Highlights
- Scenic Drive: Enjoy the picturesque journey through the hills of Uttarakhand, passing through the famous hill station Mussoorie and Kempty Falls.
- Yamunotri Trek: Experience the spiritual 6 km trek to the sacred Yamunotri Dham, where you can immerse yourself in the divinity of the Yamunotri Temple.
- Holy Dip at Surya Kund: Take a refreshing and sacred dip in the hot water springs (Surya Kund) near the Yamunotri Temple.
- Yamunotri Temple Darshan: Offer prayers at the Yamunotri Temple, one of the Char Dhams, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
- Himalayan Views: Enjoy panoramic views of the majestic Himalayan peaks throughout the journey and trek.
- omfortable Stay: Relax in comfortable accommodation in Barkot with meals included.
Yamunotri Dham Overview
Yamunotri Dham, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River, one of the holiest rivers in India. It is situated at an elevation of 3,293 meters (10,804 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by snow-capped mountains, with scenic beauty all around.
Historical and Spiritual Significance:
- Yamuna River: According to Hindu mythology, Yamuna is considered the sister of Yama, the god of death. Taking a holy dip in the river is believed to purify sins and protect from untimely death.
- Yamunotri Temple: Built in the 19th century by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. It is located near the Yamuna's actual source, which is a glacier on Kalind Parvat (mountain), though the source itself is inaccessible.
- Mythology: It is said that Asit Muni, a revered sage, used to live in this area and bathe daily in both the Ganges and Yamuna Rivers. When he became old and could no longer travel to Gangotri, a stream of Ganga appeared near Yamunotri to ease his devotion.
Temple Features:
- The temple houses an idol of Goddess Yamuna, crafted from black marble, which is worshipped by thousands of devotees every year.
- Surya Kund: A hot spring near the temple where devotees cook rice and potatoes as offerings. The prasad is tied in muslin cloth and submerged in the boiling water of the kund.
- Divya Shila: A rock pillar near the Surya Kund is worshipped before entering the temple.
The Yamunotri Trek:
- The trek to Yamunotri starts from Janki Chatti, which is about 6 km from the temple. Pilgrims can either trek by foot or hire ponies, palanquins, or use dolis (for elderly or disabled visitors). The route is scenic, with lush forests, waterfalls, and river views along the way.
- Elevation: The trek ascends to a height of about 3,293 meters, making it moderate in difficulty.
- Best Time to Visit: The temple opens from late April/early May (on Akshaya Tritiya) and closes after Diwali in October/November. The best times to visit are May to June and September to October when the weather is pleasant and safe for travel.
The Route and Accessibility:
- Nearest Town: Barkot (approx. 50 km from Janki Chatti).
- Nearest Road Head: Janki Chatti.
- Travel Options: Pilgrims can reach Janki Chatti by road via Rishikesh, Dehradun, or Haridwar, and from there, the trek to the temple begins.
Key Rituals:
- Holy Dip: Pilgrims take a dip in the hot springs of Surya Kund before entering the temple. The thermal waters are believed to have curative properties.
- Offering to the Goddess: Devotees often cook rice and potatoes in the hot springs and offer them at the temple.
Natural Beauty and Surroundings:
The region is known for its picturesque landscapes, with the Yamuna River flowing gracefully through the valleys, surrounded by forests and snow-clad peaks. The serene and quiet environment adds to the spiritual charm of Yamunotri.
How Yamunotri Fits into Char Dham Yatra:
The Char Dham Yatra traditionally begins with Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. The two river temples (Yamunotri and Gangotri) symbolize the purification process before the challenging treks to Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Nearby Attractions:
- Barkot: A popular stopover point for pilgrims on their way to Yamunotri.
- Hanuman Chatti: Located at the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna, this is another scenic stop for travelers.
Yamunotri in Hinduism:
For Hindus, Yamunotri represents the spiritual source of the Yamuna, whose waters are believed to protect against death and promote well-being. The journey to Yamunotri is seen not only as a pilgrimage but also as a deeply spiritual act of connection with nature and the divine.
The best time to visit Yamunotri is from May to June and September to October.
- May to June: The weather is pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C, making it ideal for trekking and temple visits. This period marks the beginning of the pilgrimage season after the temple opens in late April or early May.
- September to October: After the monsoon rains, the landscape is lush and green, with cooler temperatures between 5°C and 15°C. It’s also a quieter time with fewer crowds, perfect for a peaceful pilgrimage.
Avoid the monsoon season (July-August) due to heavy rains and landslides, and winter (November-April) as the temple is closed due to heavy snowfall.
Conclusion:
Yamunotri is both a sacred destination for Hindu devotees and a destination of natural beauty. Pilgrims visiting the site find spiritual fulfillment in the worship of Goddess Yamuna and the challenging trek through Uttarakhand’s stunning landscapes. The combination of devotion, mythology, and adventure makes it an essential part of the Char Dham Yatra.
Map
Itineraries Expand all
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Rishikesh to Barkot (7-8 hours drive)
Your journey begins early in the morning with a scenic drive from Rishikesh to Barkot. As you leave behind the plains and enter the hills of Uttarakhand, you will pass through Mussoorie, one of the most popular hill stations in North India. En route, take a short break to visit the charming Kempty Falls, a favorite spot for tourists to relax by the waterfalls.
The drive is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the mountainous landscape, with lush greenery, winding roads, and fresh mountain air. After arriving in Barkot, a peaceful town located at the foothills of Yamunotri, check into your hotel. The rest of the evening is free for you to unwind after the long drive, and enjoy a hearty dinner before resting for the night.
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Day 2: Barkot – Janki Chatti – Yamunotri – Barkot (6 km trek, 1-hour drive each way)
After an early breakfast, you will drive to Janki Chatti, the starting point of the trek to Yamunotri. The 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri offers a spiritual and picturesque experience. You can choose to trek on foot, or, for added convenience, hire a pony or palanquin at your own cost.
Once you arrive at Yamunotri, you will be welcomed by the sacred Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Before entering the temple, pilgrims traditionally take a dip in the hot springs at Surya Kund, believed to have healing properties. Afterward, you can offer prayers at the temple, where the beauty of the surroundings and the devotion of fellow pilgrims create an atmosphere of serenity and reverence.
After darshan, you will begin the trek back to Janki Chatti. From there, you will be driven back to Barkot, where you will have dinner and rest for the night.
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Day 3: Barkot to Rishikesh (7-8 hours drive)
On the final day of the tour, after breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and begin the return journey to Rishikesh. As you travel back through the same scenic route, you'll have a chance to reflect on the spiritual experiences of the past days. Upon arriving in Rishikesh by evening, the tour comes to an end, leaving you with cherished memories of the Yamunotri Yatra.
Trip Infos
- Best season May to June and September to October
- Departure from Haridwar/Rishikesh
- Trip Destinations Yamnotri
- Transportation Taxi Services / Car Rentals
Trip Includes & Excludes
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Accomodation
- Hotel
- Meals
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Transportation
- Private car, Jeep for Mountain Drives
Availability
Package-Ya
- Best price guaranteed.
- No booking fees.
- Professional local guide.