Yamunotri Temple – The World of Immense Spirituality

The temple has been devoted to Goddess Yamuna, the second holiest river of India and the twin sister of Lord Yama (the god of death) and the daughter of god Sun. Goddess Yamuna in Vedas has been represented as Yami, the lady of life, and it is believed that the deity has been named so by an angry Lord Surya who felt insulted when Goddess Sandhya couldn’t find him in the eye because of his immense dazzling light. She started flickering her eyes while looking straight to open her eyes in front of Lord Sun and Goddess Sandhya had helped her in opening eyes. Sun god blessed the deity that she would be remembered eternally and the deity also inherited the frivolous nature through this incident.

One of the most important legends behind the origin of this shrine states that the great sage Asti Muni resided as a hermit in the Yamunotri region. It is said that the saint bathed at Yamuna and Ganga rivers throughout his life but as he grew old, he couldn’t move to Gangotri. Hence, River Ganga divided herself into a stream opposite to River Yamuna as the deity wanted to resolve his interrupted ritual.

Another exciting legend states that it is the same river and place where Lord Hanuman after burning Lanka came to put off the fire of his tail in River Yamuna at Bandarpoonch and this is why the peak has been named so i.e. Bander (Monkey) and Poonch means tail.

Location of Yamunotri Temple

This holy shrine of Goddess Yamuna is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and on the western side of the great Himalayas. Tucked at a great altitude of almost 3293 meters above the sea level, Yamunotri Dham is, however, difficult and pretty challenging to explore but the unflinching faith of the devotees motivate them to reach here. The pilgrimage is encircled by lofty mountains on all sides and lies in a close proximity to the Indo-China border and is nationwide popular for offering immense peace and tranquility to the travelers.

The pilgrimage is situated at a distance of almost 236 km from Rishikesh, 278 km from Dehradun, 21 km from Sanya Chatti, and 176 km from Chamba.

Significance of Yamunotri Dham

It is the first stopover of Char Dham Yatra circuit where tourists from different corners of the world flock to pay their homage to the deity and seek her blessings for lifelong prosperity, health, and wealth. Likewise other pilgrimages of this holy circuit, Yamunotri is also popular for its interesting mythological tales and it is believed that the goddess is the daughter of the Sun god and sister of Lord Yama and hence in Vedas, Yamuna is called as Yami (the lady of life). There is a belief among Hindus that bathing in the sacred water of River Yamuna purifies your heart and cleanse all your committed sins. Also, the deity is believed to be the protector of your life and protects you from an untimely and unnatural death.

The Architecture of Yamunotri Temple

The temple is believed to be have been constructed in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur who was a true devotee of the deity. Once you set your feet in the temple, you will get to see the black marbled idol of the goddess adorned with garlands. After completing your puja rituals when you come out of the shrine you will get to explore the hot water spring flowing out of the mountain cavities and Surya Kund is the most sought and popular thermal spring in the region. Next comes Divya Shila, a huge mountain rock which is to be worshipped before you enter into the temple and to pay offering to the goddess, the devotees prepare rice and potatoes in this Surya Kund by draping them in the muslin cloth and dipping in the hot water spring.

How to Reach at Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri Dham is the most important part of Char Dham Yatra which is visited by thousands of pilgrim every year as a part of their four dham yatra. This place is easily accessible by road, air and rail. However, the last phase to reach the actual shrine requires the pilgrims to trek few kilometers.

Pilgrims who want to avoid trekking can rent ponies and horses or palanquins to reach the Yamunotri Temple without trekking. Yamunotri Temple is only 13 KM away from Hanuman Chatti and 6 KM away from Janki Chatti. Motorable road ends at Janki Chatti from where pilgrims are required to trek 6 KM to reach Yamunotri Temple.

The enthralling and mesmerizing location on the foothills of Garhwal mountain ranges, the Yamunotri Temple provide panoramic views of the natural surroundings as it is bordered by natural lush meadows, shrubs, and gushes cascades. Since it is located on the foothills of mountain ranges, a pilgrim needs to have lots of courage and stamina to reach this holy temple. Trekking to Yamunotri temple is really an exceptional experience as they will across the craggy peaks and the intense forest on their way to Yamunotri.

