Yamunotri Temple, Uttarakhand - Yamunotri Dham Travel Guide

Yamunotri is the origin of the holy Yamuna River, that falls second in terms of holiness for the pious Hindus who worship Ganges first and then Yamuna but with great reverence and a heart brimming with piety and surrender for both the Rivers which are actually held as Goddesses in their material form. If you are planning to go on the Yamunotri Yatra trip, it’ll indeed be a fulfilling experience for you, because you’ll gain a lot spiritually, emotionally and even your eyes and mind will get calmed and relaxed by the appealing pleasant nature around in complete harmony with the spirituality of the place.

The Yamunotri Dham is one of the Dhams in the Circuit of your Chota Char Dham Pilgrimage. It is nestled in the lap of Garhwal Himalayas, in its western region and is about 3291 meters high from sea level. All the Chota Char Dhams in Uttarakhand as we all know and so is Yamunotri and the district is Uttarkashi. The Bandarpunch Mountains overshadows majestically the Yamunotri Dham and lies northward from Yamunotri. The Geographical source of Yamuna River is the Champasar Glacier that’s situated just underneath the magnificent Bandarpunch peak.

What the Myths Say about Yamunotri?

Another significance of the Yamunotri Dham is of course the fact that Goddess Yamuna dwells in Yamunotri and that is one reason that draws millions of pilgrims every year to Yamunotri to have a Darshan of the Goddess, offer Puja in the Holy Shrine of Yamunotri which is abode to the Goddess. As every Pilgrim destination of India has an intricate tapestry weaved out of mythological tales associated with it, Yamunotri no different. As myths go, Goddess Yamuna is the dear sister of ‘Yama’, the much dreaded God because He brings death to all mortal beings on Earth. It is commonly believed that your sacred ablutions in Yamuna River can give you respite from your fear of death which is perhaps man’s greatest fear. Yamuna River’s left bank has the much auspicious Yamunotri shrine with the deity of the Goddess. It was constructed for the first time in the first part of 19th century by Maharani Guleria, the queen of Jaipur. Later it was reconstructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri post earthquake damage.

Things to Do and Places to Visit

Yamunotri Temple

The temple has an old history and is located near the glacier. After offering your Puja, you can just wander and wonder at the magical beauty of nature out there because there are lots of places to see around the temple with snow capped peaks, green mountains and the flowing Holy River.

Hanuman Chatti

Sitting at an elevation of 2400 metres above sea level, as the name suggests this holy centre of pilgrimage is dedicated to Lord Hanuman and is situated at a distance of 13 kms from the holy temple of Yamunotri Dham. Sitting among the lush greenery and serene surroundings the temple at Hanuman Chatti is not only a popular holy shrine among religious people but it is also incredibly popular among travelers and outdoor sports enthusiasts. 

Janki Chatti

Situated at an elevation 2,650 metres above sea level Janki Chatti is popular for its natural hot water springs which has medicinal properties and has been also proven to cure all your physical and mental ailments. This holy centre lies extremely close to the Indo - China border and is cradled comfortably among the massive snow clad mountains. 

Surya Kund

It is the site of hot water spring at Yamunotri Temple. Pilgrims take a holy dip in Surya in steaming hot water, cooled to comfort for bath. It is believed that bath at this holy site showers blessings of God for ones wellbeing. It is more of a community bath for pilgrims.

Saptarishi Kund

Situated at a distance of 10 kms from the main Dham shrine of Yamunotri, this holy Kund, or glacial lake represents the original source of the holy river Yamuna which is fed continuously by Champasar glacier. It is home to one of the rarest specie of flowers, Brahma Kamal, which only grows around the periphery of this lake. The religious significance of this lake lies in the fact that 7 great rishis had once performed their penance around this very lake.

Divya Shila:

Popularly named ‘slab of divine light’, this rock pillar is located close to Yamunotri Dham temple and Surya Kund. Perched atop an elevation of 3000 metres above sea level it has become a regular part of the ritual to offer your prayers at this point before proceeding ahead to worship at Yamunotri. Surrounded by lush greenery, against the backdrop of massive snow clad mountain tops, this place offers stunning panoramic views.

Kharsali:

Sitting perfectly at an elevation 2,675 metres above sea level among some of the most breathtakingly magnificent views this quaint hamlet on the hills is religiously significant since it is the winter abode of Goddess Yamuna. Popularly named as Khushimath this place is visited by a throng of pilgrims even during the off months of winter when the char Dham doors are closed for Darshan and devotees visit their winter homes to offer their puja rituals.

Barkot

Lying comfortably on the mighty Himalayan lap of Uttarakhand, this quiet town is perched at an elevation of 1,220 metres above sea level which offers some of the most panoramic views of the surroundings. You will be able to view the glorious, snow clad Bandar Poonch ranges, which forms the magnificent backdrop of this picturesque town. Not only does this town serve as a stopover place for people visiting the holy Dham of Yamunotri and Gangotri but it also serves as the base for trekking lovers and adventure seekers.

Dodital Lake

Perched at an altitude of 3,310 metres above sea level, this mesmerizing emerald lake is known for its serene and tranquil environment. This quiet lake is named after the rare fish species which are found only at this lake which are the Himalayan trouts known as Dodi. Another fascinating feature that this lake offers is a holy Lord Ganesha temple that is located close to the lake area and attracts a number of pilgrims.

Dayara Bugyal

Perched at an elevation of 3,048 metres above sea level, Dayara Bugyal is one of the most popular and scenic treks in Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. If you want to experience the famous Himalayan winter chill, then a visit here will guarantee to fulfill your expectations. The entire landscape of this Bugyal or meadow is dotted with vast expanses of lush green meadows, tall trees and dense forests. You will be greeted with peaceful and immensely picturesque vistas every step of your way. 

Reaching There

By Air
Jolly Grant airport is the nearest airport to Yamunotri situated at a distance of 210 Kilometers. The airport is well connected to Delhi with daily flights. Hanuman chatty is directly connected by motor-able roads with Jolly Grant Airport, and one can get taxis from the airport to Hanuman Chatti.

By Rail
The nearest railway station to Yamunotri is Rishikesh and Dehradun. Dehradun station is located 175 km away from Yamunotri and Rishikesh railway station is located 200 km before Yamunotri on NH58. Both these stations are well connected with major destinations in India.

By Road
Yamunotri is not directly accessible by motor-able roads and the trek commences from Hanuman Chatti. Hanuman Chatti is well connected by motor-able roads with major destination in Uttrakhand state.

Accommodation and Food

There are many hotels for stay in Yamunotri which are private and government property. Garwhal Mandi Vikas Nigam has opened up Tourist rest houses for pilgrims at Hanuman Chatti, Janki Chatti and even at Yamunotri and those come with quite good facilities plus nominal rates. Many Dharamshalas and Ashrams are also there where you stay at quite low rates. Many of the tourist houses come with self cooking facilities. If you eat out at the road side Dhabhas too, you can only eat pure vegetarian food. Local Garwhali cuisine might be sampled but strictly vegetarian. Also alcoholic drinks are not allowed because this is a much revered pilgrim spot where you can bask in the glory of divinity uplifting your soul, your spirits and your mind!