{"id":788,"date":"2023-12-30T10:15:52","date_gmt":"2023-12-30T10:15:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/yatrikah.com\/?page_id=788"},"modified":"2025-11-19T12:45:02","modified_gmt":"2025-11-19T12:45:02","slug":"yamunotri","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/yatrikah.com\/index.php\/yamunotri\/","title":{"rendered":"Yamunotri"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Yamunotri is the source of the sacred river Yamuna and an important pilgrimage site located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand. It is the first stop in the traditional Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Key highlights<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yamunotri temple<\/strong>, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, daughter of Surya (Sun God), and the sister of Yam (God of Death). Worshipping Yamuna is believed to protect devotees from untimely death and bring well-being. Original temple built by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Surya Kund<\/strong>, a natural hot water spring, nearly boiling. Devotees boil rice and potatoes here and offer it as prasad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Divyashila<\/strong>, a sacred rock where pilgrims pray before entering the temple.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trek to Yamunotri<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since there is no motorable road up to the temple, one has to trek up to the temple. From Jankichatti, distance 5 to 6 kilometers, time 2 to 3 hours, mode by trek or pony, or palki (doli). Scenic through waterfalls, forests, and steep but well-paved paths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Best time to visit<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Open: Akshaya Tritiya in April or May<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Close: Bhai Dooj (in October or November). Avoid monsoon (July or August months) due to the landslides.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Stay and food<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pilgrims usually stay at Jankichatti or Hanuman Chatti. Food is simple, North Indian vegetarian, paratha, dal, rice, Maggi, or tea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to reach<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Rishikesh, Dehradun, Barkot, Jankichatti (Last motor point). Jankichatti to Yamunotri is nearly 5 to 6 km.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nearest major hubs<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Airport: Dehradun (Jolly Grant).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Railhead: Rishikesh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Places of attractions near Yamunotri<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Yamunotri Temple:<\/strong> The main pilgrimage site dedicated to goddess Yamuna, located at a high altitude nearly 3291 meters.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Saptarishi Kund:<\/strong> A hot water spring close to the temple. Pilgrims cook rice or potatoes in its boiling water.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. Divya Shila:<\/strong> A sacred rock near the Yamunotri Temple. Devotees worship here before entering the temple.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Kharsali Village:<\/strong> Small picturesque village. In winter, the idol of goddess Yamuna is brought here when the Yamunotri Temple is closed. Has a Shani Dev Temple.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. Jankichatti<\/strong>: About 6 to 7 km from Yamunotri Temple. Last motorable point. Known for its hot springs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Hanuman Chatti:<\/strong> At the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna river, there is a small temple of Lord Hanuman. Popular base for treks, for example, to Dodital\/Yamunotri. Nearly 13 km trek.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Sapta Rishikund:<\/strong> A glacier lake roughly 10 km from Yamunotri. According to scriptures, it is related to seven sages, (Sapt Rishis).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Bandarpoonch mountain<\/strong>: A prominent Himalayan massif near Yamunotri. Good for mountain views and photography.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Barkot:<\/strong> A town on the way to Yamunotri offers panoramic Himalayan views and has an ancient Shiv temple.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Bali Pass trek via Yamunotri: <\/strong>For advanced trekkers, connects the Harkidun valley with the Yamunotri region. Note that this is more offbeat trek. Route gives spectacular views of peaks like Bandarpoonch and challenging terrain. Best done in the right season, pre-monsoon or post-monsoon with the experienced guide.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

    Tips for Travelers:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n