From mesmerizing snow capped mountains to tranquil lakes, Yamunotri Temple has some of the most alluring sights in store which adventure lovers can experience during their trip to Yamunotri Temple. The walking trails along the gushing streams of Yamuna offers some of the spectacular views and experience to cherish for lifetime.

How to Reach Yamunotri?

• By Air – The nearby airport of Yamunotri Temple is Jolly Grant Airport which is only 210 Km away from the actual location of the Temple. This airport is well connected to major cities of India including Delhi and Mumbai. Pilgrims and tourists can easily take flight to Jolly Grant Airport if they are planning for a religious trip to Yamunotri. After reaching this airport, there are luxury bus services and private taxi services are available which will take tourists to Hanuman Chatti as beyond this region no motor-able road is available tourists are required to trek down to the temple.
• By Rail –There are two major railway station located in close proximity to Yamunotri Temple, i.e. Dehradun and Rishikesh. The Rishikesh railway station is located 200 KM away from Yamunotri and Dehradun railway station is located 175 Km away from Yamunotri Dham. Both this railway stations are well connected to other part of the nation. After reaching any of these railway station pilgrims and tourists may take bus services or private taxi to reach the closest point which is Hanuman Chatti, from where they need to trail down to Yamunotri temple.
• By Road – Yamunotri Temple is not connected directly to motor-able roads, trekking is the only way to reach the actual shrine from Hanuman Chatti or Janki Chatti. Buses and private taxi is available up to Hanuman Chatti and Janki Chatti. Beyond these points pilgrims are required to trek or rent ponies or horses to cover the distance 13km and 6 Km respectively, to reach Yamunotri Temple.

Opening and Closing Date

Usually, the Yamunotri Temple opens during the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya, which starts either during the last week of April or in the first week of May. The closing date of this sacred destination is usually after the auspicious day of Diwali. The Temple is closed after the formal rituals of Diwali.

Yamunotri Dham is the considered to the most sacred holy destination for Hindu Pilgrims and it is the source of point of holy Yamuna River. It is the important part of Char Dham Yatra. This temple is dedicated to goddess Yamuna that comprises a black marble idol of the deity. The opening and closing date of Yamunotri Temple is basically decided and announced by the committee of the temple. Usually, the Yamunotri Temple opens during the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya, which starts either during the last week of April or in the first week of May. The closing date of this sacred destination is usually after the auspicious day of Diwali. The Temple is closed after the formal rituals of Diwali.

The priests of the temple announce the opening and closing dates of the Yamunotri Temple every year.

Yamunotri Kapat Opening Date 2025: 30 April

Yamunotri Dham during Winters

Yamunotri Temple is always closed during the winter months for public. The final rituals of Vijaydashmi are performed before the temple is closed for public. This indicates the closing of the Char Dham Yatra season for the year.

When the Yamunotri Temple is closed during winters, the idol of Yamuna Devi is carried to a nearest village calle Kharsali which is believed to be the mother’s abode of Yamuna Devi. The idol is placed in this village where the purohits and priests worship and offer prayer for the entire winter months. When the Yamunotri Temple reopens during the month of April or May next year the idol is carried back to the actual shrine for worship.

Yamunotri Weather

Yamunotri Dham is the important religious pilgrimage destination in Hinduism and it is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year as a part of their Char Dham yatra. This destination is mostly visited during the Char Dham yatra season. But, before visiting this place it is necessary to better understand the weather condition of the place to come prepared with necessary clothing.

• Yamunotri in Summer – The summer seasons at Yamunotri is bit cool and the winters are very cold as the temperature goes below zero degree. Rainfall is common during the months of May and June. At the starting of summer season the gates of the temple are opened for public and this the time when the Char Dham Yatra usually begins. The summer season is usually pleasant with average temperature around 20 degrees Celsius. However, the nights during summer are quite cold. The summer season is considered to be the best time for sightseeing and pilgrimage trip.
• Yamunotri in Monsoon – Monsoons at Yamunotri usually begins usually during the month of July and August. This is the time of heavy rainfall when it becomes quite difficult for pilgrims to reach the shrine. The heavy rainfall hinders the way of pilgrims and sometime landslides occur in the region due to which the pilgrims find it difficult to trek down to Yamunotri Temple. Pilgrims must avoid visiting the temple during monsoons.
• Yamunotri in Winter – Winters in Yamunotri usually begin from November and remain till last week of April. The weather during winter seasons usually remains very cold and frizzing with heavy snowfall. The entire shrine and neighboring mountain is covered with heavy snowfall during winters and because of heavy snowfall in the region the temple remain closed for public. The temple usually gets closed for public during this period of winters. Only mountaineers and professional trekkers visit this region during winter season for expeditions.

