Yamunotri
General Information
The Shrine of Yamunotri, source of river
Yamuna is situated in the direction
opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates
and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu,
a place between Rishikesh-Uttarkashi.
Yamunotri can also be visited via Mussoorie
and Barkot. Situated at an elevation
of 3235 metres above sea-level, the
shrine of Yamunotri is one of the ‘four
dhams’ of Uttarakhand. The source
of Yamuna lies about 1 km. ahead at
the altitude of about 4421 metres. The
approach is extremely difficult and
pilgrims therefore offer pooja at the
temple itself.There are hot springs
close to the temple, a bath in them
is very refreshing after a tedious 13
kms. trek from Hanumanchatti or 5 kms.
from Janki Chatti.
Perched at an altitude of 3293 meters
above sea level, Yamunotri is located
in the Uttarkashi district of the northern
state of Uttar Pradesh. It is very close
to the Indo-Chinese border and is surrounded
by the Himalayan offshoots on all sides.
Yamunotri, lies near the Bandarpunch
Mountain, which is 6315 m high and lies
to the north. The glacial lake of Saptarishi
Kund, on the Kalind Parbat, at an altitude
of 4421 m, is the real source of the
Yamuna River. Yamunotri is at a distance
of 278 km from Dehradun, 236 km from
Rishikesh, 176 km from Chamba, and 21
km from Sanya Chatti. It remains cool
even during summers. The winters are
snow-bound and temperatures fall below
0°C. One is advised to carry light
or heavy woolens depending on the time
of visit.
The first stopover for the Char Dham
Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri
in the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated
to Goddess Yamuna, it is perched atop
a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3165
mts. above sea level) and is situated
opposite to Gangotri. The shrine attracts
devotees in large numbers from May to
October.
Yamunotri is the source of the revered
river Yamuna which originates from the
Champassar 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 finds a
special mention in the Hindu mythology.
According to a legend, this secluded
hilly spot was the home of an ancient
sage, Asit Muni.
Among the major attractions of Yamunotri
are hot water springs nearby. 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,
dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks
and dense forests. From Rishikesh, a
213 kms. journey by road takes one to
Hanumanchatti. From here, the remaining
13 kms. trek is covered on foot or on
ponies. Palanquins and Porters are also
available on hire.
Travel Tip :
Altitude : 3,235 mts.
Climate : Summer : Cool during the day
and cold at night.
Winter : Snow-bound touching sub-zero.
Clothing Summer : Light woollens. Winter
: Very heavy woollens.
Main
Sightseeing of 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.
Surya Kund : There
are a number of thermal springs in
the vicinity of the temple which flow
into numerous pools. The most important
of these is Surya Kund.
Divya Shila : A
rock pillar, worshipped before entering
the Yamunotri Temple.
Go to Top
Excursions
from Yamunotri
Sayanachatti
: 29 kms. from Barkot is a
scenic spot on the banks of river Yamuna.
Jankichatti : Noted
for its thermal springs, where tourists
can enjoy a refreshing bath.
Hanumanchatti : The
confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna
rivers, from where the trek to Dodi
Tal (3,307 mts) starts.
.
How
to reach Yamunotri?
By Air : Nearest airport
is Jolly Grant, at a distance of approx.265
kms.
By Train : Nearest
railhead is a Rishikesh at around 250
kms.
By Road : The road
to Yamunotri diverts at Dharasu, on
way to Uttarkashi. Important road distances
are : Hanumanchatti 14 kms; Dharasu
107 kms; Tehri 149 kms.
