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Yamunotri

Yamunotri

pilgrimage site · Uttarakhand

The sacred source of the Yamuna River and the first stop of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand.

State
Uttarakhand
Type
Pilgrimage Site
Best season
Monsoon
Things to do
4+

The sacred source of the Yamuna River and the first stop of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is at an altitude of approximately 3,293 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is revered as the seat of Goddess Yamuna. The actual source of the river is the Champasar Glacier located further up on the Kalind Mountain, which is inaccessible, making the temple the primary place of veneration. Pilgrims undertake a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to reach the temple. The journey features thermal springs, the most famous being Surya Kund, where pilgrims cook rice and potatoes as prasad. Before entering the temple, devotees offer prayers at Divya Shila, a sacred rock pillar.

When to go

Monsoons carry heavy landslide risks, while winters bring extreme sub-zero cold freezing the region.

Why visit

The sacred source of the Yamuna River and the first stop of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand.

Cultural notes

The temple was originally constructed by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. Having been damaged twice by natural calamities, it was rebuilt each time. In Hindu mythology, Yamuna is the daughter of Surya (the Sun God) and sister of Yama (the God of Death); a dip in her holy waters is believed to protect devotees from untimely death.

How to reach

Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), Dehradun (196 km). Nearest railway: Dehradun Railway Station (172 km). Buses and taxis run up to Janki Chatti via Barkot. From Janki Chatti, a 6 km trek leads to the shrine. Local transport: Ponies, palanquins (palkis), and porters available for the trek.

Yamunotri guide & itineraries

Popular attractions

The places in Yamunotri most people come for.

Surya Kund

Surya Kund

Attraction

Divya Shila

Divya Shila

Attraction

Janki Chatti

Janki Chatti

Attraction

Kharsali

Kharsali

Attraction

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