YAMUNOTRI

About Yamunotri

Prime Day & Hours: Weekends, sunrise and sunset

Suggested Duration: 2-3 hours

Tickets: Free entry

Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun Railway Station

Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport

Nearest Bus Stop: Hanuman Chatti

At 3,293 m in the Garhwal Himalayas, Yamunotri is the sacred source of the Yamuna River. It is the westernmost temple of India's famous Chota Char Dham pilgrimage, and a must addition to your Uttarakhand tour package. Pilgrims trek 5-6 km from Janki Chatti through fragrant pine and alpine trails, or they can ride ponies or palanquins for a more comfortable trip.

A black marble statue of Goddess Yamuna at the shrine attracts people from all over seeking blessings. Surya Kund's hot spring, which reaches about 88 °C, is used to cook rice and potatoes that are offered as prasad, a ritual that connects faith and nature.

Divya Shila, a sacred rock that is part of a shrine, and Saptarishi Kund, a glacial lake that surrounds the site and adds to its peaceful atmosphere, are two other spiritual landmarks.

Yamunotri has more than just devotion, it also provides ample adventure and leisurely activities. You can go trekking, camping, relax by the river, and witness the Himalayas, which are great for cultural immersion and nature photography.

Pilgrims also go through Hanuman Chatti and Janki Chatti, where the local culture, forests, streams, shops, guesthouses, and dharamshalas help them on their way. Yamunotri is a multi-sensory tapestry of spiritual reverence, ritual, alpine greenery, Himalayan peaks, and the ethereal source of a holy river. It is an unforgettable pilgrimage and a nature escape.

Yamunotri Highlights

• Marvel at Yamuontri glacier, perched at around 3,293 m in the Garhwal Himalayas, the divine source of the river Yamuna.
• Visit the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, featuring a black‑marble idol.
• Trek six kilometres from Janki Chatti, winding through pine forests, roaring waterfalls, and rugged alpine terrain, offering an exhilarating Himalayan pilgrimage experience.
• Explore Surya Kund’s boiling sulfur‑rich hot spring nearby, where pilgrims cook rice or potatoes in cloth as sacred prasad.
• Take a dip at Gauri Kund’s warm bathing spring and Divya Shila sacred rock, both used in purification rituals near the temple.
• Journey to the glacier‑fed Saptarishi Kund at approximately 4,421 m, believed to be Yamuna’s true source, with breathtaking scenery.

How To Reach Yamunotri

By car/taxi: Yamunotri is about 170 km away from the Dehradun city centre, via  NH 507 and NH134. It will take you around 6 hours to get there.

Best Time To Visit Yamunotri

Peak Season (April–June & September–November):

• Weather Insights: 
• Spring/Summer (Apr-Jun): 6-20 °C days, chilly nights; temple opens from Akshaya Tritiya to Diwali (~April-November)
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): 7–17 °C days, clear skies, occasional light chill
• Things to Do: Trek from Hanuman Chatti, visit Surya Kund hot spring

Moderate Season (July-August):

• Weather Insights: Crisp, clear air, daytime highs of 10 to 20 °C, nights around 2 to 8 °C
• Things to do: Experience vibrant greenery and roaring streams

Low Season (October–March):

• Weather Insights: –5 °C to 5 °C daytime; nights can drop below –2 °C; heavy snowfall; temple closed Nov-April
• Things to do: Trek to Kharsali, camping near hot springs

Yamunotri Other Essential Information

Know before you go

• Stay a day at a lower altitude (Barkot/Janki Chatti) before ascending, and acclimatise gradually, as this reduces altitude sickness risk at 3,300 m.
• Hydrate and snack smartly, drink ample water and carry energy snacks or glucose bars, essential during the Himalayan trek.
• Wear layered, as temperatures may vary, pack thermals, woollens, rain gear, and modest attire respectful of temple customs.
• Wear sturdy Footwear and carry a trekking pole to support yourself as the trail has slippery, rocky sections.
• Start trekking early to avoid peak crowds and enjoy cooler and more pleasant mountain paths.
• Carry cash and the physical copy of the mandatory Char Dham registration, as ATMs are unavailable and network connectivity is scarce. 
• Prepare for altitude sickness, beware of symptoms like headache, nausea, dizziness, and descend or rest if symptoms arise, carry medication like Diamox.
• Respect the local and temple etiquette, avoid alcohol, non-veg, or loud behaviour; follow temple rules like shoe removal and modest clothing.
• Check the weather beforehand and carry rain gear as mountain weather is unpredictable; bring a raincoat and umbrella.