The Garhwal Himalayas have been blessed with some of the holiest Hindu pilgrimage sites
and Yamunotri is one such. One of the Char Dhams according to Hindu mythology, Yamunotri
is the origin of the sacred river Yamuna. Famous for its thermal springs and glaciers, it
is one of the most important stopovers on the itinerary of the Hindu pilgrim. According to
an old legend, Asit Muni, the revered sage, used to reside here.
Altitude : 3165 mts
Climate : Winter : Snow bound. Touching sub-zero.
Summer : Cool during the dayy and cold at night.
Clothing : April to July - Light woollens
Language : Hindi, Garhwali & English
The Sacred Origin Of the Yamuna
Perched at an altitude of 3293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri is located in the
Uttarkashi district of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. It is very close to the
Indo-Chinese border and is surrounded by the Himalayan offshoots on all sides. Yamunotri,
lies near the Bandarpunch Mountain, which is 6315 m high and lies to the north. The
glacial lake of Saptarishi Kund, on the Kalind Parbat, at an altitude of 4421 m, is the
real source of the Yamuna River. Yamunotri is at a distance of 278 km from Dehradun, 236
km from Rishikesh, 176 km from Chamba, and 21 km from Sanya Chatti. It remains cool even
during summers. The winters are snow-bound and temperatures fall below 0°C. One is
advised to carry light or heavy woolens depending on the time of visit.
The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the
Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, it is perched atop a flank of the Bandar
Poonchh peak (3165 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. The shrine
attracts devotees in large numbers from May to October.
Yamunotri is the source of the revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champassar
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 finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. According to a legend, this
secluded hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni.
Among the major attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby. 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, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense
forests.
From Rishikesh, a 213 kms. journey by road takes one to Hanumanchatti. From here, the
remaining 13 kms. trek is covered on foot or on ponies. Palanquins and .
Yamunotri Temple
The main temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The present temple was built by Maharani
Guleria of Jaipur in the late nineteenth century. Once destroyed by an earthquake, it has
been rebuilt. A holy dip in the nearby tank filled by hot springs and cooking rice in its
water are common rituals performed by the devotees.
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 the deity in the temple.
Divya Shila
A huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers forms the starting point for the scenic
Dodi TaL Trek.
Sayanachatti
A scenic spot along the banks of river Yamuna that makes a lovely sight enroute the trek
upto Yamunotri.
Chamba
A sylvan spot on way to Tehri that offers an excellent view of the Himalayan peaks.
Situated at an altitude of 1,676 mts., Chamba is an ideal summer retreat
Airport : Jolly Grant, 196 kms. from Yamunotri via Dehradun
Railhead : Rishikesh, 213 kms. & Dehradun, 172 kms.
Road : Dharasu, 107 kms. Tehri, 149 kms. Rishikesh, 213 kms.& Dehradun, 172 kms
