Yamunotri

Yamunotri is located at an elevation of 3293 meters above sea level in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand and is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site. The Yamunotri Dham is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna and is also a sacred place where you can get to see the origin of the river Yamuna. The holy water at Yamunotri Dham is considered the purest and it does have spiritual cleansing powers. Yamunotri temple is nested in the lap of Himalayan mountain amidst the snow-covered peaks and dense forest which provides a beautiful view of scenic valleys. You can experience the tranquil atmosphere at Yamunotri Dham where one can feel a deep connection with nature. The main attraction of this place is Goddess Yamuna, who is present here in the form of a black marble idol and was originally constructed by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur. This temple is a fine example of ancient Indian architecture and is a true symbol of faith which attracts a huge crowd of devotees each year. You can also find the mention of Yamunotri Dham in the ancient legend of Hindu mythology where it was referred to as the home of an ancient sage Asit Muni. Surya Kund is also one of the unique features of Yamunotri which is a natural hot water spring having a temperature of 88°C where the pilgrims are allowed to cook rice and potatoes that are tiled in a cloth which is later offered as Prasad.

History of Yamunotri Dham

The history of Yamunotri Dham goes around both the aspects of this place be it the religious significance or the resilience of its structure over sanctuaries. The original structure of Yamunotri Dham was established in the 19th century by the ruler of Tehri Garhwal Maharaja Pratap Shah. But over the period due to harsh weather conditions and some natural calamities, the area experienced destruction in the Himalayan region, and hence the temple was destroyed and was reconstructed several times, the present structure of Yamunotri Dham is a testament to both the local devotees who are dedicated for this temple and the ancient faith of devotees from all around the world. The local devotees living in the nearby region of Yamunotri temple have tirelessly preserved this ancient sacred site even after facing uncountable natural challenges. The present Yamunotri Dham is preached at an elevation of 3293 meters and is surrounded by the majestic Himalayan peaks and dense forests which provide a positive and spiritual ambiance to this place. The Yamunotri Dham is visited by more than 1000 pilgrims who trek through a challenging path and then reach this holy temple, the will power and strength used while trekking to Yamunotri Dham makes this place even more sacred among the four holy Dhams of Uttarakhand.

Mythology related to Yamunotri temple

Yamunotri Dham is deeply connected to Hindu mythology and is primarily associated with the Hindu goddess Yamuna and her divine lineage. As per the legends, it is said that the goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Surya who is the Sun god and she is the sister of Yama, the god of death. According to the ancient Hindu lower Yama, the god of death promised his sister that if in the future any devotee who takes a dip into the holy water of river Yamuna then they would be spared from all the sufferings of a painful death. Due to this reason, many devotees imbued this Holi river with a sense of protection and purification from an untimely death. This reason was enough to attract countless devotees who are willing to see the blessing of a healthy and long life. There is also another significant aspect of the Yamunotri Dham which is mythologically believed that the surya kund which is the hot water spring that is located in the proximity of this temple is used by the pilgrims to cook rice and potatoes in the thermal spring and then offer this to goddess Yamuna and later have this in form of a Prasad. So these two mythological stories encourage the devotees of goddess Yamuna to visit this sacred temple and bath in this river to let go of all the since and relieve themselves from all kinds of suffering that are related to death. These practices make Yamunotri Dham a powerful symbol of faith and devotion in the Hindu tradition.

River Yamuna and Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri Dham is closely connected to the holy river Yamuna as this sacred temple is considered the very source of this holy river. The Yamuna river emerges from Champasar glacier which is located in the proximity of Yamunotri temple and from there the river Yamuna flows down through the Himalayas and later on meets with the holy river Ganga. As per the legends, it is said that Yamuna is the goddess of the river and she is the daughter of Surya the Sun god, and sister of Yama, the god of death. It is believed by the devotees that the holy water of river Yamuna offers the devotee freedom from all kinds of suffering and pain of death. This was a boon that was given by Yama, the god of death to his sister goddess Yamuna as a symbol of love and respect for her. Since then Yamunotri Dham has been visited by a huge crowd of pilgrims who visit this place not only to see the blessings of goddess Yamuna but also to purify their body and soul in the holy water of river Yamuna. The main Yamunotri temple is located near the river's glacial origin which is a symbol of the protective presence of the goddess over her devotees.

