Yamunotri Temple is the first dham in the Char Dham Yatra and one of the most visited pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. Located at 3,293 meters in the Uttarkashi district, this sacred temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Unlike Kedarnath or Badrinath, Yamunotri is quieter and ideal for those looking for a shorter and more peaceful pilgrimage.
Though the final stretch to the temple requires a 5 km trek from Janki Chatti, it’s manageable for all age groups with the right planning. Ponies, palkis, and pitthus are available, making the route accessible even for senior citizens and kids. This guide will give you everything you need — from exact routes, weather info, hotel details, health tips, and packing advice to help you plan a safe and comfortable Yamunotri Yatra.
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Why Visit Yamunotri Temple?
Yamunotri Temple is the origin point of the Yamuna River and a core part of the Char Dham Yatra. Located just 5 km uphill from Janki Chatti, it’s relatively easier to access than other dhams. What makes Yamunotri special is the natural combination of spirituality, hot water springs, simple mountain life, and manageable altitude.
The peaceful surroundings, fresh air, and lack of commercial buzz make it a calm destination, especially suited for families, spiritual travelers, and elderly pilgrims. Devotees believe that bathing in the Yamuna and praying at the temple washes away sins and brings a long and healthy life.
How to Reach Yamunotri Temple
Reaching Yamunotri temple involves a mix of road travel and trekking. There is no direct train or flight to Yamunotri. The last motorable point is Janki Chatti, from where you must trek 5 km uphill. Based on your starting point, you can combine train/air up to Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar, followed by a road journey to Barkot and then Janki Chatti.
By Road to Yamunotri
Yamunotri is about 210 km from Dehradun and around 430 km from Delhi. If you’re driving from Haridwar or Rishikesh, you’ll pass through Mussoorie, Damta, and Barkot before reaching Janki Chatti. The road is mostly good but narrow in the final stretch. From Barkot, the last 36 km to Janki Chatti takes about 1.5 hours by taxi.
By Train to Yamunotri
Nearest railway stations:
- Dehradun – 210 km
- Haridwar – 230 km From either station, continue by taxi or bus to Barkot. Dehradun is closer but Haridwar has more frequent trains from Delhi and North India.
By Air to Yamunotri
The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun. From there, take a taxi to Barkot (approx. 8 hours), then drive to Janki Chatti. Flights from Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Hyderabad are available daily.
Weather In Yamunotri
The weather in Yamunotri is mostly cold, even during peak travel months. From May to June, temperatures range between 12°C and 20°C during the day, dropping to 5–10°C at night. Monsoon season (July–August) brings heavy rainfall and slippery trek conditions. September–October is ideal for travel with clear skies. Always check the forecast and carry warm layers, waterproof shoes, and rain protection for a safe yatra.
Weather in Yamunotri in Summers
The weather in Yamunotri in summers (May to June) is cool and comfortable, making it the best time for darshan and trekking. Day temperatures range between 12°C to 20°C, while nights drop to 5°C–10°C. Skies stay mostly clear, and the route is fully accessible. Book stays and palkis early as this is peak season with high tourist flow.
Weather in Yamunotri in Monsoon
The weather in Yamunotri in monsoon (July to August) is unpredictable with frequent rainfall, landslides, and slippery trekking paths. Day temperatures hover around 10°C–18°C, and nights are humid at 6°C–8°C. Travel is risky during this time, especially for senior citizens. It’s best to avoid yatra in these months unless absolutely necessary.
Weather in Yamunotri in Autumn
The weather in Yamunotri in autumn (September to October) is cold but stable with clear skies and dry trek paths. Daytime temperatures range from 10°C–16°C, and nights can drop to 2°C–6°C. Ideal for peaceful travel with fewer crowds, but warm clothing is essential. Hotels and paths remain open till the temple closes after Diwali.
Best Time to Visit Yamunotri Temple
The temple opens every year in early May on Akshaya Tritiya and remains open till Bhai Dooj (end of October or early November). The best time is May to mid-June and mid-September to early November. Avoid July and August due to landslides and slippery trek paths.
Month-wise Yamunotri Travel Conditions
May: Temple opens. Cool weather. Roads freshly cleared. Start of yatra crowd.
June: Pleasant and active month for travel. Great for family trips.
July–August: Monsoon rains make roads and treks risky. Avoid if possible.
September: Fresh post-rain greenery. Less crowd. Good for senior citizens.
October–Early November: Chillier weather, peaceful atmosphere. Temple closes post-Diwali.
Yamunotri Trek Route & Accessibility
The Yamunotri trek route is 5 km long, starting from Janki Chatti. It’s a paved, uphill trail with resting points aThe 5 km trek to Yamunotri starts from Janki Chatti. The path is cemented but steep in some patches. You’ll pass through forests, bridges, and waterfall points. It’s well-maintained with rest stops, tea stalls, and toilet points.
