Yamunotri - India HillTop Trips - Cool and pleasant weekend trips

The Garhwal Himalayas have been blessed with some of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites and Yamunotri is one such. One of the Char Dhams according to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna. Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers, it is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim. According to an old legend, Asit Muni, the revered sage, used to reside here.

Hill Resort | Elevation | Travel | Season | Tourist places | Accommodation | Location | Yamunotri Map

The Hill Resort

Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna River and the seat of the goddess Yamuna, is one of the four sites in India's Char Dham pilgrimage. The temple of Yamunotri falls on the left bank and was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. The shrine of Yamunotri is one of the "four dhams" of Uttaranchal Yamunotri temple is Situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh - Uttarkashi. Another 55 Km away is Barkot, affording a fabulous view of the Banderpunch Range. Barkot is also approachable by road directly from all the major cities in India.

Near the temple are three hot springs. The most important, Surya Kund, is a tank full of boiling water into which rice and potatoes are dipped to be cooked and taken as "prasad". Near the Kund, a rock slab, the "Divya Shila" is worshipped before puja is offered to the black marble idol of Yamuna.

One has to reach at actual temple of yamunotri only by a 6 Km walk from Hanuman chati.

Activities

Trekking

Yamunotri is famous for its trekking routes. The trek route from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri is 14 Km and takes about 5 hours. It is a picturesque route through the countryside following the river track.

The Dodi Tal track, which links Gangotri and Yamunotri, is a famous trek route. It starts from Kalyani, en route Gangotri from Uttar Kashi. It then goes on to Agoda, Dodi Tal (3024 m), Darwa Top (4130 m), Shima and finally Hanuman Chatti. The entire route is about 60 Km long and takes about four days to complete. There is another trek from Hanuman Chatti to Phul Chatti and from Janki Chatti to Kharsali.

Information

The Tourist Office at Mussourie (Ph: 2863) provides necessary information. The State Bank of India has its branches at Badkot and Gangotri. There is a police station at Hanuman Chatti.

Elevation

Yamunotri - 3293 meters.

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Location Details

Perched at an altitude of 3293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is very close to the Indo-Chinese border and is surrounded by the Himalayan offshoots on all sides. Yamunotri, lies near the Bandarpunch Mountain, which is 6315 m high and lies to the north. The glacial lake of Saptarishi Kund, on the Kalind Parbat, at an altitude of 4421 m, is the real source of the Yamuna River.

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How to Reach There and Distances

Yamunotri is at a distance of 278 Km from Dehradun, 236 Km from Rishikesh, 176 Km from Chamba, and 21 Km from Sanya Chatti.

There is no straight route to Yamunotri. One can reach Hanuman Chatti by bus from Rishikesh, Mussourie, Uttarkashi, Gangotri, Badkot, Haridwar and Dehradun. From there, one has to either trek a distance of 14 Km or use ponies and palanquins, which are available on hire. However, if one is lucky, he might find jeeps from this place. The road from Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti is quite picturesque and one passes through the Kempti Falls and Mussourie en route. The nearest railheads are at Rishikesh, at a distance of 222 Km via Narendranagar and Haridwar. Train services are not very congenial in this rough terrain. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, about 70 Km from Yamunotri. Vayudoot and other private airlines are connected to this place.

By Air

Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 18 Km from Rishikesh.

By Rail

Nearest railhead is a Rishikesh, 250 Km.

By Road

The road to Yamunotri diverts at Dharasu, on way to Uttarkashi. Important road distances are: Hanumanchatti 14 Km, Dharasu 107 Km, Tehri 149 Km.

Bus Hanumanchatti, the roadhead for Yamunotri is connected by bus services of Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyavastha Samiti to Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major centres in the region.

Important Road Distances : Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 Km via Narendranagar 16 Km, Chamba 46 Km, Tehri 21 Km, Dharasu 42 Km, Bhramkhal 15 Km, Barkot 40 Km, Phoolchatti 5 Km, Jankichatti 3 Km, Yamunotri 6 Km (14 Km. on foot from Hanumanchatti).

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Accommodation and Hotels at Yamunotri

There are ashrams, dharamshalas, and a few guesthouses in Yamunotri. The Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam (GMVN) Tourist houses at Janki Chatti and Yamunotri can be checked out. These are mostly in the form of dormitories. The Ramananda Dharamshala is a good place to stay. One can find simple vegetarian food in these places. Alcohol is strictly prohibited and discouraged.

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Best Season to Visit/Weather

It remains cool even during summers. The winters are snow-bound and temperatures fall below 0 deg C. One is advised to carry light or heavy woolens depending on the time of visit

Climate

Yamunotri has an all year cold climate. Summers during April to July are pleasant with temperature ranges within 6�C to 20�C and May-June are the warmest months. Winters during October to March are chilly freeze have temperatures at sub-zero level and are characterized by heavy snowfalls. This season is not suited for any outdoor activities, especially December and January. Rainfalls are very scanty here..
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Basant Panchami held during January-February is a festival which is a blend of cultural and artistic performances. Other festivals celebrated with lots of enthusiasm are Phool Devi during March and Olgia during August..
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Best periods to visit Yamunotri are during May to June and September to November.

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Tourist places near Yamunotri

Sites To Visit

The Yamunotri Temple is the major attraction of this site. Maharani Gularia of Jaipur built the temple in the 19th century. It was destroyed by a major earthquake in 1923, and was subsequently rebuilt. It was once again damaged in 1982. It is located at a height of 3030 meters, about 6 Km below the glacier. The temple is dedicated to the river Yamuna, who is represented in the form of a silver idol, bedecked with garlands. According to legend, Yamuna is the daughter of Surya, the sun God, and Sangya, the Goddess of consciousness. Yamuna is also the sister of Yama, the God of death, and so anyone bathing in the waters of the river is spared of a painful death. The hot water pool here is used to prepare the prasad or holy offerings to the deity, which is normally rice and potatoes, cooked by dipping into the hot water tied in cloth bags. Surya Kund is known for its thermal springs. The temperature here is as high as 190 deg F. Divya Shilla is a rock pillar that is worshipped by the pilgrims before they enter the Yamunotri temple.

Sites Nearby

Janki Chatti is at a distance of 7 Km from Yamunotri. It is well known for its thermal springs. It provides accommodation facilities for tourists.

From Janki Chatti, one can reach Kharsali, 1 Km away, which is the last village in the region. It has a three-storied temple and has carved stones on the walls. It is a Shiva temple dedicated to the Lord in the form of Someshwar, the God of the intoxicant Soma. The intricate woodwork here is also noteworthy.

Saptarishi Kund is at a distance of 10 Km from Yamunotri and is the actual source of the river. This lake is generally covered with ice. The place is known for the rare Brahma lotus, which grows here. It is a beautiful picnic spot as well.

Badkot is a small hamlet, 49 Km from Yamunotri. It has an ancient temple and can provide good facilities to the traveler.

Hanuman Chatti is at a distance of 13 Km from Yamunotri. It is located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers and the trekking route to Dodi Tal starts here. Accommodation is available here as well.

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