Which is Best Time to Visit Yamunotri Temple?

The best time to visit Yamunotri Temple is usually between April to June and September to November. Yamunotri Temple reopens from last week of April or from first week of May and remains open till last week of November before winter starts.

Traveling Tips to Yamunotri

As you are exploring an annual pilgrimage, so one needs to be properly prepared before they embark on this holy yatra especially if they are visiting here for the very first time. Check out few of the must-follow tips mentioned below.

• Maintain the decorum and the divinity of the shrine by refraining yourself from consuming alcohol and non-vegetarian food items as you are visiting an immensely sacred site.
• As the shrine is nestled at a huge elevation of 3200 meters above the sea level, so the weather at Yamunotri remains cool even during the summer season so it is advised to pack woolens in your baggage.
• Those who are traveling to this pace must inquire about the climatic conditions and the road conditions before leaving home and this is mandatory to be done in the monsoon months if you want to make it a successful journey.
• It is very obvious that if you are visiting to a new place then you would love to collect few pictures of the place as a remembrance but photography inside the temple is prohibited so you are requested to follow the guidelines strictly.
• One who is traveling to this hugely elevated pilgrimage must get their biometrics done before they embark on their trip to Yamunotri temple. This registration process is both online and offline available and if you are not done with the registration process then you won’t be allowed to cover this spiritual yatra.
• You are going to face network issues in the region and only a few mobile networks work smoothly and BSNL is one of the best networks that you can consider for this tour.

Activities To Get Indulged In:

• Spirituality: The destination holds a significant place in Hinduism as this is the place where you can seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna at the Yamunotri Temple, can take a holy dip into the Surya Kund, and praying at Divya Shila adds more glory to its spiritual significance.
• Village Tourism: If you are a village lover and want to enjoy village life then Gangotri is a must-visit place as here you can interact with the villagers residing in the nearby villages and can also know about their lifestyle, culture, and many more.
• Photography: Besides being reckoned for its spiritual significance, Yamunotri is believed to be an ideal destination for photogenic. The wild flora, fauna, and the white thick sheets of snow is something that one must not miss capturing in their cameras.
• Camping: If you are also an adventure enthusiast and want to enjoy camping under the starry sky then there is no other better place than Yamunotri and the region is also a good option for nature lovers too.
• Trekking: The trekking trail that takes you to Yamunotri from Jankichatti is a short yet challenging one where you can feel the essence of being encircled by the great Himalayas and the wonders of nature as you drive towards Yamunotri.

Festivals Celebrated in Yamunotri: Phool Devi and Basant Panchmi during March and Olgia during August.

Hotels (Places to Stay)

Most of the pilgrims don’t have great ideas about Yamunotri and they are not aware about the facilities available at hotels in Yamunotri. So, before you book any package for Yamunotri tour it is necessary to know the available accommodation facilities in and around Yamunotri valley.

Yamunotri Temple is the most important religious destination for Hindu pilgrims and this shrine is basically dedicated to goddess Yamuna. It is the source of Yamuna River and millions of pilgrims from across the world visit this holy site to worship the deity Yamuna. There are several religious packages offered online and pilgrims and tourists may book their package in advance. However, it is very necessary for the tourists and pilgrims to know exactly about the accommodation facilities before moving ahead.

Accommodation in this region is never an issue for pilgrims and tourists as they can easily find a wide variety of places where they can enjoy comfortable stay during their trip to Yamunotri Temple. There are many comfortable places where tourists can enjoy luxury stay during their trip to Yamunotri. Amongst all other well established hotels and resorts in the valley, Chauhan Tourist Lodge, Himalayan Guest House, Hotel Kalindi, GMVN TRH and Chauhan Annxe are some of the best places to stay during your trip to Yamunotri.

Yamunotri Cottages

It is one of the best and luxurious accommodation facilities in Yamunotri region. Located in Janki Chatti, the Yamunotri Cottages is a resort in the middle of awe-inspiring natural beauty and it is beautifully surrounded by majestic snow clad Himalayan range. Tourists can enjoy the sights of beautiful coniferous trees, mesmerizing meadows and stepping paddies. Tourists can enjoy trailing towards the Kharsali Village in evening time to explore the Shani Temple. This resort can be accessed through Helicopter services as there is a Heli-Pad available within the premises of this resort.

