Location : In
the Garhwal Himalayas in the
state of Uttaranchal, north of
India.
Tourist
Attractions : Lakhamandal,
Surya Kund, Divya Shila,
Jankichatti, Hanumanchatti,
Sayanachatti. Best Activity :
Trekking
Nearby Tourist
Destinations : Chamba (158
Kms), Badrinath, Gangotri,
Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Haridwar.
When To Visit :
The temple remains closed during
the winter months of Nov. to
April. The shrine attracts
devotees in large numbers from
May to October.
About Yamunotri
The first stopover for the Char
Dham Yatra is the westernmost
shrine of Yamunotri in the
Garhwal Himalayas, which is
Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The
shrine is perched atop a flank
of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3235
mts. above sea level) and is
situated opposite to Gangotri.
It constitutes one of the four
most important pilgrimages,
collectively called 'Char Dham'
of the Garhwal Himalayas or
Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is the
source of the revered river
Yamuna which originates from the
Champasar Glacier lying 1 km
ahead of the shrine, at an
altitude of 4421 mts. Pilgrims
do not frequently visit the
source of the river as it is not
easily accessible. Yamunotri can
also be visited via Mussoorie
and Barkot.
Yamunotri
finds a special mention in the
Hindu mythology. The legend
says, this lonesome hilly spot
was the home of an ancient sage,
Asit Muni. Among the prime
attractions of Yamunotri are hot
water springs nearby, which is
believed to have medicinal
properties. Devotees prepare
rice and potatoes to offer at
the shrine, by dipping them in
these hot water springs, tied in
muslin cloth. The trek to
Yamunotri is spectacular,
surrounded by a panorama of
rugged peaks and thick forests.
Major Tourist
Attractions in Yamunotri
Temple of Goddess Yamuna
The temple was built by Maharani
Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th
century. It was destroyed twice
in the present century and
rebuilt again. The temple
remains closed from November to
May.
Lakhamandal
Pass Kempty falls 75 kms. On the
Mussoorie - Yammnotri road lies
Lakhamandal. Legend has is that
the Kaurvas made a shelter house
and conspired to bum the
Pandavas alive here.
Surya Kund
One of the important thermal
springs known for its very high
temperature of 190 f. Pilgrims
cook rice and potatoes here to
offer to deity in the temple.
Divya Shila
A huge rock pillar venerated
before entering the Yamunotri
Temple.
Jankichatti
The theral springs here offer a
spectacular sight and a
refreshing bath for the
pilgrims.
Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga
and Yamuna river forms the
starting point for the scenic
Dodi Tal trek. (Rishikesh -
Barkot - Hanumanchatti -
Yamunotri - hanumanchatti -
Darvatop - Dodital - Agora -
Uttarkashi - Rishikesh).
Porters. Ponies and Palanquines
are available for the journey to
Yamunotri. Their rates are fixed
by District Magistrate before
the start of every Yatra season.
Sayanachatti
A scenic spot along the bank of
river yamuna that makes a lovely
sight enrouted the trek up to
Yamunotri.
Getting There
Air : Jolly Grant, 196
Kms. From Yamunotri via Dehradun
Rail : Rishikesh, 219 kms.
& Dehradun, 172 kms.
Road : Dharasu, 107 Kms.
Tehri, 107 Kms. Rishikesh, 213
Kms. & Dehradun, 172 Kms.
Journey by road takes one to
Hanumanchatti. From here, the
remaining 14 kms. trek is
covered on foot or on ponies.
Palanquins, Horses and porters
are also available on hire.
Accommodation
Only Dharamshalas are available
at Yamunotri. Alternative
accommodation are also
available. There is a Tourist
Rest House (GMVN) at Janki
Chatti. All the accommodations
are ideally planned to offer
comfortable stay to the tourists
of all type.
