About Yamunotri
The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas, which is Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The shrine is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3235 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. It constitutes one of the four most important pilgrimages, collectively called 'Char Dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas or Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is the source of the revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champasar 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 can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.
Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. The legend says, this lonesome hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni. Among the prime attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby, which is believed to have medicinal properties. 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, surrounded by a panorama of rugged peaks and thick forests.
Location : In the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal, north of India.
When To Visit : The temple remains closed during the winter months of Nov. to April. The shrine attracts devotees in large numbers from May to October.
How to Get There Air : Jolly Grant, 196 Kms. From Yamunotri via Dehradun.
Rail : Rishikesh, 219 kms. & Dehradun, 172 kms.
Road : Dharasu, 107 Kms. Tehri, 107 Kms. Rishikesh, 213 Kms. & Dehradun, 172 Kms. Journey by road takes one to Hanumanchatti. From here, the remaining 14 kms. trek is covered on foot or on ponies. Palanquins, Horses and porters are also available on hire.
Major Tourist Attractions in Yamunotri Temple of Goddess Yamuna
The temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. The temple remains closed from November to May.
Lakhamandal
Pass Kempty falls 75 kms. On the Mussoorie - Yammnotri road lies Lakhamandal. Legend has is that the Kaurvas made a shelter house and conspired to bum the Pandavas alive here.
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 deity in the temple.
Divya Shila
A huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
Jankichatti
The theral springs here offer a spectacular sight and a refreshing bath for the pilgrims.
Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna river forms the starting point for the scenic Dodi Tal trek. (Rishikesh - Barkot - Hanumanchatti - Yamunotri - hanumanchatti - Darvatop - Dodital - Agora - Uttarkashi - Rishikesh). Porters. Ponies and Palanquines are available for the journey to Yamunotri. Their rates are fixed by District Magistrate before the start of every Yatra season.
Sayanachatti
A scenic spot along the bank of river yamuna that makes a lovely sight enrouted the trek up to Yamunotri.
