Among all the Chardham Yatra portals in Uttarakhand, Yamunotri Dham, devoted to Maa Yamuna, is one of the most important temples because it is where Hindus start their holy pilgrimage. This temple is one of the most distant in Uttarakhand: and is situated on a rugged summit of the Bandarpoonch Parvat, with the Holy River of Yamuna elegantly flowing through it. Trekking to Yamunotri is a challenging task that requires you to travel 6–7 km over steep, crooked terrain. Although there are different choices, such as ponies and doilies, getting to the temple on foot or trekking feels the most rewarding.
History & Mythology of Yamunotri
Yamunotri, the first of the “Char Dhams,” is the sacred residence of the goddess Yamuna.
As per Hindu mythology, Yamuna is one of Krishna’s eight consorts, the twin sister of Yama, the God of Death, and the child of Surya, the Sun God.
Hindus consider a holy dip in the Yamuna, known as the Goddess of Perseverance, to guarantee a painless death for the devotee. The Santana Dharma places a high value on everyone undertaking the Chota Char Dham journey at least once in their lifetime.
Sangya, in the Champasar Glacier (4,421 m), is where Yamuna was born, and it is situated directly beneath Bandarpoonch Mountain. The mountain near to the river’s source is called Kalind Parvat in honor of her father since Kalind is another name for Surya.
In ancient tales, Yamuna is portrayed as being levity; this characteristic resulted from Yamuna’s mother never looking her dashing husband in the eye.
Weather of Yamunotri
The mild summers and bitterly cold winters are a perfect match for the climate in the Himalayas. It is challenging to get there because of no motorable roads leading there. The deity is moved to her winter residence as a workaround to guarantee that the proper prayers are offered. Summertime temperatures range from 6 to 20°C, while wintertime lows are -7 to 5°C.
Best Time to Visit the First Dham “Yamunotri”
Every year, the pilgrimage takes place from April to October. Nevertheless, having a second look is an excellent idea for the precise dates that are released annually. On the Choti Char Dham pilgrimage, Yamunotri is the first destination.
The temple opens every year on Akshaya Tritiya, which varies each year depending on the Hindu calendar but is traditionally honored in the final week of April. On Diwali, the temple closes for the year after a brief ceremony.
Location
Yamunotri, which is in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand, and is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas, is endowed with an abundance of beauty and magic by nature. Yamunotri, located at an elevation of 3293 meters and encircled by supercilious mountains on all sides, is close to the Indo-Chinese border.
You will need to stop at Jankichatti, the last place that is accessible before Yamunotri, because there are no motorable roads that lead directly to Yamunotri. You will start a 6-kilometer uphill trek from here.
Yet another is available from Hanuman Chatti, about 13 KM from Yamunotri, for the more daring. By way of Markandeya Tirtha, this route leads you along the river’s banks. Most people prefer to take the shorter route, Jankichatti because it is shorter.
How to get to Yamunotri?
- By Road
The walk to Yamunotri, which is not directly connected by any highways with motor vehicles, begins at Hanuman Chatti. Hanuman Chatti is well connected to the state’s main locations via motorable highways.
You can choose between booking a taxi or cab from Rishikesh or Haridwar or taking a GMOU bus service on the roads of Uttarakhand. From Delhi, Dehradun, Nainital, or any other nearby hill region, you can also hire a private taxi.
- By Railways
Rishikesh and Dehradun are the railheads closest to Yamunotri. Yamunotri is located on NH58, 175 kilometers from Dehradun’s railway station and 200 kilometers from Rishikesh’s; both states are located in Uttarakhand.
You can either take a taxi or a cab from the Rishikesh and Dehradun stations to Yamunotri.
- By Air
Yamunotri is located 210 kilometers from Jolly Grant Airport, the closest airport. There are numerous daily flights from Jolly Grant Airport to Delhi. From Jolly Grant Airport, you can book a taxi to Hanuman Chatti. Up until Yamunotri, there are also helicopter services available.
