Yamunotri Temple is the first of the four Char Dhams in the traditional yatra circuit and the source of the sacred Yamuna River. Situated at 3,293 metres in Uttarkashi district on the western flank of the Bandarpoonch massif, the temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna — the daughter of Surya (the Sun god) and sister of Yama (the god of death). According to Hindu belief, bathing in the Yamuna at its source frees one from the fear of death and grants salvation. The journey here — through a dramatic gorge, past roaring waterfalls and natural hot springs — is among the most elemental of all the Char Dham pilgrimages.
🛕 About Yamunotri Temple
The current Yamunotri Temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century. The sanctum sanctorum houses an idol of Goddess Yamuna carved in black marble, alongside a silver idol of the Sun god and the idol of Goddess Ganga (representing both sacred rivers). The idol is worshipped throughout the year — at Yamunotri during summer and at Kharsali village during winter.
A unique ritual at Yamunotri involves cooking rice and potatoes in the boiling Surya Kund hot spring (temperature: 88–90°C) and offering them to the deity. Pilgrims wrap raw rice in muslin cloth, lower it into the spring for a few minutes, and take the cooked prasad back home as a sacred blessing.
🥾 Yamunotri Trek Route
Unlike Gangotri and Badrinath, Yamunotri is accessible only by trekking — no road reaches the temple. The trek starts from Janki Chatti village.
| Route | Distance | Altitude | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Janki Chatti to Yamunotri | 6 km one way | 3,293 m | 2–3 hours uphill; pony/palkhi available |
| Yamunotri to Surya Kund | 100 m from temple | 3,290 m | Natural hot spring for prasad cooking |
| Optional: Divya Shila (divine rock) | 300 m before temple | 3,200 m | Mandatory darshan point before main temple |
🚗 How to Reach Janki Chatti
| From | Distance | Route | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rishikesh | 213 km | Via Barkot and Hanuman Chatti | 6–7 hrs |
| Haridwar | 230 km | Via Rishikesh and Barkot | 7–8 hrs |
| Dehradun | 177 km | Via Mussoorie and Barkot | 5–6 hrs |
| Delhi | 420 km | Via Dehradun or Rishikesh | 10–12 hrs |
⚪ Darshan & Puja Timings
| Puja / Aarti | Timing |
|---|---|
| Mangala Aarti (Dawn) | 5:00 AM – 6:00 AM |
| Abhishek & Shringar | 6:00 AM – 8:30 AM |
| General Darshan | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Prasad Cooking at Surya Kund | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Afternoon Darshan | 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM |
| Sandhya Aarti | 6:30 PM – 7:30 PM |
| Shayan Aarti (Closing) | 9:00 PM |
🌤 Best Time to Visit Yamunotri
- May (Opening): Fresh snowscapes, waterfalls full, trail through forest is beautiful, moderate crowd. Ideal for first-timers.
- September–October (Best): Crystal clear skies, less crowd, the valley turns gold and red with autumn colours. Best overall experience.
- July–August: Heavy rain increases trek difficulty and waterfall risk on trail. Temple is open but not recommended for first-timers.
- Trekking shoes with good grip — trail is steep and can be slippery when wet
- Rain poncho (essential May–August)
- Warm layers — temperature drops significantly after dark at 3,293 m
- Small backpack for the 6 km trek (leave heavy bags at Janki Chatti guesthouse)
- Muslin cloth / small cotton bag for cooking prasad at Surya Kund
- Cash — ATMs only at Barkot; carry sufficient cash from there
- Personal medicines, first aid, altitude tablets
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ and UV sunglasses — UV is intense at altitude
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔗 All Major Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2026
Planning a broader pilgrimage? Here are complete dedicated guides for every major Uttarakhand temple — with full 2026 kapat dates, trek routes, puja timings and travel tips:
