YAMUNOTRI DHAM
MYTHOLOGICAL & RELIGIOUS IMPORTANCE OF YAMUNOTRI
Mythological Story:
Yamunotri is the origin of the holy River Yamuna, which is revered as the daughter of Surya Dev (Sun God) and sister of Yama (the God of Death). Taking a dip in the Yamuna is believed to cleanse all sins and protect from untimely death —a blessing from her brother Yama. The Yamunotri Temple, established in the 19th century by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur, marks the source of the river. However, the actual glacier source – Yamunotri Glacier (Champasar Glacier) – lies about 6 km ahead at 4,421 m, inaccessible to most pilgrims due to difficult terrain. A hot water spring – Surya Kund, near the temple, is used to cook rice and potatoes in cloth as prasad. The Yamunotri journey is a blend of faith, nature, and spirituality, wrapped in Himalayan serenity. Yamunotri is not just a destination—it’s a spiritual experience rooted in Hindu mythology and devotion. It is the first stop in the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand, which includes Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Pilgrimage to Yamunotri is considered highly auspicious, especially for those seeking purification of karma, spiritual rebirth, and familial peace.
HOW TO REACH YAMUNOTRI DHAM
Yamunotri is not directly accessible by road. The last motorable point is Janki Chatti, from where a 5 km trek (moderate difficulty) takes you to the temple.
By Road:
- Delhi → Haridwar → Rishikesh → Barkot → Janki Chatti
- From Janki Chatti, start the 5 km trek (can also hire ponies, palkis, or pitthus).
Nearest Railway Stations:
- Rishikesh (approx. 210 km from Janki Chatti)
- Dehradun (approx. 180 km)
Nearest Airport:
- Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 200 km)
THE SCENIC BEAUTY OF THE JOURNEY TO YAMUNOTRI TEMPLE BY ROAD
The road to Yamunotri, nestled in the Garhwal Himalayas, offers a breathtaking travel experience filled with divine aura, natural beauty, and spiritual energy. The motorable route winds through verdant valleys, pine-covered slopes, deep gorges, and sparkling rivers—especially along the Yamuna and Tons rivers.
Key Scenic Highlights:
- Mussoorie to Barkot stretch: Lush forested roads, sharp bends, and mountain views.
- Barkot to Janki Chatti: Drive along the Yamuna River with panoramic vistas of Himalayan peaks and apple orchards.
- Hanuman Chatti: The confluence of the Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga rivers—believed to be a spiritually potent site.
The cool mountain air, the sound of flowing rivers, and the sight of snow-capped peaks create an atmosphere of peace, making the road journey an integral part of the Yamunotri pilgrimage.
HELICOPTER SERVICES TO YAMUNOTRI
There’s no direct helipad at Yamunotri, but helicopter packages include nearby drop-offs for easy access.
Book Helicopter Char Dham Package:
- Operators: Pawan Hans, Heritage Aviation, IRCTC Tourism, UTair India
- Departure: Sahastradhara Helipad (Dehradun)
- Landing near Kharsali (Helipad), just 1 km below Janki Chatti
- Pony or palki services are available from Kharsali to Yamunotri
How to Book:
- Online via official websites or authorized travel agents
- Book in advance (especially for May–June and Sept–Oct)
- Approximate cost for Char Dham package: ₹1.5 – ₹2.5 lakh per person
TREK TO YAMUNOTRI – A JOURNEY OF FAITH AND BEAUTY
The trek to Yamunotri begins from Janki Chatti, which is the last motorable point. From here, the 5 km trek to the Yamunotri Temple is a spiritually charged Himalayan trail.
Trekking Distance:
Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple – approx. 5 km (one way)
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Time: 2 to 4 hours (one way)
Trail Features & Scenic Beauty:
- The trek is lined with thick deodar, oak, and pine trees, making the path cool and shaded.
- You’ll cross bridges over waterfalls, trek alongside gushing rivulets, and hear the echoes of devotional chants from fellow pilgrims.
- Occasional sightings of Himalayan birds and panoramic views of snow-clad peaks enrich the journey.
Rest Stops & Facilities:
- Tea stalls and dhabas at Phool Chatti and midway points for snacks and rest.
- Public restrooms and medical assistance huts on the route.
- Palkis, mules, and pitthus are available for senior citizens or those unable to trek.
Sacred Spots on the Trek:
- Phool Chatti: Known for its wildflowers and spiritual ambiance.
