Yamunotri is small village known for Yamunotri Temple. It is located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri Temple is for Yamuna River as goddess. Yamunotri is located at the height of 3290 meters from sea level. Yamunotri is currently not connected by road and Jankichatti is nearest place 6 kms far from where pilgrims can trek to Yamunotri. Yamunotri is considered source of the Yamuna river which is 1376 kms long river and considered one of most famous rivers in north india. Actual source of Yamuna river is glacial lake at 4420 meters above the temple at Bandarpoonch base. It is approx 1 kms further up from temple but very difficult to access so pilgrims go till temple only and offer their prayers. Yamunotri is part of Chardham in Uttarakhand (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath & Badrinath). Due to snowfall in winter season temple is closed in winter after Diwali and open again in summer around Akshya Tritiya. Thousands of pilgrims visit Yamunotri specially in May June season. Pilgrims boil rice in Surya Kund (hot spring) near temple and eat as Prasad. Temple construction was done by Maharaja of Tehri Pratap Singh (late 18th century) and renovated by Maharani Guleria (Jaipur) in 19th century.
Places to visit in and around Yamunotri :
- Yamunotri Temple
- Surya Kund
- Janki Chatti
Things to do in Yamunotri:
- Temple visit
- Hiking and Trekking around
- Taking bath in Surya Kund
- Photography
Best time to visit Yamunotri :
Yamunotri Temple is closed in winter so May - June - Sep - Oct is best time to visit Gangotri. Sep Oct being less crowded it will be much better experience overall.
Accommodation & Meals at Yamunotri:
Accommodation at Yamunotri is difficult due to very limited options. Most tourist stay in Barkot / Jankichatti and visit by trekking 6 kms and return same day. Barkot and Jankichatti has decent amount of options available for stay (Camps and hotels). Luxury hotels are rare in the area. Food options are mostly north indian and some south indian. Local Garhwali options are limited but worth to try.
How to reach Yamunotri :
By Road: Yamunotri is 6 kms far from nearest road at Jankichatti. Jankichatti is connected by Road to Delhi via Delhi - Meerut - Haridwar - Dehradun - Mussoorie - Barkot Jankichatti. From Haridwar 220 kms drive is required to reach janki chatti. Due to long drive it is best to start early in morning. Bus / Taxi is available from Haridwar / Dehradun / Rishikesh easily when temple is open.
By Railway: Dehradun Railway Station is nearest railway station for Yamunotri. Dehradun is 180 kms far and approx 05 - 06 hours drive is required depend on season to Jankichatti. Dehradun is well connected to many other cities by regualar trains from Dellhi - Mumbai - Amritsar - Mumbai - Varanasi etc places regularly.
By Air: Dehradun Airport is nearest airport for Yamunotri. Yamunotri is 200 kms far from Dehradun Airport. It will take approx 06-07 hours drive to Jankichatti from Dehradun Airport. It is best to start in morning as drive in night time is difficult in hill areas. Helipad is in Kharsali so helicopter service to Kharsali still requires 6 kms trekking.