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About Yamunotri
Yamunotri ji, an important part of the Chardham circuit, is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations in the Garhwal Himalayas. River Yamuna is the main source associated with this shrine, and the temple stands on the left bank of the river in Uttarkashi district. It was reconstructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal and is perched at an altitude of approximately 3,293 metres above sea level. The shrine is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, whose statue, carved from black marble, is installed inside the temple.
Legend holds that Yamunotri was the residence of the sage Asit Muni, who spent his life here bathing daily in both the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. As he grew too old to travel to the Ganga, a stream is said to have appeared opposite Yamunotri for his convenience. The shrine typically opens each year around Akshaya Tritiya, in the last week of April or first week of May, and closes around Diwali, in mid-October or the first week of November.
There are several small hot water springs near the temple, occasionally overflowing when the water reaches boiling point. Surya Kund, one such spring, holds particular significance for devotees, who traditionally boil potatoes in its waters to carry home as prasad. Nearby stands the Divya Shila, a rock revered by pilgrims before they offer prayers to Yamuna ji.
Yamunotri Quick Facts
| Altitude | Approx. 3,293 metres |
| District | Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand |
| Deity | Goddess Yamuna |
| Reconstructed by | Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal |
| Trek base point | Hanuman Chatti (approx. 6 km trek) |
| Trek options | On foot, pony, or doli |
| Nearest railway station | Rishikesh |
| Nearest airport | Jolly Grant, Dehradun |
Yamunotri Temple Guide
Set amid the Garhwal Himalayas and circled by lofty peaks on all sides, Yamunotri is a highly sacred pilgrimage site as the primary shrine of the River Yamuna. Hindu tradition holds Yamuna to be the sister of Yama, the god of death, and it is believed that a holy dip in the river grants a painless death to devotees - making the dip an essential ritual for most pilgrims who visit. The Indo-China border lies relatively close to the temple, and the surrounding natural beauty draws tourists and devotees throughout the season. Yamunotri is situated approximately 149 km from Tehri and 107 km from Dharasu, with Hanuman Chatti - about 6 km from the temple - serving as the last motorable point before the final trek.
Best Time to Visit Yamunotri
Yamunotri Temple typically opens around Akshaya Tritiya (late April or early May) and closes around Diwali, in mid-October or the first week of November. May-June and September-October remain the most comfortable months for pilgrims.
How to Reach Yamunotri
Pilgrims typically travel by road via Haridwar - Rishikesh - Barkot - Hanuman Chatti, from where the final stretch to the temple is covered on foot, by pony, or by doli. Rishikesh is the nearest railway station, and Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest airport.
Frequently Asked Questions - Yamunotri
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The above package cost includes
- Including Accommodation, Transportation & Meals.
- Accommodation on family basis Rooms with attached Bathroom.
- All places are double sharing Deluxe Room.
- The above hotels are subject to availability, in case of non availability similar hotels will provide.
- Transport: By 2*1 12 Seater push back tempo traveller (Incl Toll Tax & Parking) with Good Driver.
- (Break Fast,lunch, Dinner) pure, Gujarati, Rajsathani, Marwadi,Jain, South Indian food.
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The above package cost does not includes
- Any Expenses of personal Telephone calls, camera charges, Laundry, Entrance fees, Rope way, Porter and Pony.
- Guide charges
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Travel Tips:-
- Advance hotel booking are must.
- Carry snacks with you in case of long traffic jams/ land slides.
- Carry drinking Water, and medicines with you.
- Respect customs of local.
- Carry Rain Coat/ Umbrella, Torch, minimum luggage with you.
- Carry enough of winter clothing as it gets cold in Badrinath & Kedarnath.
- In case of any serious Medical Emergency, CALL 108 (The mobile emergency service from GOVERNMENT OF UTTARAKHAND), don't make fake calls, as it is punishable offence