- Surya Kund: A natural hot water spring where rice is cooked in cloth and offered as prasad.
- Divya Shila: A sacred stone near the temple, worshipped before entering the sanctum.
Religious Significance of the Trek Itself
The act of walking to the temple—Pad Yatra—is seen as an offering of penance and devotion in Hinduism. It’s believed that:
- Each step taken with faith washes away sins.
- The trek represents inner purification and humility before divine energy.
- The physical hardship is spiritually rewarded with blessings from Goddess Yamuna.
Unlike a mere road journey, this walk becomes a spiritual transformation, echoing the journey of sages and rishis in ancient times.
Route Map & Road Distance Chart (From Major Cities)
Starting Point | Distance to Janki Chatti | Road Conditions |
Rishikesh | 210 km | Good, mountain roads |
Dehradun | 180 km | Scenic, well-connected |
Haridwar | 230 km | Busy highway + hill roads |
Mussoorie | 150 km | Green hills, winding roads |
Delhi | 430 km | Via Haridwar or Rishikesh |
Starting Point | Distance to Janki Chatti | Road Conditions |
Rishikesh | 210 km | Good, mountain roads |
Dehradun | 180 km | Scenic, well-connected |
Haridwar | 230 km | Busy highway + hill roads |
Mussoorie | 150 km | Green hills, winding roads |
Delhi | 430 km | Via Haridwar or Rishikesh |
From Janki Chatti: 5 km trek to Yamunotri Temple
BEST TIME TO VISIT YAMUNOTRI
Season | Details |
May–June | Temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya, ideal time |
July–Aug | Monsoon season, landslides and rain likely |
Sept–Oct | Clear skies, post-monsoon greenery |
Nov–April | Temple is closed due to snow (idol moved to Kharsali village for worship) |
Season | Details |
May–June | Temple opens around Akshaya Tritiya, ideal time |
July–Aug | Monsoon season, landslides and rain likely |
Sept–Oct | Clear skies, post-monsoon greenery |
Nov–April | Temple is closed due to snow (idol moved to Kharsali village for worship) |
WHERE TO STAY NEAR YAMUNOTRI
Budget Dharamshalas:
- Birla Dharamshala (Janki Chatti)
- Kali Kamli Dharamshala
- Gangotri Mandir Samiti Guest House
Rates: ₹200 – ₹500 per night
Average-Priced Accommodations:
- GMVN Guest House – Janki Chatti
- Hotel Kalindi
- Hotel Yamuna Aditya Palace
Rates: ₹800 – ₹1,800 per night
Luxury Options (Available mostly at Barkot):
- The Chardham Camps – Barkot
- Himalayan Eco Lodges – Barkot
Rates: ₹4,000 – ₹8,000 per night
Features: Premium tents, scenic views, hygienic food, attached washrooms
IMPORTANT ITEMS TO CARRY FOR YAMUNOTRI YATRA
- Warm clothes (sweater, thermal, jackets)
- Walking stick and trekking shoes
- Light raincoat (for monsoon travelers)
- Power bank, flashlight/headlamp
- ID proof (for registration & hotels)
- Personal medicines & first aid kit
- Energy bars, water bottle, ORS
- Face mask and eco-friendly items
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
NEARBY TOURIST ATTRACTIONS
Place | Distance | Description |
Surya Kund | Near temple | Hot water spring for prasad and spiritual bathing |
Divya Shila | Near temple | Rock pillar worshipped before entering the temple |
Kharsali | 1 km | Winter home of Goddess Yamuna; scenic village |
Barkot | 45 km | Base for Yamunotri travelers; peaceful town with river and mountain views |
Hanuman Chatti | 13 km | Confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna; spiritual and trekking point |
Dodital | ~60 km | Trekking paradise and freshwater lake, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha |
Place | Distance | Description |
Surya Kund | Near temple | Hot water spring for prasad and spiritual bathing |
Divya Shila | Near temple | Rock pillar worshipped before entering the temple |
Kharsali | 1 km | Winter home of Goddess Yamuna; scenic village |
Barkot | 45 km | Base for Yamunotri travelers; peaceful town with river and mountain views |
Hanuman Chatti | 13 km | Confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna; spiritual and trekking point |
Dodital | ~60 km | Trekking paradise and freshwater lake, believed to be the birthplace of Lord Ganesha |