Places to see in Yamunotri

Yamunotri, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, is a revered pilgrimage site with scenic natural beauty and religious significance. Here are some must-visit places in and around Yamunotri:

Yamunotri Temple: Yamunotri temple is the top attraction and is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna who is the sister of Yama, God of death, and is a prime spiritual center. This temple was constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah during the 19th century and it attracts a huge crowd of pilgrims from all around the world throughout the year.

Divya Sheela: Divya Sheela is located in the proximity of Yamunotri temple and Surya kund which is a rock pillar that is also worshiped by the pilgrims and devotees who visit Yamunotri dham before entering the main temple premises. This Rock pillar is considered highly sacred and is believed to have some divine power.

Surya Kund: Surya Kund is a hot water spring which is located near the Yamunotri temple where the devotees can cook rice and potatoes that are tied in a cloth bag after cooking this is offered to the goddess and later taken by the devotees in the form of Prasad.

Janki Chatti: It is a place which is located at a distance of 6 km from Yamunotri temple and is famous for its water springs. This is a small town where you can find ample options for accommodation before starting your journey to Yamunotri temple.

Kharsali: Kharsali is also considered a prime location where the idol of goddess Yamuna is shifted during the winter season and is located at a distance of 1 km from Janki Chatti. The main Yamunotri temple experience is heavy rainfall and the temple gets submerged under the snowfall so this beautiful village offers the opportunity to its devotees where they can see the blessing of goddess Yamuna.

Bandarpunch Peak: Yamunotri Dham is located at a higher elevation from which one can witness the magnificent Bandarpunch peak which is a snow-covered peak and is mentioned in the legend of lord Hanuman extinguishing his tail after setting Lanka on fire. The site of Bandarpunch Peak from Yamunotri temple adds to its religious mythological charm.

Saptrishi Kund: It is a high-altitude glacial lake that is also considered the main origin point of the holy river Yamuna and if you want to explore this place then you need to undertake a challenging trekking path which is known for its natural beauty and Blue Water. It is also believed that at this place the seven great sages who are known as Sapta Rishis, meditated which also enhanced The spiritual aspect of this place.

Hanuman Chatti: Hanuman Chatti is another place where the river Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga River meet and is located at a distance of 13 km from Yamunotri temple. Hanuman Chatti you can also find some starting points of beautiful treks that offer a scenic landscape and tranquil surroundings.

Activities to do at Yamunotri Dham

During your visit to Yamunotri temple, different activities can enhance your experience that are mentioned below:

Religious tourism: Since Yamunotri dham is a religious site the form most activity is religious tourism where the devotees can offer their prayers to goddess Yamuna at Yamunotri temple and can witness the temple rituals. Devotees can also participate in aarti which are ceremonial prayers and can seek the blessing of the goddess.

Trekking: Trekking is yet another adventure activity that can be undertaken from Janki Chatti and you can trek through a path of 6 km which is filled with stunning views of lush green forest, waterfalls, and majestic landscapes. These activities enhance the experience of nature lovers where one can soak in the views and take a breath to enjoy the majestic surroundings.

Photography: If you are a niche lover and want to capture the beauty of nature in your memory then photography at Yamunotri is also the best activity where you can capture the panoramic view of mountains to the charming temple areas. This place gives numerous chances to capture memories to a photographer.

Camping: If you are someone who indulges in adventure activities then you can also prefer camping under the starry sky where you can witness the true natural Marvel at Yamunotri Dham and can enhance the experience of your pilgrimage journey.

Village tourism: Yamunotri Dham is located in the remote area of the Garhwal region in Uttarakhand so it is one of the best opportunities for a devotee to also learn about the local culture and cuisine of the Garhwali people. Here you get to see the morning to evening routine of local people and also get to learn about the difficulties they face while living in these remote areas.