Trekking Options:
- On Foot: 2.5–4 hours depending on pace and fitness
- Pony: ₹2,500–₹3,500
- Palki: ₹6,500–₹9,000 (4-person team carries the pilgrim)
- Pitthu: ₹1,500–₹2,500 (for carrying luggage or small children)
The trek route has medical points, shade shelters, and water refill stations every 1 km.
Helicopter Service to Yamunotri
You can take a helicopter from Dehradun to Kharsali (nearest helipad to Yamunotri). From Kharsali, the Helicopter services operate from Sahastradhara Helipad (Dehradun) to Kharsali Helipad, the winter home of Goddess Yamuna. From there, a 6.5 km palki/pony/tourist trek is needed to reach the temple. Ideal for those with very limited time or physical issues.
Travel Time: 45 mins flying + 3 hours land journey
Operator: IRCTC-approved & private helicopter packages
Cost: ₹90,000–₹1,00,000 (as part of Char Dham tour)
Places to See in and Around Yamunotri Temple
There are a few important places to see in and around Yamunotri Temple that make the yatra more enriching. The main temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna is the highlight, located 5 km from Janki Chatti. Just beside it is Surya Kund, a natural hot spring where pilgrims cook rice as prasad. Divya Shila, a sacred rock, is worshipped before entering the temple. Kharsali Village, known for its winter seat of the goddess, is also worth a visit. You can also explore Hanuman Chatti, 13 km before Janki Chatti, which serves as a quiet rest stop and trekking base.
Yamunotri Temple
A small but sacred temple built near the source of the Yamuna River. It is surrounded by snow-capped peaks and dense greenery. Expect a peaceful darshan in early morning or late afternoon.
Surya Kund
This boiling hot water spring is located next to the temple. Pilgrims tie rice or potatoes in a muslin cloth and dip it in the water. It’s later offered to the goddess as prasad.
Divya Shila
Just before entering the temple, this holy rock pillar is worshipped by all pilgrims. It symbolizes divine energy and is a part of temple rituals.
Kharsali Village
Known for its winter shrine of Goddess Yamuna, this is where the deity’s idol is moved when the main temple closes. The village has traditional wooden houses and the oldest Shiva temple of the region.
Hanuman Chatti
13 km before Janki Chatti, this is a calm stopover spot. It’s also the base for popular treks like Dodi Tal and Darwa Top.
Where to Stay In Yamunotri
Most pilgrims choose to stay in Barkot, Janki Chatti, or Kharsali. Barkot has better mid-range hotels. Janki Chatti is more basic but closer to the trek start point.
Budget (₹800–₹1,500)
- GMVN Tourist Rest House – Janki Chatti
- Yamunotri Bhawan – Kharsali
- Hotel Kalindi – Barkot
Mid-Range (₹2,000–₹3,500)
- Hotel Karan Palace – Barkot
- Camp Nirvana – Kharsali
- Hotel Devlok – Barkot
Premium (₹4,000+)
- Yamunotri Retreat by Leisure Hotels – Barkot
- Riverside Swiss Camps – near Hanuman Chatti
What to Eat Around Yamunotri
Food options are simple and vegetarian only. Most hotels provide basic North Indian meals (dal, rice, roti, sabzi). Alcohol and non-veg are strictly prohibited.
- Tea stalls and Maggi points on the trek
- Local dhabas at Janki Chatti with basic thalis (₹100–150)
- Carry dry snacks, fruits, glucose, and protein bars for the trek
Local Transport During Yamunotri Yatra
Getting to Base
- Haridwar/Rishikesh to Barkot: 8–9 hrs by cab
- Barkot to Janki Chatti: 36 km / 1.5 hrs
From Helipad
- Dehradun to Kharsali by helicopter
- Kharsali to Yamunotri: 6.5 km by foot/palki
No private vehicles are allowed on the trek route. Ponies or palkis are the only options beyond Janki Chatti.
What to Pack for Yamunotri Yatra
- Warm clothes (layers, thermals, woolen cap, gloves)
- Trekking shoes (non-slip)
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Light backpack with essentials
- Torch, power bank, ID proof
- Refillable water bottle, glucose packets
- Essential medicines (nausea, fever, cold, acidity)
Health Tips for Senior Citizens & Families
- Take a full rest day in Barkot before the trek
- Avoid oily or heavy food before trekking
- Stay hydrated but don’t drink too much at once
- Carry walking sticks if needed
- Start early and pace yourself. Avoid trekking post 3 PM
- Check weather before starting the trek. It changes fast
- Keep Emergency services and contact numbers handy during yatra
Yamunotri Yatra Registration
All pilgrims must register for the yatra. Registration is free.
- Online: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in
- Offline: Counters at Haridwar, Rishikesh, Barkot, and Janki Chatti
You’ll receive a QR-coded yatra pass. Keep a soft or printed copy during travel. It’s checked at multiple points.
