Yamunotri Dham Yatra Travel Guide 2022

Yamunotri Dham is located in Uttarkashi of Uttarakhand which is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna at the height of 3293 meters above sea-level. Yamuna River originates from Yamunotri Dham, which is considered one of the most sacred rivers of Hindus. Every year, during the Char Dham Yatra season thousands of religious pilgrims from across the world visit Yamunotri Temple as a part of their four Dham Yatra, with a hope to wash-off all their sins.

Yamunotri Temple is considered to be the ideal destination for pilgrims and tourists who are fanatic about complete peace, escapades, scenic beauty, tranquil and natural envrioments. Some of the other attractions to explore during your visit to Yamunotri include Saptarishi Kund Lake, Hanuman Chatti, Janki Chatti, Divya Shila, Surya Kund etc.

During the festival of Akshaya Tritiya, the temple is open for public (i.e. during the month of April or May). The idol of Goddess Yamuna is again carried back to the temple from nearest village known as Kharsali, where she was place during the winters when the temple is closed. This village is considered to the Mothers' Home of Goddess Yamuna where she is worshipped during winters when temple is closed for public. The temple is closed after conducted the rituals of famous Hindu festival, Diwali. During the winters the temple is closed as it gets covered with snow which makes worshipping impossible for public.

History & Legends

Yamunotri Temple is the most important holy shrine for Hindus which is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple has a black marble idol of goddess Yamuna inside it that holds the status of omnipresent Mother to Human race. According to Hindu mythology, the life on earth keeps on going with the aid and rich nourishment offered by blessings and grace of Goddess Yamuna. In contrary to religious beliefs, Yamuna is one of the major holy rivers after Ganga and it is the part of trio holy river of India, Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

Tehri Naresh King Sudarshan Shah actually constructed the Yamunotri Temple in the year 1839 to honor Goddess Yamuna. Later, the temple was completely destroyed by a severe earthquake. In 19th century, Maharani Gularia of Jaipur decided to reconstruct the temple and renovate it again. This is how the new Yamunotri temple came into existence lately in 19th century.

Legends

In fact there are several legends that are linked with this holy Yamunotri temple. The religious legends affirm that goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Sun God and Sangya, the goddess of Consciousness and the sister of death god, Yama. So, many pilgrims and legends believe that by offering prayer at Yamunotri Temple, they will not only wash off their sins, but will also get blessings from Sun God, God of Consciousness and Death God. After the prayer, the pilgrims always take holy dip into the River Yamuna because they believe that by doing so they will get rid from the fear of morality or death. The mountain surrounding the Yamunotri Temple is named after Yamuna Devi’s Father, Surya Dev. This mountain valley is named as Kalind Parvat.

According to other legends, Asit Muni an ancient sage believed to live his entire life in this region of Yamunotri. Every day he used to take his bath in the River Yamuna and Ganga. When he grew older, he was unable to go to River Ganga to take his bath as it is far away and hence he started the bathing rituals in the stream of River Ganga which emerge close to River Yamuna just opposite to it.

According to other legends, Goddess Yamuna was very frivolous by nature and this trait came into her due to a myth, that her mother was unable to make eye contact with her father who is a Sun God.

How to Reach at Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri Dham is the most important part of Char Dham Yatra which is visited by thousands of pilgrim every year as a part of their four dham yatra. This place is easily accessible by road, air and rail. However, the last phase to reach the actual shrine requires the pilgrims to trek few kilometers.

Pilgrims who want to avoid trekking can rent ponies and horses or palanquins to reach the Yamunotri Temple without trekking. Yamunotri Temple is only 13 KM away from Hanuman Chatti and 6 KM away from Janki Chatti. Motorable road ends at Janki Chatti from where pilgrims are required to trek 6 KM to reach Yamunotri Temple.

The enthralling and mesmerizing location on the foothills of Garhwal mountain ranges, the Yamunotri Temple provide panoramic views of the natural surroundings as it is bordered by natural lush meadows, shrubs, and gushes cascades. Since it is located on the foothills of mountain ranges, a pilgrim needs to have lots of courage and stamina to reach this holy temple. Trekking to Yamunotri temple is really an exceptional experience as they will across the craggy peaks and the intense forest on their way to Yamunotri.

From mesmerizing snow capped mountains to tranquil lakes, Yamunotri Temple has some of the most alluring sights in store which adventure lovers can experience during their trip to Yamunotri Temple. The walking trails along the gushing streams of Yamuna offers some of the spectacular views and experience to cherish for lifetime.

How to Reach Yamunotri?

By Air - The nearby airport of Yamunotri Temple is Jolly Grant Airport which is only 210 Km away from the actual location of the Temple. This airport is well connected to major cities of India including Delhi and Mumbai. Pilgrims and tourists can easily take flight to Jolly Grant Airport if they are planning for a religious trip to Yamunotri. After reaching this airport, there are luxury bus services and private taxi services are available which will take tourists to Hanuman Chatti as beyond this region no motor-able road is available tourists are required to trek down to the temple.