Trek to Yamunotri Dham

The trek of Yamunotri Dham is an adventurous one that encourages spirituality while being on a journey as you pass through various majestic Garhwal Himalayas. The starting point of your trek will be Janki Chatti which is a small town located in the proximity of 6 km from Yamunotri temple the trekking path covers a winding mountain path that is surrounded by lush green valleys, fascinating waterfalls, and snow-covered mountains. Though this trekking path is a bit challenging with steep and narrow stretches which makes it a bit difficult. The difficulty level is moderate for beginners; pilgrims can take halts on their way and enjoy the Scenic points where they can soak their souls in the beauty of rhododendron fields and forests and watch the holy Yamuna River flowing beside them. If it is difficult for the devotees to trek then they can also choose other options such as ponies or dolis and can also opt for the helicopter services which will make their journey much easier.

Approximately 3 to 4 hours on average is required to complete this trek of Yamunotri Dham depending on the pace of an individual as you are trekking you will find some significant spots on your way such as Divya Sheela, Surya Kund which are located in the proximity of Yamunotri temple. At Surya kund you can cook rice with potatoes in the hot water spring which is then offered to goddess Yamuna and at Divya Sheela, one can witness a river Rock pillar which is a pre-temple that needs to be worshiped before offering the prayers to the goddess Yamuna in Yamunotri temple. On your trekking path, you will witness different stalls that provide snacks, tea, and other refreshment where one can take a halt to enjoy the magnificent natural views of this place. After completing such a tough journey to the Yamunotri temple, one can experience an overwhelming sense of peace and spirituality. This trek is not just a physical journey but a soulful one that is filled with natural beauty challenges in clients and mountains of devotion that make it a truly memorable experience.

Other options to reach Yamunotri Dham

Reaching Yamunotri Dham is quite challenging for a few pilgrims as you need to trek for 6 km to reach this temple so here are some options which one can opt for to reach Yamunotri temple safely and easily.

Ponies & Mules: One can choose ponies or mules if you find the trekking path 6 km too steep. You can book them from the local operators who have well-trained animals that will help you reach Yamunotri temple with a handler who will guide the animal throughout the path. On this ride, one can enjoy the scenic views of trekking without getting tired.

Dolis: For the second option one can opt for Dolis which is an excellent choice for physically challenged or elderly people. In this mode of transportation, a person is carried on a chair that is carried on the shoulders of 4 barriers that will safely transport you to the temple. In this option, you will be getting a comfortable and secure journey which will ensure or study peace. This is one of the most traditional ways in which a pilgrim can enjoy the surroundings while being transported to Yamunotri Dham.

Kandi: Kandi aur basket career is also one of the best budget-friendly options which you can opt to cover the short distance while trekking as they will be assisting you for a partial trail. In this mode of transportation, you will be sitting in a basket-like structure that is carried on the back of the porter. This transportation method is less common and is yet the traditional method in which the locals and young children were transported during the early time for a short distance along the trekking path.

Helicopter service: If you want your journey to Yamunotri Dham to be more comfortable and also you want to save a lot of time then you can opt for helicopter services that are available from different helipads such as Dehradun, Phoolchatti, or Kharsali helipad. After reaching the Kharsali village one needs to cover a small path to reach the Yamunotri temple. In this mode of transportation, devotees get to cover this holy dham in a short period while having a spectacular and quick aerial journey over the Himalayas.

Travel tips for Yamunotri Dham

Visiting Yamunotri Dham is a unique experience that combines spirituality with adventure where you will be trekking through rugged Himalayan Terrains so here are some essential travel trips to make your journey a safe and memorable one:

