Location: Garhwal Himalayas, Uttarakhand, India

What is Yamunotri?

Yamunotri is the origin of the river Yamuna, located in Uttarakhand. This is the place from where the river Yamuna originated. It is visited by pilgrims every year in summer. According to mythological legends, Yamuna River is the daughter of Surya, and Yama, the god of death, is the son of Surya. It is said that those who bathe in Yamuna do not suffer Yama at the time of death. Yamunotri also has some hot water springs where pilgrims cook their meals. Yamunaji Temple is the main place of worship here.

The Shrine of Yamuna Devi

The shrine of Yamuna Devi is located at the source of the Yamuna River in the western part of the Garhwal Himalayas. The real source of Yamunotri is a frozen ice lake and glacier (Champasar Glacier), situated on the Kalind mountain at an altitude of 4,421 meters above sea level. The temple of Yamuna Devi was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The cold and pristine waters of the Yamuna symbolize purity and devotion, attracting countless devotees every year.

Yamunotri and the Char Dham Yatra

Yamunotri is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra, located in Uttarkashi district, on the west side of the Garhwal Himalayas. The Yamunotri glacier spreads in the western end of Bandarpunchh peak (6,315 m). The source of the sacred Yamuna River is the Kalindi mountain. The main temple of Yamunotri is dedicated to Yamuna Devi. One of the main sources of water is Suryakund, a hot water spring.

Yamunotri Travel Information

Important Travel Tips:

1. If you plan to visit all four Dhams (Yamunotri, Gangotri, Badrinath, and Kedarnath), start from Yamunotri.
2. For a partial pilgrimage, the journey begins from Rishikesh. Buses also run from Haridwar to Yamunotri.
3. The road can sometimes get blocked due to falling stones, so bus availability should be confirmed at Rishikesh.
4. Porters are available for carrying loads. Register their names in the official register and confirm rates.
5. Wear rubber shoes with a strong grip to avoid slipping, and carry a sturdy walking stick.
6. Avoid touching unknown fruits, herbs, or leaves as they may be poisonous.
7. Do not drink water directly from waterfalls; instead, let it settle in a glass before consumption.
8. Protect yourself from insect bites, as some flies along the route can cause painful boils.
9. Carry warm clothing, as the region is extremely cold, and some food items take longer to cook.
10. Utilize the hot water springs to cook food, but separate pools are available for bathing.

How to Reach Yamunotri

By Air-  The nearest airport to Yamunotri is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, located 210 km away. Domestic flights from Delhi operate here, and cabs or buses can be taken to reach Yamunotri.

By Train– The closest railway station is Rishikesh, situated 172 km from Yamunotri. From Rishikesh, taxis and Chardham tour buses are available to take you to your destination.

By Road- Yamunotri is well-connected by road to major locations in Uttarakhand. Regular buses operate to Hanuman Chatti (14 km from Yamunotri) from Rishikesh (213 km) and Dehradun (172 km).

Best Time to Visit Yamunotri

The best months to visit Yamunotri are May, June, September, and October. The weather is pleasant, making it ideal for pilgrimage and travel.

Yamunotri Temple Visiting Hours

The Yamunotri Temple opens for visitors at 4:00 a.m.