About Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri temple lies in the west of Garhwal Himalayas in the Uttarkashi district, Uttarkhand state, India. It is one of the four temples of Chardham yatra including Badrinath, Kedarnath and Gangotri. It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, and the yatra season begins here when the temple opens.
Uttarakhand Tourism gives the temple’s height as around 3,233 m above sea level; other listings give a figure near 3,293 m. Two natural hot springs, Surya Kund and Gouri Kund, flank the temple. Pilgrims commonly tie rice or potatoes in cloth and dip them in Surya Kund to cook them before offering them at the shrine.
Holidify notes that the temple stays open for about six months each year. On Akshaya Tritiya the idol of Ma Yamuna is moved to the Yamunotri temple from Kharsali (Khushimath), and on Bhai Dooj it is returned there for the winter. Uttarakhand Tourism describes Kharsali as a village about 8 km from Yamunotri with wooden and stone houses.
Season and Best Time To Visit Yamunotri Temple
The temple is open only in the yatra season, which runs roughly from Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) to Bhai Dooj (October-November). Opening and closing dates are announced each year, so confirm them on the official Uttarakhand portals before planning.
Pujas Performed In Yamunotri Temple
Two Aarthi’s performed in the temple
Mangal Aarthi – 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM
Shayan Aarthi – 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
Timings are not confirmed on an official website; check with the temple before travelling.
How To Reach
By Air: Uttarakhand Tourism lists Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun) as the nearest airport; from there a cab or bus is needed.
By Train: Uttarakhand Tourism notes that regular trains run to Haridwar and Dehradun throughout the year, and a cab or bus continues from there.
By Road: Motorable roads end at Janki Chatti. You need to trek about 5-6 km to reach Yamunotri. Or one can hire Ponies and palanquins(carriers) to reach Yamunotri.
The Trek From Janki Chatti
Uttarakhand Tourism states that motorable roads end at Janki Chatti and that the trek from there is about 5-6 km. Ponies and palanquins are available for those who do not want to walk. The tourism site also lists a 14-km moderate trek from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri, which takes about 5 hours. Published trek lengths and times differ between sources, so ask at Janki Chatti for the current route and condition of the path.
Chardam Route Map
Address:
Yamunotri Temple, XFX7+V5V, Uttarkashi district, Yamnotri Range, Uttarakhand 249141.
