Yamunotri, Uttarakhand – The first stop of the Char Dham yatra, this sacred spot is the origin of River Yamuna

The source of River Yamuna, and the base of Godess Yamuna, Yamunotri is also one of the four sites of Char Dham pilgrimage. It is located at a height of 3293m above sea level. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides and lies in close proximity of the Indo-China border. This is the first stopover of the Char Dham yatra. The temple of Yamunotri is the western most shrine of the entire Garhwal region resting atop of Bandar Poonch Parvat. The origin of this sacred river is a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champasar Glacier) located on the Kalind Mountain at a height of 4,421 m above sea level, about 1 km further up, is extremely difficult for the access of the pilgrims and therefore they offer puja at the temple itself. Yamuna, like the Ganges, is also elevated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus and is responsible for growth and development of the Indian civilization. Yamunotri is at a distance of 236 km from Rishikesh, 21 km from Sanya Chatti 278 km from Dehradun, and 176 km from Chamba. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Large numbers of devotees visit this shrine during the months of May to October. Located close to the temple are the hot water springs. The devotees tie rice and potatoes in a muslin cloth and dip it in the hot water. The cooked food is carried back as prasadam. The devotees also pay respect to Divya Shila, a rock pillar just before entering the Yamunotri temple. The temple was originally built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century. This temple was again renovated and said to have been built by Maharaja Pratap Shah.

Places to see in Yamunotri: Some of the prime attractions of Yamunotri include:

Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri is one of the Char Dham and it is also first place to visit in the Char Dham Circuit. Thousands of devotees visit the sacred shrine of Yamunotri temple every month from May to October. Yamunotri Temple was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The temple opens on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya and closes on the second day after Diwali festival. The temple holds immense importance amongst the Hindus. Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River which is one of the major rivers of India.

Janki Chatti

It is the midpoint of the trek to Yamunotri which is accessible by jeeps. Janki Chatti is situated 7kms before Yamunotri and this place is popular for thermal springs.

Surya Kund

There are many natural thermal springs in Yamunotri of which Surya Kund is renowned. The water of Surya Kund has a surprising temperature of 1900F. Pilgrims tie potatoes and rice to cook it by immersing it under water of Surya Kund. After cooking it is served as ‘prasad’.

Divya Shilla

Divya Shilla is a rock pillar which is worshipped before entering the divine Yamunotri temple.

Nearby attractions around Yamunotri: Located near to Yamunotri are some outstanding locations. These include:

Hanuman Chatti

It is the commencement point of the trek to two popular destinations Yamunotri and Dodi Tal. Yamunotri is situated 13km from Hanuman Chatti which has to be covered by foot or on ponies. Jeeps are also available upto Janki Chatti which is 6km from Hanuman Chatti. Hanuman Chatti is the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna River. You can purchase food items and raincoats from Hanuman Chatti.

Barkot

Barkot is situated at an elevation of 1,220mts above sea level in Uttarkashi district. Barkot is one of the important destinations of Uttarkashi district with good accommodation facilities available. Barkot has an ancient temple and it is situated 49km from Yamunotri.

Dodi Tal

According to mythology Lord Ganesha was born in this place. This mysterious lake is situated at an elevation of 3,307mts above sea level surrounded by dense forests of deodar, oak and rhododendrons. The pristine water of this lake is the home of endangered Himalayan Golden Trouts and many other fishes. The depth of this lake is still unknown. A visitor encounters splendor of nature en route Dodi Tal.

Uttarkashi

It is perched at an elevation of 1,352mts above sea level at a distance of 78kms from Hanuman Chatti. Uttarkashi is a picturesque spot well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. It is situated on the banks of the holy Bhagirathi River. Uttarkashi houses one of the reputed mountaineering institutes of India i.e. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering.

Things to do in Yamunotri: Sight seeing is the best thing you can do in Yamunotri. Apart from this Yamunotri is also an ideal base for trekking.

Best time to visit Yamunotri: The ideal time to visit Yamunotri is during May to June and September to November.

How to go ?

By Air

Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest Airport to Yamunotri situated at a distance of 210kms. Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Hanuman Chatti is directly not connected by motorable roads with Jolly Grant Airport. Taxis are available from Jolly Grant Airport to Hanuman Chatti.

By Rail

The nearest railway stations to Yamunotri are Rishikesh and Dehradun. Dehradun railway station is situated 175kms from Yamunotri and Rishikesh railway station is situated 200kms before Yamunotri on NH58. Rishikesh and Dehradun are well connected by railway networks with major destinations of India. Trains to Rishikesh are frequent. Hanuman Chatti is well connected by motorable roads with Rishikesh and Dehradun. Taxis and buses are available from Rishikesh, Tehri Garhwal, Uttarkashi and Barkot and many other destinations to Hanuman Chatti.

By Road

Yamunotri is directly not connected with motorable roads and the trek commences from Hanuman Chatti. Hanuman Chatti is well connected by motorable roads with major destinations of Uttarakhand state. Buses to Rishikesh are available from ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Buses and Taxis to Hanuman Chatti are easily available from major destinations of Uttarakhand state like Rishikesh, Dehradun, Tehri, Uttarkashi, Barkot etc.

Where to stay ?

Yamunotri has very few accommodation options. GMVN runs a tourist rest house in Yamunotri. For booking details please contact:

Tourist Rest House (GMVN): www.gmvnl.com
You may stay at Janki Chatti, only 1.4km via trekking path.
Hotel Atithi Niwas: +91 9412140031, 9760170011, 8126691153  Website:www.hotelatithiniwas.com

Note : Phone numbers given above are according to the information available with us. If you find any contact number/s given above is/are incorrect or not in use, please let us know.