Yamunotri

Yamunotri is primarily a place of religious pilgrimage. Hindus in large numbers visit the shrine of the goddess Yamuna here and bathe in the tank filled by hot springs. Devotees cook rice in one of the springs and then carry the consecrated rice back for those at home.

The route offers a glorious view of Bandarpunch peak to the north and fragrant orchards along the way. Saptarishi Kund, on the Kalind Parbat, at an altitude of 4421 m, is the real source of the Yamuna river. It is only 5 kms off this route, but difficult to approach with normal gear. Due to an acute lack of accommodation facilities at Yamunotri, pilgrims usually do not halt there and return the same day to Janaki Chatti.

Both routes, from Rishikesh or Dehra Dun converge at Barkot, a place of great scenic beauty, with apple orchards all around and the great Himalaya range forming the skyline. Actual trekking starts from Hanuman Chatti, the road to which is motorable. Buses ply from Rishikesh/Dehra Dun/Barkot.

One of the four sacred dhams of Uttarakhand, and revered in Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna. The Yamunotri shrine stands on the western flank of the Bandarpunch peak (20,731 ft). The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The origin of the river Yamuna is the Champasar Glacier near Yamunotri. Though it is very difficult to reach the exact source of the holy river, pilgrims flock to the shrine which is open from May to November. Legend has it that a sage, Asit Muni, used to reside at this secluded spot. The hot springs here are also an attraction. From Rishikesh, a 220 km journey takes one to Hanuman Chatti where the motorable road ends. The remaining 13 cm to Yamunotri must be covered on foot or on ponies. The trail winds through rugged mountains and dense forests. Porters and palanquins are available on hire.

Important Road Distances : Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 kms via Narendranagar 16 kms., Chamba 46 kms., Tehri 21 kms., Dharasu 42 kms., Bhramkhal 15 kms., Barkot 40 kms., Phoolchatti 5 kms., Jankichatti 3 kms. Yamunotri 6 kms. (14 kms. on foot from Hanumanchatti).

Surya Kund : A cluster of thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple which flows into numerous pools. Most important of these is Surya Kund.

Divya Shila: A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

Reach there : Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh, and distance by road is through Rishikesh. This is 222 kms from Rishikesh and 442 kms from Delhi.