Yamunotri Dham Travel Guide
About Yamunotri Dham
Yamunotri Dham is the first dham devotees visit in the Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand. After visiting Yamunotri, pilgrims go to Gangotri, then Kedarnath, and finally Badrinath. This order is linked to the Pandavas, who followed the same route towards heaven.
According to legend, Yamuna is the daughter of Surya Dev (Sun God) and sister of Yamraj and Shani Dev. It is believed that Yamuna Ji did deep meditation to free her brother Yamraj from a curse. Yamraj became free and blessed her that anyone who bathes in her holy waters and worships her will be saved from untimely death and the pain of dying.
The actual origin of the Yamuna River is a glacier and lake called Saptrishi Kund on Kalindi mountain, at a height of 4421 meters. It is very difficult to reach this place, but a local guide can help. Most pilgrims visit only the Yamunotri temple for darshan. The Yamunotri temple was first built by King Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, but later damaged in an earthquake.
In the 19th century, Queen Guleria of Jaipur renovated it. Yamunotri is also called Kalindi and is mentioned in Hindu texts like the Kurma Purana, Kedarkhand, Rigveda, and Brahmanda Purana.
Yamunotri Dham Location/How to Reach
Yamunotri Dham is located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. from Janaki chatti you need to walk approx 6 KM to Reach Yamunotri Dham , the main starting point of char dham yatra is Dehradun, Rishikesh or Haridwar from there you need to travel towards Barkot via Chamba or Mussoorie Road and from Barkot go to Janaki Chatti .
If you going by your own car let us infom you that parking space is limited at Janaki Chatti. It’s better to travel by bus or tempo traveler.
How to Go Janaki Chatti to Yamunotri Dham
Most of the Devotees trek from Janaki Chatti to Yamunotri dham it is arround 6 KM Trek, there are Palki , Pithu and Mule are available if required . make sure to always check Government boards with official rates .
Yamunotri Dham Opening and Closing Dates
Yamunotri Dham opens on Akshaya Tritiya and closes on Diwali every year. below are the opening and closing date for 2025.
- Yamunotri Dham Opening Date 2025 – 30th April 2025
- Yamunotri Dham Closing Date 2025 – Yet to Be Announced
During the winter months, the temple is covered in snow. During this time, Yamunotri maa puja is done in Kharsali village, which is considered the maternal home of Yamuna Ji.
Yamunotri Dham Aarti Timings
Two aarti performed everyday in Yamunotri Dham.
- Mangal Aarti – 6:30 AM to 7:30 AM.
- Shayan Aarti – 6:30 PM to 7:30 Pm
What You Must See in Yamunotri Dham
- Visit Surya Kund Yamunotri
- Visit Yamunaji Temple
- Visit Bhairav Temple
Important Tips for the Yamunotri Dham
- Pack Essentials: Water bottle, Glucon-D, toffees, biscuits, warm clothes, raincoat, and medicines.
- Network Issues: Internet and mobile network can be unreliable. Carry cash.
- Online Registration: Mandatory for the Char Dham Yatra. Can be done via the official website.
- Darshan Token: Now available 1.5 km into the trek. Scan the QR code and register.
- Crowd: Very heavy in first 10–15 days of opening. Darshan may take 3–4 hours. Best time to visit is end of September.
- Toilets: Fewer in number compared to Kedarnath.
- Shops: Plenty of shops on the way for food, water, and basic items.
Distances from Yamunotri Dham to Other Char Dham Yatra Temples
Here are the approximate road distances from Yamunotri Dham to the other Char Dham shrines in Uttarakhand:
- Yamunotri Dham to Gangotri Dham distance is Approx. 230 km (via Barkot → Uttarkashi → Harsil → Gangotri)
- Yamunotri Dham to Kedarnath Dham distance is Approx. 270 km (via Barkot → Rudraprayag → Guptkashi → Gaurikund, then 16–18 km trek to Kedarnath)
- Yamunotri Dham to Badrinath Dham distance is Approx. 320 km (via Barkot → Rudraprayag → Joshimath → Badrinath)
If you’re visiting with elderly parents, consider deluxe cottages at Barkot for better comfort. Start early and avoid the initial rush days after the temple opens. Carry all basic items to stay safe, hydrated, and comfortable during the trek. Respect nature and keep the area clean and green.