• You must plan your visit to Yamunotri Dham between May and June or from September to October month as during this period weather remains present and the risk of landslides and other dangers is reduced, which generally happens during the monsoon month from July till August.
• The trek of Yamunotri dham is 6 km long and a bit steeper so you need to have some level of fitness to complete this trek. You can prepare for this trek by introducing regular walks or light cardio workouts in your regular life before your trip.
• Yamunotri Dham is located at an elevation of over 3000 m so if you are not used to such a high altitude you need to walk at a slower pace and can also spend one day at Janki Chatti which will help your body to adjust according to the atmosphere and can reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
• You need to stay hydrated because of the physical exhaustion so drink plenty of water and carry a refillable bottle that can be used while trekking.
• Do include some essential warm clothes while packing for Yamunotri dham and do not forget to keep your raincoat, sunscreen, comfortable trekking shoes, sunglasses, and hats as at higher altitudes there are sudden weather changes which are very common.
• Do not forget to keep some food options along with you as it will be really helpful to have some energy while trekking. You can keep food items like dry fruits, energy bars, nuts, or energy drinks.
• Yamunotri Dham is a sacred site so you need to respect the local customs and dress modestly while visiting this place also you need to avoid bringing alcohol and any kind of nonvegetarian food to such sacred places.
• If you are a first-time tracker or an elderly person and the trekking to Yamnotri dham is a bit challenging for you then you can opt for other options such as Ponies, palkis (palanquins), and pits that are available and Janki Chatti.
• You need to check whether updates regular as due to sudden changes in temperature during the monsoon season there may be a higher risk of landslides or road blockage in these remote areas.
• While trekking to Yamunotri Dham if you suspect any kind of altitude sickness then you should have some necessary medication along with you so do not forget to keep a first aid kit which mainly includes a bandage, pain relievers, antiseptic, and recommended medicines for emergencies.

Where to stay at Yamunotri

At Yamunotri dham, you will find a range of accommodation options that cater to the preferences of pilgrims as per their budget. Some of the prominent nearby towns where one can find comfortable accommodation in Yamunotri are Janki Chatti, Hanuman Chatti, Barkot, and Karshali. These places will offer you moderately comfortable accommodation as it is advisable to expect luxury accommodation options in these remote areas.

Janki Chatti: Janki Chatti is a small town which is located in the proximity of 6 km from Yamunotri temple and has the highest options for accommodation ranging from budget lodges to guest houses to mid-range hotels. At Janki Chatti, one can also find Garhwal mandal Vikas Nigam GMVN which is a Government guest house that offers a clean and comfortable lodging facility. The guest house and hotels at Janki Shetty will provide you with a clean room with simple meals and hot water for bathing.

Hanuman Chatti: Hanuman Chatti is located in the proximity of 13 km from Yamunotri Dham and is one of the popular places where pilgrims can find their accommodation as it has multiple options from budget guest houses to Dharamshala. The accommodations at Hanuman Chatti will offer you a simple meal with affordable lodging which are located in tranquil surroundings where one can enjoy a peaceful stay away from the crowded places.

Barkot: Barkot is a large town which is located in the proximity of 50 km from Yamunotri temple and offers a wide range of accommodations from budget to mid-range hotels to guest houses and also GMVN which are government-run lodges. If you are traveling to Yamunotri dham by car then workout is one of the most appropriate options where you can find your comfortable accommodation rather than Janki chatti or Hanuman chatti. The hotels and Barkot will offer you hot water, vegetarian meals, and comfortable accommodations with scenic mountain views.

Kharsali: Kharsali is a small village which is located in the proximity of Janki Chatti and is considered the winter place of goddess Yamuna where the idol of goddess Yamuna is transferred during snow months. At Karshali you will be getting some budget options that are located in the peaceful surrounding with beautiful natural views. Kharsali is a place where one can experience the local culture and traditions of village people.

Food Guide at Yamunotri Dham

While traveling to Yamunotri dham you will get really simple food options that are mainly for pilgrims and provide basic vegetarian fare. On your 6 km long trekking path from Janki Chatti, you will get several options of small dhabas where you can get some light snacks and refreshments like Maggi noodles, tea, coffee, biscuits, etc. At Janki Chatti and near the Yamunotri temple you will get a basic meal which will consist of local dal, Indian bread, rice, and local vegetables of Uttarakhand. These basic meals are prepared in traditional North Indian cooking style. There are different ashrams and community halls where free meals are offered in the form of langar which consists of a simple and nutritious vegetarian meal. Generally, the satvik food which does not contain onion and garlic is prepared for the devotees as they will be traveling in the sacred environment. Also, some pilgrims carry their energy snacks like dry fruit, chocolate, and other options which they can have on their way to Yamunotri Dham. Since it is only accessible during the 6 months in a year, you will not get much eateries and food service on this route.

