🇮🇳 Yamunotri, Uttarakhand – Destination Guide

Overview:
Yamunotri is the sacred source of the River Yamuna and the first stop on the revered Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, it holds immense spiritual significance and offers breathtaking views of snow-clad peaks, glaciers, and thermal springs.

Top Attractions:

• Yamunotri Temple – Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, built in the 19th century. It is the spiritual center of the region.

• Yamunotri Glacier – The actual source of the Yamuna River, located 1 km uphill from the temple at an altitude of 4,421 meters.

• Surya Kund – A hot water spring near the temple used for cooking prasad (usually rice and potatoes).

• Divya Shila – A sacred rock pillar near Surya Kund, worshipped before entering the temple.

• Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri Trek – A scenic 6 km moderate trek through lush forests and mountain paths.

Best Time to Visit:
May to June and September to mid-November. The temple opens in late April or early May and closes around Diwali.

Travel Tips:

• Be prepared for a moderate to steep trek from Janki Chatti to the temple. Pony and palki services are available.

• Carry sufficient woolens even during summer.

• Stay hydrated and acclimatize properly.

• Avoid monsoon season (July–August) due to landslides and slippery paths.

How to Reach:

• By Road: Accessible via road up to Janki Chatti (approx. 220 km from Rishikesh); then trek 6 km to the temple.

• Nearest Railway Station: Dehradun or Rishikesh

• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (approx. 200 km)