ChardhamYatra
Yamunotri Dham temple at 3,293 m (10,804 ft)

Dham of the Chardham circuit

Yamunotri Dham

The source of the sacred Yamuna and the first stop of the Chardham Yatra

Altitude

3,293 m (10,804 ft)

Location

Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand

Best time

May to June, September to early November

Open

Akshaya Tritiya (late April / early May) → Bhai Dooj (October / November)

About Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri Dham, perched in a narrow Garhwali gorge below the Bandarpunch massif, is the spiritual source of the Yamuna river and the traditional first stop of the Chardham Yatra. Pilgrims trek roughly 6 km from Janki Chatti, passing alpine forests and the thundering river, to reach the temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and the famed Surya Kund hot spring.

Religious significance

Hindu scripture holds that a dip in the Yamuna here washes away untimely or painful death. The Surya Kund's near-boiling waters are used to cook rice and potato offerings that pilgrims wrap in cloth bundles and present as prasad — a ritual unique to Yamunotri.

How to reach

The closest motorable village is Janki Chatti, reached via Hanuman Chatti and Barkot from Dehradun (about 200 km). From Janki Chatti, the temple is a 6 km uphill trek that can also be done on pony, palki, or porter-carried doli.

Darshan timings

Open daily 06:00 – 12:00 and 14:00 – 19:00 during the yatra season

Weather

Pleasant 10–18°C in summer with cold nights; monsoon brings landslide risk between July and August; autumn offers crisp clear views before snow closes the route.

Nearby places

  • Surya Kund hot spring
  • Divya Shila
  • Janki Chatti village
  • Hanuman Chatti

FAQs about Yamunotri Dham

How long is the Yamunotri trek?

Around 6 km one-way from Janki Chatti to the temple, typically 3–4 hours uphill at a relaxed pace.

Are ponies and palkis available?

Yes — government-regulated pony, palki, and doli services are available at Janki Chatti with posted rates.

Is Yamunotri suitable for senior citizens?

With pony or palki support, most senior travellers complete the yatra comfortably; consult a doctor first if you have heart or respiratory issues.