Camp Nirvana Yamunotri

It is a resort situated beautifully on the seashore of Holy Yamuna River. It is a two star Tent Stay type accommodation facility that provide luxurious tented accommodation to pilgrims and tourists on their Char Dham Yatra. Each of the tent is magnificently constructed that offer panoramic views of the Yamuna River and scenic hill farmlands and the surrounding mountain range and villages. This resort also offers tranquil environs and natural surroundings where you can enjoy yoga and meditation. Adventure lovers will definitely find this place quite amazing as they can enjoy trekking trips to mountains and villages and other activities on camp site.

Yamunotri River Banks Resort

It is a Star resort located in the region of Barkot just upon the seashore of Yamuna River. This resort comprises around 16 luxury camps where tourists can enjoy luxury hospitality and optimum comfort during their stay in Yamunotri tour. The facilities and amenities offered at this camp are beyond imagination and all tourists receive luxury treatment during their stay.

These were some of the best places to stay during your Yamunotri trip. However, it is necessary to book for room or camps before arrival to avoid the last minute rush.

Places To Visit In And Around Yamunotri

Beautifully nestled at a height of 3290 meters above sea-level in the district of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, Yamunotri Temple is the second most important holy shrine of Chardham Yatra. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and she is believed to be the daughter of Sun God, Surya Dev and Brother of Death God, Yama.

The main temple of Yamunotri is located on the foot hills of Garhwal Himalaya range and is the prime source of holy River Yamuna. The frozen lake of ice and glacier, Saptrishi Kund is situated on Kalindi Mountain which is named after the father of Yamuna, Surya Dev. There are many places to visit during your trip to Yamunotri Temple. Some of the major attractions of Yamunotri valley include:

Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple, one of the most sacred destinations in Uttarakhand where travelers from all around the world flock to seek the blessings of River Yamuna and to cleanse away all their committed sins. Visiting this holy shrine and paying offerings to the deity prevents them from an untimely and unnatural death. Besides being famous for its religious significance, Yamunotri Dham is also popular for its incredible scenic vistas as the temple is encircled by the huge mountain peaks, surreal glaciers, and the gorgeously flowing River Yamuna adds more charm to this place.

Janki Chatti

Popular for its hot thermal water springs and trekking, Janki Chatti is an unmatched travel destination where you can feel a perfect blend of devotional and relaxing moments. So, make the most of hot water swimming and trekking while exploring this wonderful religious site. Also, if you are a foodie person then you can enjoy both Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisines including chainsoo, Aloo Ke Gutke, Kaapa, and Gahat. Do not forget to carry woolens in good quantity and medicines for common illness as altitude sickness may come handy.

Surya Kund

Situated in close proximity to main shrine of Yamunotri, the Surya Kund is the natural hot water spring which pilgrim enjoy during their trip to Yamunotri. The temperature of this kund remains stable at 1900 degree Celsius and it is quite sufficient to cook food within minutes. This thermal spring is used to cook raw rice which is distributed amongst the pilgrims as Prasad.

Divya Shila

According to Hindu mythology, it is very important for the pilgrims to worship Divya Shila before offering prayer at the main deity of Yamunotri Temple. It is basically the rock pillar which is located next to Surya Kund. It is believed that this pillar is the actual deity of the idol and hence pilgrims are required to bow their head down below the pillar before entering the main shrine.

Saptrishi Kund

Another natural beauty for sightseeing located in Yamunotri is Sapt Rishi Kund. This is a natural ice lake comprising grayish blue water with pebbly banks and it is also the source of River Yamuna. This exotic lake is basically popular for the existence of beautiful Braham Kamal, a rare species of flora. This lake is the best spot from where tourists can enjoy amazing sights and vista of nature.

However, the list of nearby travel destinations to Yamunotri doesn’t end here as the destination is bestowed with a cluster of impressive holiday sites but is not easy to compile them all together. If you like this Yamunotri travel guide then do share it with your friends, family, and other known ones so that they can also plan their trip to Yamunotri in a smoother way. Also, if you feel like something has been missed out in this article or you want some more information then do write it down in the comment box below.