- By Helicopter
Yamunotri is located 210 kilometers from Jolly Grant Airport, the closest airport. There are numerous daily flights from Jolly Grant Airport to Delhi. From Jolly Grant Airport, you can book a taxi to Hanuman Chatti. Up until Yamunotri, there are also helicopter services available.
You can travel to Yamunotri by helicopter from the Sahastradhara helipad in Dehradun to the nearby Kharsali helipad, close to the temple. After disembarking at the helipad, passengers can take a pony, doli, or palki ride to the temple.
Things to do in Yamunotri
Yamunotri’s importance and religious significance in Hinduism are, of course, the main reasons for anyone to visit.
- Yamunotri Temple
The revered temple serves as the location of the Yamuna River’s source. It should be noted that the shrine was constructed at the base of the hill because the true source, a frozen lake of ice and glacier (Champasar Glacier) on the Kalind Mountain at height of 4,421 m above sea level, is not frequently visited because it is inaccessible.
Due to the treacherous approach, worshippers perform puja at the temple itself. The temple was built by Maharaja Pratap Shah and is located on Yamuna’s left bank. A black marble statue represents the deity. Indian civilization is said to have been fostered and advanced by the Yamuna, much like how Hindus see the Ganges as their sacred mother.
- Surya Kund
The hot springs gushing out of mountain crevasses are not far from the temple. The most significant and essential Kund is known as Surya Kund.
- Divya Shilla
The Divya Shila, located close to the Surya Kund, is worshipped before the deity’s puja is offered. Using these hot water springs, devotees prepare rice and potatoes that are then wrapped in a muslin cloth for offering at the shrine. Before entering the divine Yamunotri temple, one worships Divya Shilla, a rock pillar.
Yamunotri Trekking Guide
Jankichatti is where the Yamunotri Trek begins. Once you get there, a roughly 5-kilometer trek from Jankichatti to Yamunotri begins. The Yamunotri Trek is a well-marked route that is easy to find, even in the winter. It is well-marked and extends over two meters. Don’t undervalue the Yamunotri treks, though; find out all there is to know about them because they are not as enjoyable in the winter months when there may be problems due to the abundance of snow.
Amenities at Yamunotri Guide
In the high seasons, the Yamunotri Trek is well supported. Every 500 meters along the trail leading to the Yamunotri Temple, there are several water stations, benches, and small sheds. However, the off-season does not have as much support for this trail. You can make reservations at a booking booth in Jankichatti to travel by Dandi/Palki, Kandi, Mules, or Ponies up until Yamunotri. The distance traveled determines the approximate cost of these.
Tips for Yamunotri Trekking
- BSNL is the main provider of phone connectivity during the Yamunotri trek, and the signal is dispersed and only consistently strong in a few locations. If you want constant phone connectivity, you should bring a local phone with a BSNL sim card, or you can let your loved ones know before you start your trek.
- Before embarking on the Yamunotri Yatra, be sure to register at one of the check-in counters located in Uttarakhand’s many towns, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.
- Plan your visit accordingly since the Yamunotri temple offers darshan from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
- Yamunotri is best visited in May, June, September, and October.
- Having thick winter clothing is recommended during the winter months because the Yamunotri Dham is situated at a very high altitude in the Himalayas. Avoid traveling in the monsoon season; summers are pleasant.
- Before starting your trek, keep in mind that you should be in good shape. It will ultimately be very beneficial for your plans if you start walking regularly long before you start your journey, or at the very least practice some breathing exercises.
- Although the Yamunotri Trekking Trail has some steep sections, the ascent is not difficult. However, you should take extra precautions when the trail is covered in snow.
Wrapping Up
Yamunotri is a stunning location where the goddess Yamuna resides, and it exudes only good energy. Yamunotri becomes a must-visit if you’ve ever wondered what absolute faith and bliss look like.
Regardless of the mode of transportation you use, make sure you take all necessary precautions. Happy traveling and connecting, and I hope the guide help you fully enjoy the location.