Yamunotri Temple Char Dham Yatra All You Want to Know
Yamunotri Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, located in the Garhwal Himalayas in the state of Uttarakhand, India. It is situated at an altitude of 3,293 meters above sea level, near the source of the Yamuna River.
The temple is one of the four sacred shrines in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand, the others being Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath. According to Hindu mythology, Yamuna is the daughter of the Sun god, Surya, and sister of Yama, the god of death. It is believed that a bath in the holy waters of the Yamuna River can cleanse one of all sins.
The temple is located in the western region of the Garhwal Himalayas, near the border of Uttarkashi and Yamunotri districts. The temple can be reached by a trek of about 6 km from the town of Janki Chatti, which is about 222 km from the state capital, Dehradun.
The temple is open to visitors from the month of May to November, and during this time, thousands of devotees visit the temple to offer prayers and take a dip in the holy waters of the Yamuna River. The temple is closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and is reopened in the month of May.
The temple is constructed of stone and has a small idol of the goddess Yamuna, which is made of black marble. The temple is surrounded by snow-clad mountains and offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding Himalayas. The natural hot water spring, known as “Surya Kund,” is located near the temple and is believed to have medicinal properties.
Overall, Yamunotri Temple is a significant pilgrimage site for Hindus and attracts thousands of visitors every year.
How to Reach Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri Temple is located in the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Here are the different ways to reach the temple:
- By Air: The nearest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 210 km away from Yamunotri. From there, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to reach the temple.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is in Dehradun, which is well-connected to major cities in India. From Dehradun, you can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Yamunotri.
- By Road: Yamunotri is connected by road to major cities in Uttarakhand. You can take a bus or hire a taxi from Dehradun, Rishikesh, Haridwar, or other nearby towns to reach the temple. The last motorable road point is Janki Chatti, from where you need to trek for about 6 km to reach the temple.
- Trekking: The most popular way to reach Yamunotri is by trekking from Janki Chatti. Janki Chatti is located about 222 km from Dehradun and is well-connected by road. From Janki Chatti, it takes about 5-6 hours to trek to Yamunotri Temple.
It is advisable to plan your journey in advance and check the weather conditions before visiting Yamunotri. The temple is located in a remote area and has limited facilities, so it’s important to carry all the necessary items like warm clothes, medicines, and food.
Yamunotri Char Dham Yatra Budget
The cost of the Yamunotri Dham Yatra can vary depending on various factors such as mode of transportation, accommodation, food, and other expenses. Here is a rough estimate of the budget for a 2-3 day trip to Yamunotri Temple:
- Transportation: The cost of transportation can vary depending on how you choose to travel. Taking a bus from Dehradun or Rishikesh to Janki Chatti can cost around Rs. 500-700 per person. Hiring a taxi can cost around Rs. 3000-4000 for a round trip.
- Accommodation: Accommodation options in Yamunotri are limited and basic. Budget guesthouses and dharamshalas can cost around Rs. 500-1000 per night. Camping is also an option, and the cost of camping gear and equipment can range from Rs. 500-1500 per night.
- Food: Food options in Yamunotri are limited, and most restaurants serve vegetarian food. The cost of meals can vary from Rs. 100-300 per person per meal.
- Trekking: The trek to Yamunotri Temple is a 6-km trek from Janki Chatti, which can take around 5-6 hours. Hiring a pony or a palanquin can cost around Rs. 1500-2000 per person for a round trip.
Overall, a budget trip to Yamunotri can cost around Rs. 3000-5000 per person for a 2-3 day trip, excluding the cost of any additional activities or souvenirs. It is always recommended to plan and budget your trip accordingly and carry some extra cash for emergencies.
Places to Visit Near Yamunotri Temple
Yamunotri Temple is located in a scenic region of the Garhwal Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Here are some places to visit near Yamunotri Temple:
- Surya Kund: It is a natural hot water spring located near Yamunotri Temple, and it is believed to have medicinal properties. Visitors can take a dip in the hot water and also cook rice and potatoes in the boiling water.
- Hanuman Chatti: It is a small town located about 14 km from Yamunotri and is the starting point for the trek to Yamunotri Temple. It is located at the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers, and there is a small temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman.
- Janki Chatti: It is a small town located about 6 km from Yamunotri and is the last motorable road point before the trek to Yamunotri Temple. There is a temple dedicated to the goddess Janki, and visitors can also take a dip in the hot water spring.
- Uttarkashi: It is a town located about 78 km from Yamunotri and is known for its ancient temples, including the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Shakti Temple. Visitors can also explore the Nehru Institute of Mountaineering and the Kaleshwar Mahadev Temple.
- Gangotri: It is a town located about 225 km from Yamunotri and is another important pilgrimage site in the region. It is the starting point for the trek to the Gangotri Glacier and is home to the Gangotri Temple, dedicated to the goddess Ganga.
- Harsil: It is a picturesque town located about 150 km from Yamunotri and is known for its apple orchards and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the local villages, go trekking, or simply relax amidst the scenic surroundings.
Overall, there are many places to visit near Yamunotri Temple that offer a glimpse into the natural and cultural beauty of the region. It is advisable to plan your itinerary in advance and check the weather conditions before visiting these places.