By Rail -There are two major railway station located in close proximity to Yamunotri Temple, i.e. Dehradun and Rishikesh. The Rishikesh railway station is located 200 KM away from Yamunotri and Dehradun railway station is located 175 Km away from Yamunotri Dham. Both this railway stations are well connected to other part of the nation. After reaching any of these railway station pilgrims and tourists may take bus services or private taxi to reach the closest point which is Hanuman Chatti, from where they need to trail down to Yamunotri temple.

By Road - Yamunotri Temple is not connected directly to motor-able roads, trekking is the only way to reach the actual shrine from Hanuman Chatti or Janki Chatti. Buses and private taxi is available up to Hanuman Chatti and Janki Chatti. Beyond these points pilgrims are required to trek or rent ponies or horses to cover the distance 13km and 6 Km respectively, to reach Yamunotri Temple.

Opening and Closing Date

Usually, the Yamunotri Temple opens during the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya, which starts either during the last week of April or in the first week of May. The closing date of this sacred destination is usually after the auspicious day of Diwali. The Temple is closed after the formal rituals of Diwali.

Yamunotri Dham is the considered to the most sacred holy destination for Hindu Pilgrims and it is the source of point of holy Yamuna River. It is the important part of Char Dham Yatra. This temple is dedicated to goddess Yamuna that comprises a black marble idol of the deity. The opening and closing date of Yamunotri Temple is basically decided and announced by the committee of the temple. Usually, the Yamunotri Temple opens during the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya, which starts either during the last week of April or in the first week of May. The closing date of this sacred destination is usually after the auspicious day of Diwali. The Temple is closed after the formal rituals of Diwali.

The priests of the temple announce the opening and closing dates of the Yamunotri Temple every year.

Yamunotri Kapat Opening Date 2022: 3 May

Yamunotri Dham during Winters

Yamunotri Temple is always closed during the winter months for public. The final rituals of Vijaydashmi are performed before the temple is closed for public. This indicates the closing of the Char Dham Yatra season for the year.

When the Yamunotri Temple is closed during winters, the idol of Yamuna Devi is carried to a nearest village calle Kharsali which is believed to be the Mother’s abode of Yamuna Devi. The idol is placed in this village where the purohits and priests worship and offer prayer for the entire winter months. When the Yamunotri Temple reopens during the month of April or May next year the idol is carried back to the actual shrine for worship.

Weather

Yamunotri Dham is the important religious pilgrimage destination in Hinduism and it is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year as a part of their Char Dham yatra. This destination is mostly visited during the Char Dham yatra season. But, before visiting this place it is necessary to better understand the weather condition of the place to come prepared with necessary clothing.

Yamunotri in Summer - The summer seasons at Yamunotri is bit cool and the winters are very cold as the temperature goes below zero degree. Rainfall is common during the months of May and June. At the starting of summer season the gates of the temple are opened for public and this the time when the Char Dham Yatra usually begins. The summer season is usually pleasant with average temperature around 20 degrees Celsius. However, the nights during summer are quite cold. The summer season is considered to be the best time for sightseeing and pilgrimage trip.

Yamunotri in Monsoon - Monsoons at Yamunotri usually begins usually during the month of July and August. This is the time of heavy rainfall when it becomes quite difficult for pilgrims to reach the shrine. The heavy rainfall hinders the way of pilgrims and sometime landslides occur in the region due to which the pilgrims find it difficult to trek down to Yamunotri Temple. Pilgrims must avoid visiting the temple during monsoons.

Yamunotri in Winter - Winters in Yamunotri usually begin from November and remain till last week of April. The weather during winter seasons usually remains very cold and frizzing with heavy snowfall. The entire shrine and neighboring mountain is covered with heavy snowfall during winters and because of heavy snowfall in the region the temple remain closed for public. The temple usually gets closed for public during this period of winters. Only mountaineers and professional trekkers visit this region during winter season for expeditions.

Which is Best Time to Visit Yamunotri Temple?

The best time to visit Yamunotri Temple is usually between April to June and September to November. Yamunotri Temple reopens from last week of April or from first week of May and remains open till last week of November before winter starts.

Places to Visit

Beautifully nestled at a height of 3290 meters above sea-level in the district of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, Yamunotri Temple is the second most important holy shrine of Chardham Yatra. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and she is believed to be the daughter of Sun God, Surya Dev and Brother of Death God, Yama.

The main temple of Yamunotri is located on the foot hills of Garhwal Himalaya range and is the prime source of holy River Yamuna. The frozen lake of ice and glacier, Saptrishi Kund is situated on Kalindi Mountain which is named after the father of Yamuna, Surya Dev. There are many places to visit during your trip to Yamunotri Temple. Some of the major attractions of Yamunotri valley include:

Yamunotri Temple

Dedicated to Yamuna River, Yamunotri Temple is one of the most crucial Hindu pilgrimage destinations and it is visited every year by pilgrims as a part of Char Dham Yatra. The original temple was constructed in the year 1839 by Tehri Naresh Sudarshan Shah. However, the temple was destroyed by a severe earthquake. Later in 19th century, Maharani Gularia of Jaipur reconstructed the shrine and renovated it again. The exceptional craftsmanship and architects par excellence, the white idol of Ganga and black idol of Yamuna is really an excellent treat to watch.

