Yamunotri Temple is among the oldest Hindu pilgrimage places in the Garhwal Himalayas. As per Hindu legend, Yamunotri is the origin of the holy Yamuna River, but Saptarishi Kund, 10 kilometres from the shrine, is the actual origin. Furthermore, the temple, renowned for its hot springs and glaciers, has become one of the Hindu pilgrim’s most essential destinations. According to an ancient tradition, the famous sage Asit Muni once resided here.
If you are all set for visiting the Yamunotri temple, then here is a detailed Yamunotri yatra guide to help you plan for the yatra.
Where Is Yamunotri Dham?
Yamunotri is in the Uttarkashi district in northern Uttarakhand, 3291 meters above sea level. It is located near the Indo-Chinese border and encircled by Himalayan offshoots. Yamunotri is close to the 6315-meter-high Bandarpunch Mountain, located to the north.
Yamunotri Yatra is part of the Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand. The sacred dwelling of Goddess Yamuna is positioned close to the base of Kalind Parbat and on a slope of Banderpoonch Parbat. The Yamunotri temple was built in 1839 by the ruler of Tehri, Naresh Sudarshan Shah, amid the imposing Himalayas. The breathtaking environment of the temple is enough to overwhelm the hearts of believers with admiration. Yamuna River shoots down from the temple’s one side, housing a black marble statue of the Goddess Yamuna.
How To Visit Yamunotri?
The Yamunotri Temple is accessible via air, train, and road. Yamunotri Yatra by helicopter is available for individuals who, for whatever reason, do not like to walk for the Yamunotri Yatra, an almost 13-kilometre distance from Hanuman Chatti. Horses and palanquins are available for the old and those who are physically unable to hike.
So here are the various modes you can avail of if you are considering how to visit Yamunotri.
By Air:
The closest airport to Yamunotri Dham is the Dehradun Airport or Jolly Grant Airport, which is around 210 kilometres away. There are regular flights to Delhi from the airport, and cabs and buses are accessible from the airport to Hanuman Chatti. From there, the temple is about 13 kilometres away. So from there, you can consider trekking to the temple or board the helicopter from the helipad.
By Rail:
So the nearest train stations are Dehradun Railway Station and Rishikesh Railway Station. On NH 58, Rishikesh Railway Station is around 200 kilometers from Dehradun Railway Station, whereas Dehradun Railway Station is approximately 175 kilometres distant. From these railway stations, trains go to every major region in India.
Additionally, from both train stops, cabs are available to Hanuman Chatti. From other regions of Uttarakhand, such as Uttarkashi and Tehri Garhwal, buses and taxis are also accessible.
By Road:
There seem to be no roads leading directly to Yamunotri Dham. The trip to Yamunotri begins at Jankichatti. After you reach Jankichatti, you will begin a roughly 5-kilometer journey to Yamunotri. The Yamunotri hike has a well-defined path that is immediately identifiable in the winter, and it exceeds two meters in length and is well marked.
However, do not overlook the Yamunotri trek and discover the Complete Information of the Yamunotri Yatra Trek since winter trekking for the Yamunotri Dham is not very comfortable due to the snowfall.
By Helicopter:
There are also helicopter services accessible to the Yamunotri Temple. Both the government and commercial helicopter companies offer helicopter services in Uttarakhand. If you prefer the helicopter service, so you need to reach Dehradun. You must go from Dehradun towards the Sahastradhara Helipad. From the Sahastradhara helipad, go to Harsil; the palki services will help you complete the Yamunotri Yatra.
Weather Conditions At Yamunotri Yatra
As Yamunotri Dham is at an elevation of around 3,300 meters, it is cold year-round. The summer season of Yamunotri begins in April and lasts until July, with temperatures ranging from 6 to 20 degrees Celsius.
The monsoon at Yamunotri Temple begins in mid-July and continues until the end of September. Furthermore, landslides and flooding occur during this season, so avoid visiting.
The Yamunotri Dham winter starts in October and lasts till March. The temperature drops to -7 degrees Celsius. Adverse weather conditions and heavy snowfall leave the shrine inaccessible.
Top Tourist Attractions To Visit During Yamunotri Yatra
- Janki Chatti is located around 7 kilometers before Yamunotri Dham on the walk there. It is accessible by automobile. The area is famous for its hot springs.
- Surya Kund is among the several thermal springs in Yamunotri Dham. Its waters are at the ideal temperature, and worshippers cook rice and potatoes in them by immersing them. After being prepared, it is offered to the masses as prasad.
- Divya Shila is a rock pillar worshippers venerate before visiting the revered Yamunotri Temple.
- Barkot is a picturesque hill station in Uttarkashi and is the final major town near Yamunotri. Barkot is notable for its white water rafting, hiking pathways, and breathtaking scenery.
- Kharsali, also called Khushimath, is Goddess Yamuna’s winter residence. On Akshaya Tritiya, the idol of Ma Yamuna is moved from the Yamunotri Temple to this location. The monument and Lord Someshwara are restored to Yamunotri on Bhai Dooj for the following six months.
Important Tips For Your Yamunotri Yatra
- Before embarking on the Yamunotri Yatra, register at the booking desks in major Uttarakhand cities, including Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun. Or you may opt for online registration.
- Plan carefully since the Darshan hours at the Yamunotri temple are from 6:30 am to 7:30 pm.
- Explore Yamunotri outside of the monsoon season. May, June, September, and October are the most delicate times to visit Yamunotri.
- The Yamunotri Dham is situated at a very high elevation in the Himalayas; hence, it is advisable to wear vital winter clothing. Avoid traveling during the monsoon since summers are pleasant.
- The trek for the Yamunotri yatra is not tough, but the trail is high, so watch your step, mainly when snow covers the Yamunotri Trekking Trail.
Conclusion
So this is a detailed Yamunotri yatra guide for pilgrims. Embark on this spiritual journey and attain inner peace. Furthermore, visit all the nearby places for a beautiful trip. You may also avail of the LIH Travels helicopter services for a comfortable yatra.
Also, read: Guide About Planning A Budget Trip To Portugal From India
