Welcome To Yamunotri – The Sacred Source of the River Yamuna

Yamunotri, the first Dham in the traditional Char Dham Yatra route, is the origin of the sacred River Yamuna. Nestled at an altitude of about 3,293 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarkashi district, this remote pilgrimage site is surrounded by snow-capped peaks, hot springs, and serene pine forests. The Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is believed to have been built in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur and sits near the actual source of the river, which lies at Yamunotri Glacier on Kalind Mountain, about 6 km uphill. Devotees undertake a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to reach the temple, often chanting hymns and carrying raw rice to cook in the nearby hot springs—offered as prasad to the deity. According to legend, Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the god of death, and bathing in her waters is said to absolve one of sins and protect from untimely death. The area remains open only between May and November, attracting both pilgrims and nature lovers to its spiritually charged and naturally rich environment. With cascading waterfalls, high-altitude meadows, and the rhythmic chant of mantras, Yamunotri is not just a destination—it is the beginning of a sacred journey through the heart of the Himalayas.