How to reach Yamunotri Dham

To reach Yamunotri dham which is located in the Uttarakhand region of India you can opt from different options that are mentioned below:

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport is the nearest airport which is located at a distance of 210 km in Dehradun. From this airport, you can reach Janki Chatti which is the last motor-able point for Yamunotri Dham. The Jolly Grant Airport is well connected to major prominent cities of India such as Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, etc from the airport you can hire private cabs and taxis that are available outside the airport and can reach Janki Chatti in around 7 to 9 hours.

By Train: If you want to reach Yamunotri Dham by train then the nearest railway station is located in Dehradun which is approximately 175 km from Janki Chatti another option for a railway station is in Rishikesh which is located around 200 km from Janki Chatti and is having better connectivity for pilgrimage Yatra. These railway stations are well connected to major cities of India such as Haridwar, Varanasi, Delhi, etc from the railway station one can take a direct taxi service to reach Janki Chatti in 6 to 7 hours.

By Road: You can start your journey of Yamunotri dham either from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun from where you can get private buses or taxis that will transfer you to Barkot, and from there you can take a 2 hours drive to reach Janki Chatti from where your trek for Yamunotri Dham will start. One can get direct buses for Barkot from Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rishikesh as per their schedule. You can also start your Yatra Yamunotri dham directly from Delhi where you can take an interstate bus to reach Dehradun, Haridwar & Rishikesh, and then from there, you can take a direct bus to reach Barkot.

Distance from Major cities Yamunotri from Haridwar: 235 km Yamunotri from Rishikesh: 216 km Yamunotri from Srinagar: 189 km Yamunotri from Dehradun : 182 km

Distance from temples Yamunotri from Gangotri: 223 km Yamunotri from Kedarnath: 387 km Yamunotri from Badrinath: 367 km

Yamunotri weather

Summers

Summer season is the best time to explore Yamunotri dham as during this period the temperature ranges from 6 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius and the weather remains pleasant. During the day the temperature remains mild and at night becomes cool the sky mostly remains clear and offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountains. During the summertime, you need to pack light woolen clothes that can be worn during the evening and nighttime. Also, you need to pack comfortable trekking shoes and sun protection like sunglasses and sunscreen. The summer season is the peak pilgrimage season as the doors of this dham open in late April or early May month on the occasion of Akshay Tritiya and during this period a huge crowd is attracted to Yamunotri temple.

Winter

The winter season at Yamunotri Dham is very harsh and the area experiences heavy snowfall and temperature ranges from -7 degrees Celsius to 5 degrees Celsius. During this period, the Yamunotri dham remains covered under the snow and the idol of goddess Yamuna is moved from the temple to Kharsali village where worship is offered during the winter month. So it is not advisable to explore Yamunotri Dham during the winter month as the temple remains completely shut.

Autumn

The autumn season which is the post-monsoon season at Yamunotri dham offers a cool climate with crisp views and clear skies where one can witness the beautiful landscape and lush green forest making it the most beautiful time to explore Yamunotri dham. During this period the temperature ranges from zero degrees Celsius to 12 degrees Celsius and at this phase, it is advisable to pack warm clothes and heavier jackets as the temperature drops significantly, especially in October. Autumn is the last face of the pilgrimage season as dham closes in October or early November month and at this point of time, pilgrims can experience a peaceful journey with lower crowds.

Monsoon

The monsoon season at Yamunotri dham brings heavy rainfall which may result in landslides on the narrow mountain roads. During this period the temperature ranges from 5 degrees Celsius to 15 degrees Celsius making it difficult for devotees to trek through the challenging and dangerous route. It is not advisable to visit during the monsoon season as at this point the risk of landslides is very high so it's better to monitor the weather in advance and prepare for delays in your travel date. During this period it is advisable to carry waterproof clothes bags and raincoats with some extra layer of woolen clothes.