THE SACRED JEWEL OF THE HIMALAYAS

The Shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh-Uttarkashi. Yamunotri can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.  Situated at an elevation of 3235 metres above sea-level, the shrine of Yamunotri is one of the ‘four dhams’ of Uttarakhand. The source of Yamuna lies about 1 km. ahead at the altitude of about 4421 metres. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer pooja at the temple itself.There are hot springs close to the temple, a bath in them is very refreshing after a tedious 13 kms. trek from Hanumanchatti or 5 kms. from Janki Chatti.

Altitude : 3,235 mts.

Climate : Summer : Cool during the day and cold at night.

Winter : Snow-bound touching sub-zero.

Clothing Summer : Light woollens. Winter : Very heavy woollens.

Languages : Hindi , Garhwali , English

Air : Nearest airport is Jolly Grant, 18 kms from Rishikesh.

Rail : Nearest railhead is a Rishikesh, 250 kms.

Road : The road to Yamunotri diverts at Dharasu, on way to Uttarkashi. Important road distances are : Hanumanchatti 14 kms; Dharasu 107 kms; Tehri 149 kms.

Bus Hanumanchatti, the roadhead for Yamunotri is connected by bus services of Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyavastha Samiti to Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major centres in the region.

Important Road Distances : Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 kms via Narendranagar 16 kms., Chamba 46 kms., Tehri 21 kms., Dharasu 42 kms., Bhramkhal 15 kms., Barkot 40 kms., Phoolchatti 5 kms., Jankichatti 3 kms. Yamunotri 6 kms. (14 kms. on foot from Hanumanchatti).

S. Place Altitude (mts.) S. Place Altitude (mts.)

1. Rishikesh 0,340 2. Narendranagar 1,067

3. Chamba 1,524 4. Tehri 0,770

5. Dharasu 1,036 6. Bhramkhal 1,158

7. Barkot 1,828 8. Sayanachatti 1,982

9. Hanumanchatti 2,134 10. Phoolchatti 2,561

11. Jankichatti 2,676 12. Yamunotri 3,235

Accommodation : Only Dharamshalas are available at Yamunotri. Alternative accommodation available. There is a Tourist Rest House (GMVN) at Janki Chatti.

Eating Out : Only local eating houses (dhabas) are available. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited in Yamunotri.

Temple of Goddess Yamuna : The temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19^th century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. The temple remains closed from November to May.

Surya Kund : There are a number of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple which flow into numerous pools. The most important of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila : A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

Sayanachatti : 29 kms. from Barkot is a scenic spot on the banks of river Yamuna.

Jankichatti : Noted for its thermal springs, where tourists can enjoy a refreshing bath.

Hanumanchatti : The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers, from where the trek to Dodi Tal (3,307 mts) starts.

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 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 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.

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.

ACCOMMODATION

Dharamshalas and Jankichatti Tourist Rest House offer a comfortable stay.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Altitude : 3165 mts

Climate : Summer - Cool during the day and cold at night.

Winter - Snow bound. Touching sub-zero.

Clothing : April to July - Light woollens. Sept. to Nov. - Heavy woollens.

Languages : Hindi , Garhwali & English.

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