Yamunotri Temple
The shrine of Yamunotri marks the origin of the sacred River Yamuna. It rests at the base of Bandar Poonch peak, which rises to 3,615 metres. The actual source of the river lies at the Champasar Glacier on Kalind Mountain, at about 4,421 metres above sea level. Since this spot is difficult to reach, the temple was established at the foot of the hill. Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal built the Yamunotri temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
The icy waters of the river here reflect innocence and purity, evoking deep reverence among devotees. Legends say that the ancient sage Asit Muni once had his hermitage in this sacred land. The trek to Yamunotri offers an unforgettable journey, surrounded by dense forests and rugged Himalayan peaks.
Inside the temple, the deity of Goddess Yamuna is crafted from black marble, while a silver idol adorned with garlands represents the river goddess. Close to the temple, natural hot springs gush from the mountain. Suryakund is the most significant among them, and beside it stands the sacred Divya Shila, worshipped before offering prayers to the deity. Pilgrims often cook rice and potatoes tied in muslin cloth by immersing them in these hot springs. The food, later offered at the shrine, is taken home as prasadam.
The pujaris and priests serving the Yamunotri temple belong to the village of Kharsali near Jankichatti.
What to Know About Yamunotri
Yamunotri forms one of the Char Dham (along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath), the four most sacred Hindu pilgrimages in the Himalayas. This serene mountain village, with the Yamunotri Temple at its heart, draws thousands of devotees each year. It marks the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra (May to October), which begins at Yamunotri, moves to Gangotri, and concludes at Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Nestled in a narrow gorge near the origin of the Yamuna River, the Yamunotri Temple honors Goddess Yamuna, revered as the second holiest river after the Ganges. Pilgrims believe that bathing in the Yamuna safeguards them from untimely death. To reach the shrine, devotees either trek on foot or choose a pony or palanquin from Janki Chatti. The steep climb covers about 3 km and takes nearly three hours, with the temple standing at an altitude of 3,233 m above sea level. The kapat is now open for darshan.
Best Time To Visit: April to June and September to November
Attractions Near Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri Temple
The Yamunotri Temple honors Goddess Yamuna, daughter of Lord Surya and sister of Lord Yama. Inside the shrine, an idol of Yamuna carved in black ebony shines beautifully. The bright yellow and vermillion temple stands beside the Yamuna River, set dramatically against steep mountains. Two hot springs, Surya Kund and Gouri Kund, lie near the temple. Devotees dip rice and vegetables in the springs as sacred offerings. They also worship at Divya Shilla, a reddish-brown rock near Surya Kund. The temple was built in 1839 and rebuilt in the 19th century.
Kharsali
Kharsali, about 8 km from Yamunotri, is a peaceful Himalayan village. Wooden houses, stone walls, and warm people define its charm. Visitors enjoy walking around the rustic paths and exploring the village at leisure.
Saptarshi Kund
Saptarshi Kund lies about 10 km from Yamunotri at 4,421 m. The glacial lake originates from the Champasar Glacier and forms the true source of Yamuna. Pilgrims worship at Yamunotri Temple, while trekkers attempt the difficult climb to the lake. The emerald waters surrounded by glaciers create a breathtaking sight. The rare Brahma Kamal flower also grows here.
Hanuman Chatti
Hanuman Chatti sits at the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers, about 13 km from Yamunotri. Surrounded by forests and mountains, it offers peace and natural beauty. Devotees seek blessings of Lord Hanuman here. Trekkers use it as a base to reach Dodi Tal and nearby trails.
Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti lies 6 km from Yamunotri, surrounded by towering peaks. The hamlet becomes lively during the Char Dham Yatra. Earlier, the trek started at Hanuman Chatti, nearly 13 km away. Now, a motorable road leads directly to Janki Chatti, making the temple more accessible.
What To Do
Yamunotri offers several trekking trails. The most popular route runs from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri. This moderate trek covers 14 km in about five hours. Many trekkers also choose the Dodi Tal trek for its scenic beauty.
Weather of Yamunotri Dham
Winter (November to April)
Winter (November to April)
Winters bring freezing cold and heavy snowfall. Snowfall remains high from late November to mid-March. The Yamunotri Temple stays closed during this period. Only expert trekkers and mountaineers visit for expeditions in the surrounding region.
Summer (May to June)
Summers remain pleasant with maximum temperatures around 20℃. Nights can get very cold. The temple gates open in early summer. This season is best for pilgrimage and sightseeing in Yamunotri.
Monsoon (July to August)
Monsoon starts in late July and lasts till August. Heavy rainfall causes frequent landslides and makes travel risky. Reaching the temple becomes difficult during this season. Pilgrims should avoid travel in the monsoon months.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Yamunotri is from April to June and September to November. The temple remains open from the last week of April until the second week of November.
How to Reach Yamunotri
The Yamunotri Temple lies 13 km from Hanuman Chatti and 6 km from Janki Chatti. Devotees can hire ponies, horses, or palanquins from Janki Chatti. The motorable road goes till Janki Chatti via Syanachatti, Ranachatti, and Hanuman Chatti, about 50 km from Barkot. From Janki Chatti, a 5 km trek leads to the temple. Dandies and baskets (kandies) for children are also available.
By Flight
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, located 26 km from Rishikesh. From there, travelers can hire taxis or board luxury buses to reach Yamunotri.
By Train
The railway line extends only up to Rishikesh. After that, visitors can use buses, shared jeeps, or private taxis. SUVs and MUVs like Innova, Scorpio, or Tavera are recommended. The nearest railway stations are Haridwar, Dehradun, Kotdwar, and Kathgodam.
By Road
The best route runs via Dehradun and Barkot. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, the road diverts at Dharasu bifurcation. Yamunotri connects well with Haridwar, Dehradun, Chamba, Tehri, Barkot, Hanuman Chatti, and Janki Chatti.
Accommodation Near Yamunotri
Yamunotri itself does not offer accommodation. Nearby options are available.
- Janki Chatti: Limited guesthouses and basic stay facilities are available.
- Barkot: Located 50 km from Yamunotri, Barkot offers good hotels. Pilgrims can stay here and complete Yamunotri darshan in one day.
Conclusion
If you are longing for peace of mind and a soulful retreat, Yamunotri Temple is the perfect place to visit. Step into the sacred temple complex and fulfill your spiritual journey with divine blessings. Let the atmosphere of Yamunotri surround you with serenity and devotion, offering an experience unlike any other.
