About Yamunotri

Yamunotri - The Sacred Jewel of the Himalayas
The Shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh-Uttarkashi. Yamunotri can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot. Situated at an elevation of 3235 metres above sea-level, the shrine of Yamunotri is one of the ‘four dhams’ of Uttarakhand. The source of Yamuna lies about 1 km. ahead at the altitude of about 4421 metres. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer pooja at the temple itself.There are hot springs close to the temple, a bath in them is very refreshing after a tedious 13 kms. trek from Hanumanchatti or 5 kms. from Janki Chatti.

Excursions
Sayanachatti : 29 kms. from Barkot is a scenic spot on the banks of river Yamuna.
Jankichatti : Noted for its thermal springs, where tourists can enjoy a refreshing bath.
Hanumanchatti : The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers, from where the trek to Dodi Tal (3,307 mts) starts.
The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, it is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3165 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. The shrine attracts devotees in large numbers from May to October.

Yamunotri is the source of the revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champasar Glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude of 4421 mts. Pilgrims do not frequently visit the source of the river as it is not easily accessible.

Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. According to a legend, this secluded hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni.

Among the major attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine, by dipping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth.

The trek to Yamunotri is spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forests.

Places of Interest
Yamunotri Temple : The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The present temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the late nineteenth century. Once destroyed by an earthquake, it has been rebuilt. A holy dip in the nearby tank filled by hot springs and cooking rice in its water are common rituals performed by the devotees.

Surya Kund : One of the important thermal springs known for its very high temperature of 190 F. Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes here to offer to the deity in the temple.Divya ShilaA huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

How To Reach
Airport : Jolly Grant, 196 kms. from Yamunotri via Dehradun.
Railhead : Rishikesh, 213 kms. & Dehradun, 172 kms.
Road : Dharasu, 107 kms. Tehri, 149 kms. Rishikesh, 213 kms. & Dehradun, 172 kms.

From Rishikesh , a 213 kms. journey by road takes one to Hanuman-chatti. From here, the remaining 13 kms. trek is covered on foot or on ponies. Palanquins and Porters are also available on hire.

Important Road Distances
Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 kms via Narendranagar 16 kms.
Chamba 46 kms.
Tehri 21 kms.
Dharasu 42 kms.
Bhramkhal 15 kms.
Barkot 40 kms.
Phoolchatti 5 kms.
Jankichatti 3 kms.
Yamunotri 6 kms. (14 kms. on foot from Hanumanchatti).

General Information
Altitude : 3,235 mts.
Climate : Summer : Cool during the day and cold at night, Winter : Snow-bound touching sub-zero.
Clothing : Summer : Light woollens. Winter : Very heavy woollens.
Languages : Hindi , Garhwali , English