Activity Location: Yamunotri.
Pick up/ Drop Location: Janki Chatti.
Trek Duration: 3-4 hours.
Trek Height: 3,307m above sea level.
Trek Distance: 7 km.
Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate to Difficult.

Yamunotri

Yamunotri Dham is located on the western side of Garhwal Himalayas, in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, situated on the flank of Bandarpoonch Parvati at an elevation of 3292 m above sea level. . The source of River Yamuna i.n Yamunotri is also one of the four sites of the Char Dham pilgrimage. It is surrounded by mountains on all sides and situated in proximity to the Indo-China border, known for offering peace and tranquillity, and proudly stands in the enormous mountain peaks of kalind, Yamuna is also known as Kalindi. The second most sacred river is also originated from the river Yamuna. Gangotri and Yamunotri are the origin places of two rivers i.e Ganga and Yamuna which are about 45 km in distance. According to the Hindu myth, Gangotri is a place where King Bhagirath performed penance after River Ganga came down on the Earth. The goddess Yamuna is believed to be the daughter of Sun and the twin sister of Yama which means the god of death also the term Yama means ‘’lady of life’’. It is also said that the bath in the Yamuna can cleanse all the sins and also protect them from a painful death and also in Hindu mythology Yamuna is in higher ranks of divine. The attraction at Yamunotri is the temple and the holy thermal springs at Janki Chatti i.e 7 km. The scared Yanuna comes down into Saptarishi Kund and gushes to a series of waterfalls southward.  The Yamunotri is 21km from Sanya Chatti, 176km from Chamba, 236 from Rishikesh, and 278km from Dehradun.

About Trekking

Trekking is an active adventure activity that one explores while soaking into the destination environment. Yamunotri trek is situated at an elevation of 3293 m above sea level. This destination is not only for religious enthusiasts but also for trek lovers seeking the best trekking experience. Whether a beginner or an expert Yamunotri is the best and perfect for all. Trekking here can experience both thrilling and exhilarating while passing through the snow-covered mountains, the slippery terrains, and the rugged along with beautiful scenery and breathtaking relaxes feels. To reach the trek destination there are two route options i.e trek from Hanuman Chatti which is 13 km and Janki Chatti which is a 6 km trek. Many temples can be witnessed on the way that male the hill station more sanctity. As the trek continues, the majestic Garhwal Himalayas and the views of the enchanting waterfalls mesmerize the journey and the picturesque valley of Yamunotri will take to another level of purity and stillness in a different world.

One can also trek from Dodital to Yamunotri passing Darwa at an elevation of 3307 m above sea level. Darwa Top is located 4131m above sea level which offers magnificent snow-clad peaks.
● Trek Pick up: Sangam Chattti.
● Best Time to Trek: April-June/ September- October.
● Trek Duration: 2.5-3 hours from Hanuman Chatti.

Another trek on Bali pass Trek which is at a distance of 9km from Yamunotri and least explore that connects Har Ki Dun Valley with Yamunotri and consider to be tough treks in Uttarakhand which is at an elevation of 4800m above sea level.
● Trek Duration: 7-8 days.
● Best Time to Trek: May to October. 
● Trek Pick up: Sankri.

Best Time To Visit Yamunotri

The best time to visit Yamunotri is between May-June and September-November. Yamunotri is cold all year and winters make most activities difficult.  Tourists visiting during the month of March (mid-march) will witness the great festival of Phool Devi and Basant Panchami festivals during February/March, etc. with a more colourful and joyful side of Yamunotri.

Yamunotri in Summer (April - July)

Summer is the best time to visit Yamunotri for an exciting and pleasant trip that offers perfect weather and temperature to explore the pilgrimage realm. The temperature in Yamunotri during winter is between 10℃- 30℃. Around the month of April, the Yamunotri Temple’s door is open to the public, and visiting the temple on bright sunny days and cold night is ideal timing to visit the temple as well as trekking. There might also be sudden rainfall during the summer season.

Yamunotri in Monsoon (July - September) 

The temperature during the monsoon season in Yamunotri is between 23℃- 30℃. PMP suggests, not exactly a good time to visit Yamunotri owing to the frequent landslides, and sudden heavy rainfall. There is a high chance of massive cloud bursts so not recommended for sightseeings here during monsoon but the view of the town shower is magnificent to witness with a hot coffee from the room. And highly advisable to check weather conditions before planning for outgoing.

Yamunotri in Winter (October - March) 

The winter in Yomunotri is harsh and freezing with a temperature between -7°C to 10°C, ideal tome to visit to explore the sites but when the temperature drops to minus roads are close of the time since there experience heavy snowfall in the month of January and February. PMP suggests the beginning of the winter is the best time to visit Yamunotri. Weather during winter is extreme including blizzards and heavy snowfall.

How to Reach Yamunotri

Yamunotri by Air

The nearest airport to reach Yamunotri is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun which is about 86 km from Yamunotri since there is no direct flight connection from Yamunotri. If possible one can also go for helicopter service from Dehradun. One can hire a taxi/cab from outside the airport which is easily available and proceed to Yamunotri. 

Yamunotri By Train

The nearest railway station is the Rishikesh railway station which is 211km from Yamunotri. There is no connectivity from Rishikesh, one can take a taxis/cab or buses plying on the route. And there’s also the availability of shared jeeps or vehicles from Haridwar or Rishikesh. Haridwar, Dehradun, Kotdwarand Kathgodam railway stations are also a few stations that can reach Yamunotri.

Yamunotri by Road

There is no direct connectivity of road to reach Yamunotri one can visit via road through nearest road stop i.e Uttarkashi, 122km from Janki Chatti and the nearest Jeep stop where trekking trip can begin to reach which is 4km. And there is also an option for horses and palanquins for rent for those u don’t want to trek on foot. The best route to visit here is via Dehradun and Yamuna is well connected to Haridwar, Dehradun, Barkot, Janki Chati, and Hanuman Chatti. It is also connected by bus services of Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyavstha Samiti to Rishikesh, Haridwar, and other regions.

Things to Carry

ID Proof: Valid ID card issued by Government.
Clothing: Warm clothing (Down jacket/fleece jacket, woollen cap/scarf, hat, lowers, woollen & cotton socks, thermal wears), cotton towels, trekking/hiking shoes & other comfortable regular wears.
Toiletries: Lip balm, wet wipes, skin moisturizer, sunscreen.
Medical Related: Personal medicines (if any), mosquito repellent, prescribed medicines for high altitude sickness, dehydration salt
Other Optional: Sunglasses, rubber slipper, power bank, candy, dust mask, etc.

Do’s & Don'ts in Yamunotri

Do's
●  During winter heavy Woolen clothes are advisable since it’s a hilly area.
●  Do wear a mask for safety precautions.
●  Following rules and regulations are highly recommended
●  Do carry a water bottle and small snacks.
●  Do carry torch
●  Do carry safety equipment.
●  Do carry umbrella/raincoat.
●  Do carry clean fresh linen if wish to worship at the temple.

Don'ts
●  Don’t exploit the environment there.
●  Don’t litter anywhere.
●  Don’t carry valuable belongings.
●  Don’t misuse the things that were kept for the purpose.
●  Don’t break any religious norms that follow.