1st Dham
Yamunotri
The source of the Yamuna River, believed to be the sister of Yama, the god of death. Bathing in the hot springs of Surya Kund near the temple, followed by darshan, is said to protect devotees from an untimely death.
- Deity
- Goddess Yamuna
- Elevation
- 3,293 m
- District
- Uttarkashi
- Ideal Duration
- 1-2 days from Barkot
About Yamunotri
Yamunotri is the westernmost of the four dhams and traditionally the first stop on the yatra. The temple sits close to the Yamuna's glacial source, Champasar Glacier, on Kalind Parvat, though the glacier itself is not accessible to pilgrims.
The approach from Janki Chatti follows the Yamuna gorge along a paved but steep bridle path. Pony, palki, and doli (porter-carried basket) services operate throughout the season for those unable to walk the full distance.
Unlike Gangotri and Badrinath, Yamunotri has no road connectivity to the shrine itself, which keeps the immediate temple precinct relatively quiet even during peak season.
Legend & Mythology
Sage Asit Muni is said to have bathed daily in both the Ganga and Yamuna. In old age, unable to travel to the Ganga, a stream is believed to have appeared beside his ashram at Yamunotri — considered a manifestation of the Ganga itself, still visible as a small spring near the temple.
How to Reach
Nearest road head is Janki Chatti (approx. 5 km trek/pony/palki to the temple). Motorable road connects Janki Chatti to Dehradun (~215 km) and Rishikesh (~190 km) via Barkot.
Quick Facts
Trek Distance
~5 km (Janki Chatti to temple)
Trek Difficulty
Easy-moderate; pony/palki/doli available
Nearest Railway
Rishikesh (~210 km from temple base)
Nearest Airport
Jolly Grant, Dehradun (~220 km)
Portal Open/Close
Akshaya Tritiya (Apr/May) to Yama Dwitiya (Oct/Nov)
Temple Architecture
Small stone shrine rebuilt in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur; original temple destroyed by an earlier avalanche.
Rituals & Puja
- Pilgrims traditionally bathe in the Surya Kund hot spring before entering the temple
- Rice or potatoes tied in a cloth are dipped into the spring, cooked by its natural heat, and carried back as prasad
- A brief darshan and aarti of the Yamuna idol inside the sanctum
Highlights
- Surya Kund hot water spring beside the temple
- Divya Shila, a rock pillar worshipped before entering the temple
- Rice cooked in the hot spring, taken home as prasad
Nearby Attractions
Divya Shila
Stone pillar worshipped just before the temple entrance
Hanuman Chatti
Base village with basic lodging, roughly 13 km before Janki Chatti
Kharsali
Village near Janki Chatti, winter home of the Yamuna deity
Where to Stay
Barkot is the main overnight base with hotels and guesthouses across budgets. Janki Chatti has basic lodges closer to the trek start for those wanting an early morning ascent.
Weather
Daytime temperatures in May-June are mild (10-20°C) but drop sharply near the temple due to elevation. Expect near-freezing nights even in peak season; monsoon months bring frequent landslides on the Barkot-Janki Chatti stretch.
Travel Tips
- Start the trek early morning to avoid afternoon cloud cover and crowding at the hot spring
- Carry cash — limited ATM/card facilities beyond Barkot
- Mules and palki rates are fixed by the local union; confirm the rate card before hiring
Other Dhams
Plan Your Yamunotri Visit with GoTrek Travels
GoTrek Travels is a KMVN-approved operator based in Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, offering guided Char Dham packages with transport, stay, and registration handled end to end.
