Location : In the
Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttaranchal, north of India.
Tourist Attractions : Lakhamandal, Surya Kund, Divya
Shila, Jankichatti, Hanumanchatti, Sayanachatti. Best Activity : Trekking
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Chamba (158 Kms),
Badrinath, Gangotri, Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Haridwar.
When To Visit : The temple remains closed during the
winter months of Nov. to April. The shrine attracts devotees in large
numbers from May to October.
About Yamunotri
The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of
Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas, which is Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
The shrine is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3235 mts.
above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. It constitutes one of
the four most important pilgrimages, collectively called 'Char Dham' of the
Garhwal Himalayas or Uttarakhand. 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 can also be
visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.
Yamunotri
finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. The legend says, this
lonesome hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni. Among the
prime attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby, which is
believed to have medicinal properties. 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, surrounded by a panorama
of rugged peaks and thick forests.
Major Tourist Attractions in Yamunotri
Temple of Goddess Yamuna
The temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. It
was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt again. The temple
remains closed from November to May.
Lakhamandal
Pass Kempty falls 75 kms. On the Mussoorie - Yammnotri road lies
Lakhamandal. Legend has is that the Kaurvas made a shelter house and
conspired to bum the Pandavas alive here.
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 deity in the temple.
Divya Shila
A huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
Jankichatti
The theral springs here offer a spectacular sight and a refreshing bath for
the pilgrims.
Hanumanchatti 
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna river forms the starting point
for the scenic Dodi Tal trek. (Rishikesh - Barkot - Hanumanchatti -
Yamunotri - hanumanchatti - Darvatop - Dodital - Agora - Uttarkashi -
Rishikesh). Porters. Ponies and Palanquines are available for the journey to
Yamunotri. Their rates are fixed by District Magistrate before the start of
every Yatra season.
Sayanachatti
A scenic spot along the bank of river yamuna that makes a lovely sight
enrouted the trek up to Yamunotri.
Getting There
Air : Jolly Grant, 196 Kms. From Yamunotri via Dehradun
Rail : Rishikesh, 219 kms. & Dehradun, 172 kms.
Road : Dharasu, 107 Kms. Tehri, 107 Kms. Rishikesh, 213 Kms. &
Dehradun, 172 Kms. Journey by road takes one to Hanumanchatti. From here,
the remaining 14 kms. trek is covered on foot or on ponies. Palanquins,
Horses and porters are also available on hire.
Accommodation
Only Dharamshalas are available at Yamunotri. Alternative accommodation are
also available. There is a Tourist Rest House (GMVN) at Janki Chatti. All
the accommodations are ideally planned to offer comfortable stay to the
tourists of all type.
