Yamunotri

5 Days

Yamunotri is one of the four sacred shrines of the Char Dham Yatra in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It is the source of the holy Yamuna River and holds great spiritual significance for Hindus. Yamunotri is situated at an altitude of about 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) above sea level.

Overview

Yamunotri is a revered pilgrimage site in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four sacred destinations in the Char Dham Yatra, along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the goddess of the Yamuna River, which is believed to originate from the Champasar Glacier.

Duration: The typical duration of the Badrinath is 5 to 6 days.

Location: Yamunotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an elevation of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas. Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River, and it is surrounded by breathtaking snow-covered peaks and natural hot springs.

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Yamunotri is during May to June and September to October, when the weather is pleasant, and the temple is accessible. The temple remains closed in the winter months due to heavy snowfall.

Opening and Closing Dates: The temple opens on Akshaya Tritiya in April/May and closes after Diwali in October/November.

Near by Yamunotri: “Janki Chatti” About 6 km from Yamunotri, “Hanuman Chatti” About 13 km from Yamunotri, “Saptrishi Kund” About 10 km trek from Yamunotri, “Barkot” About 13 km from Yamunotri, “Uttarkashi” About 123 km from Yamunotri, “Harsil” About 140 km from Yamunotri.

Travel Modes:

  • By Road: The road journey takes you to Janki Chatti, which is about 210 km from Dehradun and about 176 km from Rishikesh. From Janki Chatti, the trek begins.
  • By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, approximately 210 km away.
  • By Train: The nearest railway stations are Dehradun and Rishikesh.
  • Trekking: From Janki Chatti, you must trek 5 km to reach the Yamunotri Temple. The trek usually takes about 2–3 hours, depending on your pace.
  • Helicopter: Helicopter services to Kharsali (the nearest helipad to Yamunotri) are available from places like Dehradun and Phata. The helicopter ride takes about 10–15 minutes. From Kharsali, a 6 km trek or pony ride will take you to the Yamunotri Temple.
  • Pony and Doli: Ponies or mules can be hired at Janki Chatti for the 5 km trek to Yamunotri. For elderly or physically challenged pilgrims, palkis (carried by porters) are available for hire at Janki Chatti for a more comfortable journey to the temple.

Itinerary

Arrival: Reach Rishikesh, and check in at your preferred accommodation. For a unique experience, consider staying with Bluemoon Holidays for rafting and camping in Shivpuri, with options like Alpine, Luxury, Cottage, or Hotel stays.
Activities:
Explore Rishikesh’s spiritual and adventure spots.
Attend the evening Ganga Aarti at Triveni Ghat.

Departure: Early morning departure from Rishikesh to Barkot.
En Route:
Enjoy the scenic drive through Mussoorie and stop at Kempty Falls.
Reach Barkot in the evening.
Stay: Overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in Barkot.

Morning: Start early from Barkot and drive to Janki Chatti.
Trek: From Janki Chatti, begin the 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple.
En Route: You can hire a pony or palanquin (doli) if needed.
Yamunotri Temple:
Visit the sacred Yamunotri Temple and offer prayers to Goddess Yamuna.
Take a dip in the hot water springs at Surya Kund and offer cooked rice as a sacred offering.
Return: After temple darshan, trek back to Janki Chatti.
Stay: Overnight stay at Janki Chatti or Barkot.

Morning: After breakfast, drive from Janki Chatti or Barkot to Uttarkashi.
Activities:
Visit the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi.
Explore the scenic beauty of Uttarkashi, located on the banks of the Bhagirathi River.
Stay: Overnight stay at a hotel in Uttarkashi.

Morning: After breakfast, start the return journey to Rishikesh.
En Route: Stop at Tehri Dam for some stunning views.
Arrival: Reach Rishikesh by evening.

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Accommodation (Guest house, Home stay).
  • Meals while on trek ( only Veg).
  • All necessary entry fees and permits.
  • First aid medical kits and oxygen cylinder.
  • Mountaineering qualified & professional trek Leader, guide, cook and support staff.
  • Porters / mules to carry central equipment.

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • Exclusion
  • Any kind of personal expenses.
  • Food during the transit.
  • Insurance.
  • Transport not included (can be arranged with an additional cost of 6500/- per vehicle for 4-6 persone
  • 7-12 @12000).
  • Mules or porter to carry personal luggage.
  • Anything not specifically mentioned under the head Price Includes.
  • Any kind of emergency evacuation charges.

Frequently asked Questions

What is the significance of Yamunotri Temple?

Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the personification of the Yamuna River. According to Hindu belief, a dip in the sacred waters of the Yamuna is said to cleanse devotees of their sins and protect them from untimely death. The temple is also part of the Char Dham Yatra, making it a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus.

How do I reach Yamunotri Temple?

To reach Yamunotri, pilgrims must first drive to Janki Chatti, the nearest road-accessible town. From there, a 6 km trek leads to the temple. Ponies and palanquins (dolis) are available for hire for those unable to walk the distance.

When does Yamunotri Temple open and close?

The temple opens every year on Akshaya Tritiya (April/May) and closes after Diwali (October/November). The exact dates depend on the Hindu calendar. During the winter months, the temple remains closed due to heavy snowfall.

Where is Yamunotri Temple located?

Yamunotri Temple is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is situated near the source of the Yamuna River, which originates from the Champasar Glacier.

What are the nearby attractions to visit along with Yamunotri?

Nearby attractions include:

  • Janki Chatti: Known for its hot water springs and the starting point for the trek.
  • Hanuman Chatti: A scenic spot where the Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga rivers meet.
  • Saptrishi Kund: The source of the Yamuna River and a challenging trekking destination.
  • Barkot: A beautiful hill station offering views of the Bandarpunch Peak.

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Yamunotri