Yamunotri Dham – Complete Information
Overview
Yamunotri Dham is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand and the origin of the sacred Yamuna River. It is located in the Uttarkashi district, at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet), surrounded by the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the temple is a revered pilgrimage site for Hindus.Geographic & Historical Details
Location: Right bank of the Yamuna RiverDedicated To: Goddess Yamuna
Altitude: 3,293 meters above sea level
Built By: Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal
Season: Opens in May (Akshaya Tritiya) and closes in October (Diwali)
Winter Worship: The idol is shifted to Kharsali Village during winter.
Religious Significance
Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River, considered the sister of Yama (God of Death).Bathing in the Yamuna is believed to wash away sins and grant a peaceful death.
The real source, Yamunotri Glacier (Champasar Glacier), is 6 km uphill but is difficult to access, so the temple is the main place of worship.
By Air
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (210 km)Helicopter services available from Dehradun to Yamunotri during the yatra season.
By Train
Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh (200 km)Other nearby stations: Haridwar & Dehradun.
By Road
Well-connected to Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun.Last motorable point: Janki Chatti (6 km before Yamunotri).
From Janki Chatti, reach the temple via trek, pony, palanquin, or palki.
Trekking Route
Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple (6 km trek)Well-paved path, can be covered on foot, by pony, or palanquin.
Scenic views of dense forests, waterfalls, and snow-capped peaks.
Major Attractions Around Yamunotri
Yamunotri TempleBuilt in the 19th century by Maharaja Pratap Shah.
Houses the idol of Goddess Yamuna, made of black marble.
Surya Kund
A natural hot water spring near the temple.
Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes in the boiling water as a prasad (offering).
Divya Shila
A sacred rock near the temple, worshipped before entering the temple.
Kharsali Village
The winter seat of Goddess Yamuna.
Famous for ancient Shiva Temple and traditional wooden houses.
Best Time to Visit
May to June: Best season for pilgrimage, pleasant weather.September to October: Post-monsoon season with clear skies.
Avoid Monsoon (July-August): Heavy rainfall and landslides make travel risky.
Accommodation & Facilities
Hotels, GMVN guest houses, and dharamshalas available at Janki Chatti and Barkot.
Basic vegetarian food is available as per religious customs.
Medical facilities and oxygen cylinders are available at Janki Chatti.
Things to Keep in Mind
✔ Carry warm clothes, as temperatures drop at night.✔ Stay hydrated and acclimatize to avoid altitude sickness.
✔ Book palkis or ponies in advance for the trek if required.
✔ Follow temple rules and dress modestly.
