, and porters," officials said.The tourism officials confirmed that all these alternative services are being systematically operated under the supervision of the local administration. The district authorities have also appealed to the pilgrims and urged to plan their travel itineraries in advance, and for services requiring booking (like helicopter tickets), pilgrims must use only the designated portals....