Yamunotri

Yamunotri in the Garhwal mountains of Uttarkashi region is situated at a height of 3233 m above sea level, perched atop a flank of the Bandhar Poonch Peak. Located in beautiful surroundings, Yamunotri is a wonder-filled religious site that is visited by a large number of tourists every year. It constitutes one of the four most important pilgrimages, collectively called the 'Char Dham Yatra' of the Garhwal Himalayas.

Yamunotri is the source of revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champasar Glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine. Since the approach is extremely difficult, pilgrims usually offer obeisance at the temple itself. The present temple was constructed by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the nineteenth century. The shrine attracts devotees in large numbers from May to October. According to the historical past, a saint Asit Muni used to reside at this secluded spot in the ancient times.

The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Jankichatti. A bath in the hot springs close to the temple, is very refreshing after an exhausting 13 kms. trek from Hanumanchatti or 5 kms. from Janki Chatti. The Surya Kund, whose waters are used for cooking prasad, and Divya Shila, a rock pillar, are also among the major attractions of Yamunotri.

How to Get There
Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 17 km from Rishikesh & 24 km from Dehradun.

Rail: The nearest railway stations are Dehradun and Haridwar.

Road: Yamunotri is easily accessible from Rishikesh, Saharanpur and Dehradun. Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 km.via Narendranagar 16 km., Chama 46 km., Brahmkhal 15 km, Barkot 40 km, Syanachatti 27 km, Hanumanchatti 6 km., Phoolchatti 5 km., Jankichatti 3 km., and Yamunotri 6 km.

Bus Service: Regular bus services operate from Rishikesh to Yamunotri.

Local Transport: Ponies and porters are available from Hanuman Chatti.