Yamunotri Tourism | How to Plan a Trip to Yamunotri

Yamunotri Dham is one of the prominent pilgrimage destinations of the Hindus and is among the Char Dham of Uttarakhand (Gangotri Yamunotri Kedarnath Badrinath). Situated at an altitude of 3,293 m above sea level, this sacred shrine is the source of the River Yamuna. Therefore, a tour to Yamunotri allows the pilgrims to witness the origin of the holy river, the Yamuna, and experience spiritual bliss.

During the Yamunotri Temple tour, you will also see thermal springs where devotees take a hot bath. Despite being a religious site, Yamunotri is famous among thrill-seekers too. Very few places match the excitement of trekking in Yamunotri Uttarakhand. The rugged topography of the land and the dense, mysterious forests are challenging and enticing to the trekkers.

History and Legends of Yamunotri 

Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, Yamunotri Mandir was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the late 19th century. However, the present structure was reconstructed after an earthquake destroyed the original. A huge rock pillar at the temple entrance, popularly known as Divya Shila, is highly revered by the people. To be precise, the sacred river, Yamuna, originates from the Yamunotri Glacier in Saptarishi Kund. This glacial lake is located on Kalind Parbat at about 4,421 m above sea level and lies a km ahead of the temple. To the west of the Kalind Parbat is Bandarpoonch, dividing the watershed of the Yamuna from that of River Ganga.

As per legend, Lord Hanuman came here after burning Ravana’s Lanka and extinguishing the fire of his tail in the Yamuna River at Bandarpoonch. The peak only gets its name from there, as Bandar means monkey and Poonch means seat.

According to another legend, the ancient and highly respected Asit Muni resided in this serene hilly spot. He used to bathe in both Ganga and Yamuna, but he could not travel to Gangotri when he got old. Realizing his problem, a stream of Ganga started to flow beside that of Yamuna for his uninterrupted rituals.

Yamunotri Opening and Closing Dates 2024

There is a belief that whoever goes to the Yamunotri goes with the pilgrim to the high altitude of the picturesque Rawai Valley. It is also said that bathing in that water protects a person from ultimate death. The doors of Yamunotri Temple will open on May 10, 2023. The closing day is always on the sacred day of Bhai Dooj, i.e., November 03, Dooj, 2024, after a brief ceremony.

Yamunotri Aarti

The Yamunotri temple opens at 6:00 a.m. daily in the morning and closes at 8:00 p.m. A short recess period is maintained from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.; after that, the darshan resumes again. Two types of aarti or pooja rituals are performed daily in the Yamunotri Temple: Mangal aarti and Shayan aarti. Mangal Aarti, or morning aarti, is from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. Shayan Aarti, or evening aarti, is from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., after which the temple doors are closed. These pooja rituals are performed by pujaris who have excellent knowledge about shastras. Administrators of the temple usually hail from the nearest Kharsali village.

Registration for Yamunotri 

It is mandatory to carry a registration slip for Yamunotri Yatra, which can be obtained in two modes: online and offline. Online registration can be done on the official website for Char Dham registration. Several centers are assigned in Uttarakhand for offline registration, where you must show photo ID proof. Some recognized registration centers are the Haridwar railway station, Rishikesh bus stand, Janki Chatti, and Barkot. Everyone must carry a registration slip to start the trek to Yamunotri Temple.

Places to visit in Yamunotri

As a religious destination, most people who travel to Yamunotri are pilgrims who visit the Yamunotri shrine to seek blessings. Therefore, there are few sightseeing places with religious significance rather than a touristic appeal. Explore the hidden gems of Yamunotri through this well-researched list. Nevertheless, here are the popular places to visit in and around Yamunotri Temple:

• Yamunotri Temple
• Surya Kund, Yamunotri
• Jankichatti
• Phool Chatti
• Hanuman Chatti 
• Saptarishi Kund 
• Kharsali 
• Shani Dev Temple

Things to do in Yamunotri

Yamunotri is a popular pilgrimage destination located in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. Some things to do in Yamunotri offer a mix of spiritual and natural experiences. However, it’s always advisable to check local weather conditions, follow safety guidelines, and respect the local culture and traditions during your visit. 

• Seek blessings at Yamunotri Temple.
• Take a dip in the Yamuna River.
• Explore natural beauty.
• Trek to Surya Kund and Divya Shila
• Experience the local culture

Best time to visit Yamunotri

The best time to visit Yamunotri is in the summer when the weather remains pleasant and comfortable for visiting the temple. But, the Yamunotri temperature falls to sub-zero degrees in winter and it is cold. Therefore, Yamunotri Temple remains open for six months only in summer, and the temple remains closed for the rest of the year.

If someone wishes to seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna in winter, then they can go to Kharsali Village, where the idol remains for six months.

How to reach Yamunotri

Yamunotri can be reached by air, train, or road. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 210 km away. The nearest railway station is Rishikesh, which is about 200 km away. From Dehradun or Rishikesh, one can hire a taxi or take a bus to Hanuman Chatti, the base camp for Yamunotri. From Hanuman Chatti, a 6-kilometer trek leads to the Yamunotri Temple. Alternatively, one can hire a pony or palanquin (doli) for the trek. Know more about the How to reach Yamunotri.

Accommodation in Yamunotri

There are a few accommodation options in Yamunotri. However, pilgrims can stay at nearby places like Janki Chatti, Hanuman Chatti, Barkot, Kharsali, and Sayana Chatti. On the Yamunotri highway, you can also find guesthouses, Dharamshalas, and ashrams. Some places to stay in and near Yamunotri are Camp Nirvana, Yamunotri, Hotel Himdarshan, Yamunotri, Raturi State Hotel, Yamunotri, Hotel Santosh, Jankichatti, Hotel Yamuna Putra, Jankichatti, Hotel Devbhoomi, Barkot, Samrat Hotel, Barkot, and much more only here.

Where to eat in Yamunotri?

Yamunotri, a pilgrimage site in India, offers limited dining options due to its remote location. Local dhabas (roadside eateries) serve simple vegetarian meals like rice, lentils, and vegetables, while tea and snacks are also available. The options are basic but provide sustenance for travelers. It’s recommended to carry snacks and bottled water as food availability may be limited in certain seasons. It’s essential to be prepared for the remote and challenging environment of Yamunotri and plan accordingly for your meals during your visit.

How to get around in Yamunotri?

In Yamunotri, the primary mode of transportation is by foot or pony/horseback, as the town is located in a remote and mountainous region. There are no motorable roads beyond Jankichatti, which is the base point for Yamunotri. Therefore, visitors must trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri, about 6 kilometers away, or hire ponies/horses for the journey.

Travel Tips for Yamunotri

• Carry heavy woolens during the Yatra as the Yamunotri weather is cold at night.
• Wear comfortable and sturdy shoes during the trek of Yamunotri.
• Remember to carry your medicines and a first-aid kit.
• Always have important documents, including photo ID proof and a Yatra slip.
• Avoid wearing heavy jewelry and uncomfortable clothes.
• Carry water and dry eatables.
• If you are traveling in your car, ensure the vehicle is in good condition and has good ground clearance.
• Driving in the hills after sunset is not allowed and is not safe. So plan accordingly.