Surya Kund

Situated in close proximity to main shrine of Yamunotri, the Surya Kund is the natural hot water spring which pilgrim enjoy during their trip to Yamunotri. The temperature of this kund remains stable at 1900 degree Celsius and it is quite sufficient to cook food within minutes. This thermal spring is used to cook raw rice which is distributed amongst the pilgrims as Prasad.

Divya Shila

According to Hindu mythology, it is very important for the pilgrims to worship Divya Shila before offering prayer at the main deity of Yamunotri Temple. It is basically the rock pillar which is located next to Surya Kund. It is believed that this pillar is the actual deity of the idol and hence pilgrims are required to bow their head down below the pillar before entering the main shrine.

Sapt Rishi Kund

Another natural beauty for sightseeing located in Yamunotri is Sapt Rishi Kund. This is a natural ice lake comprising grayish blue water with pebbly banks and it is also the source of River Yamuna. This exotic lake is basically popular for the existence of beautiful Braham Kamal, a rare species of flora. This lake is the best spot from where tourists can enjoy amazing sights and vista of nature.

Things to Enjoy at Yamunotri

Trekking in Yamunotri - Apart from religious trip to Yamunotri, tourists and adventurous pilgrims can also enjoy trekking at Yamunotri valley which offers some of the tedious and pictorial treks to experience. Pilgrims and tourists can reach Yamunotri by trekking from Dehradun via Yamuna Bridge and Barkot and Rishikesh. Some of popular trekking region you may experience while reaching Yamunotri include, trek from Hanuman Chatti, Dodi Tal Trek, and the trek from Janki Chatti to Kharsali.

Festivals Celebrated in Yamunotri

Phool Devi and Basant Panchmi during March and Olgia during August.

Hotels (Places to Stay)

Most of the pilgrims don’t have great ideas about Yamunotri and they are not aware about the facilities available at hotels in Yamunotri. So, before you book any package for Yamunotri tour it is necessary to know the available accommodation facilities in and around Yamunotri valley.

Yamunotri Temple is the most important religious destination for Hindu pilgrims and this shrine is basically dedicated to goddess Yamuna. It is the source of Yamuna River and millions of pilgrims from across the world visit this holy site to worship the deity Yamuna. There are several religious packages offered online and pilgrims and tourists may book their package in advance. However, it is very necessary for the tourists and pilgrims to know exactly about the accommodation facilities before moving ahead.

Accommodation in this region is never an issue for pilgrims and tourists as they can easily find a wide variety of places where they can enjoy comfortable stay during their trip to Yamunotri Temple. There are many comfortable places where tourists can enjoy luxury stay during their trip to Yamunotri. Amongst all other well established hotels and resorts in the valley, Chauhan Tourist Lodge, Himalayan Guest House, Hotel Kalindi, GMVN TRH and Chauhan Annxe are some of the best places to stay during your trip to Yamunotri.

Yamunotri Cottages - It is one of the best and luxurious accommodation facilities in Yamunotri region. Located in Janki Chatti, the Yamunotri Cottages is a resort in the middle of awe-inspiring natural beauty and it is beautifully surrounded by majestic snow clad Himalayan range. Tourists can enjoy the sights of beautiful coniferous trees, mesmerizing meadows and stepping paddies. Tourists can enjoy trailing towards the Kharsali Village in evening time to explore the Shani Temple. This resort can be accessed through Helicopter services as there is a Heli-Pad available within the premises of this resort.

Camp Nirvana Yamunotri - It is a resort situated beautifully on the seashore of Holy Yamuna River. It is a two star Tent Stay type accommodation facility that provide luxurious tented accommodation to pilgrims and tourists on their Char Dham Yatra. Each of the tent is magnificently constructed that offer panoramic views of the Yamuna River and scenic hill farmlands and the surrounding mountain range and villages. This resort also offers tranquil environs and natural surroundings where you can enjoy yoga and meditation. Adventure lovers will definitely find this place quite amazing as they can enjoy trekking trips to mountains and villages and other activities on camp site.

Yamunotri River Banks Resort - It is a Star resort located in the region of Barkot just upon the seashore of Yamuna River. This resort comprises around 16 luxury camps where tourists can enjoy luxury hospitality and optimum comfort during their stay in Yamunotri tour. The facilities and amenities offered at this camp are beyond imagination and all tourists receive luxury treatment during their stay.

These were some of the best places to stay during your Yamunotri trip. However, it is necessary to book for room or camps before arrival to avoid the last minute rush.