January 6, 2024

Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri Temple is one of the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, sitting at a height of 3293 meters above sea level. The temple is dedicated to the Goddess Yamuna, and is the source of the Yamuna River, one of the major rivers of India.

Yamunotri Temple – What You Must Know!

Yamunotri temple is traditionally the starting point of the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.
The journey from Janaki Chatti to Yamunotri temple spans 5.5 kilometers. Most people would typically take about 3 to 4 hours to walk along this path at a normal pace.
The Yamuna River originates from the Yamunotri Glacier, situated at an elevation of 6,387 meters (20,955 feet) close to the Bandarpunch peaks.
During winter, Yamunotri temple stays closed for about six months due to heavy snow covering the area.

Important Highlights of Yamunotri Temple

Start and end point of the trek	Jankichatti
Trek distance	5-6 Kilometers
Height	3293 meters
Difficulty level	Moderate to Difficult Level
Best time to visit	May, June, September & October
Yamunotri Temperature	Summer (12°C to 40°C) Winter (-7°C to 10°C)
Nearest railway station	Yog Nagri Rishikesh, Haridwar
Nearest airport	Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun

Yamunotri Temple Opening and Closing Dates 2024

The opening date of Yamunotri temple is based on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritya, which is on 10th May 2024. Every year Yamunotri temple closes on the sacred occasion of Bhai Dooj, the temple closes for winter and usually reopens in April-May.

Yamunotri Temple Opening Date 2024	Yamunotri Temple Closing Date 2024
10 May 2024 (Tentative)	To be Announced

Yamunotri Weather and Best Time to Visit

Average Yamunotri temperature is around (12°C to 40°C) in summers and (-7°C to 10°C) in winters.
The best time to visit is usually in summer, particularly from May to June.
Yamunotri weather is pleasant and the trekking paths are usually free from snow.

How to Reach Yamunotri Temple?

The temple is not directly connected to roads. Roads are well connected till Jankichatti from the major cities of Uttarakhand.

By Road:

Jankichatti to Yamunotri distance 5-6 Kilometers. Jankichatti is easily accessible via the national highway which connects to Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar.

By Air:

Jolly Grant Airport Dehradun, approximately 197 kilometers from Jankichatti.

By Railway:

Rishikesh and Haridwar railway station around 240 kilometers away from Jankichatti, serves as the nearest railway station.

How Long is Yamunotri Temple Trek?

The length of the Yamunotri Mandir Trek is approximately 5 to 6 kilometers. The most common trekking route to Yamunotri is from Jankichatti. The duration of the trek can vary based on individual walking speed and other factors, but it usually takes around 3 to 4 hours to complete the trek from Jankichatti to Yamunotri.

2 Ways to Complete Yamunotri Temple Trek

You’ve got two ways to complete the Yamunotri trek: walking on foot or taking horses/mules and pitthus. Each offers its own unique experience for reaching the temple.

1. Yamunotri Trek by Foot

If you wish to complete the trek by foot it will take around 3-4 hours time to complete 5-6 kilometers.
Yamunotri trek by foot is advised only to pilgrims who have no medical conditions and are fit to walk longer distance, please note that Yamunotri trek has a moderate to difficult level and one should prepare well in advance in order to complete the trek.

2. Yamunotri Trek by Pony/Pitthus or Palki

If trekking to Yamunotri isn’t possible, horses and mules offer affordable alternatives.
The cost for ponies starting from 1200 and palkis starting from 4000 tentatively for a one-way trip, regulated by the government.

When riding a pony, lean forward when going uphill and lean backward on steep downhill paths.

Which trek is more difficult, Kedarnath or Yamunotri?

Kedarnath is commonly regarded as more challenging than Yamunotri due to its longer and strenuous trek. Here is a brief comparison:

Yamunotri Trek

Yamunotri trek which is 5-6 kilometeres is shorter in comparison to Kedarnath, but it still involves ascending terrain.

Kedarnath Trek

Kedarnath trek is approximately 16 Kilometers and considered more strenuous, especially for those who undertake the journey on foot.

5 Essential Tips for Yamunotri Trek You Must Know!

Altitude Sickness

Make sure to adjust to the altitude gradually to avoid altitude sickness.

Stay Hydrated

Keep yourself well-hydrated during your journey.

Avoid Taking Shortcuts

Stick to the designated trekking routes and avoid taking shortcuts.

Appropriate Clothing

Wear appropriate cloths for trekking as weather can change suddenly.

Weather Readiness

Yamunotri weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains. Pack clothing suitable for both warm and cold weather. Don’t forget rain gear to stay dry during unexpected rain showers.

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5 Must See Attractions Around Yamunotri

Surya Kund

Located near the holy shrine of Yamunotri, Surya Kund is a natural hot water spring. The temperature of this spring is around 1900 °F. This temperature is quite sufficient to cook food within minutes. The water of this thermal spring is used to make prasad of the main temple. The prasad offered here is made of potatoes or mixed rice with salt which is tied in muslin cloth, dipped into the spring to cook, and then presented to the temple deity.

Divya Shila

Located near Yamunotri and Surya Kund, Divya Shila is a sacred stone pillar which is also known as a slab of divine light. As per the beliefs, it is important to pay homage at Divya Shila before entering the main shrine. It is deemed that this rock pillar is the idol of the deity and devotees need to bow their head down here first as worshiping this shila is a part of a puja ritual at Yamunotri temple.

Saptarishi Kund

This natural lake with grayish blue water and pebbly bank is the source of River Yamuna. Adventure lovers are fond of visiting this lake as the trail to the Kund is not everyone’s cup of tea. This beautiful lake is also acknowledged for the presence of the exotic Brahma Kamal (a rare flora species). So, basically, the Saptrishi Lake is a splendid spot that provides picturesque vistas of nature.

Kharsali

This place is a winter abode of Goddess Yamuna as the pious Yamunotri Dham is inaccessible to the devotees in winter, So her idol is brought here for worshiping . It is also known as Khushi Math. Situated at an elevation of 2675 meters above the sea level.

Barkot

Situated at an altitude of 1220 meters, Barkot is a wonderful trekking destination and a popular place to visit near Yamunotri. You will be amazed to know that this enchanting landscape receives water from two most sacred rivers, Ganga and Yamuna. It is just 50 kilometers away from Yamunotri.