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Yamunotri DhamA serene Himalayan dham at the birthplace of the holy Yamuna River

Yamunotri is the first stop of the Char Dham yatra and is worshipped as the spiritual origin of the River Yamuna. Hidden deep in the Garhwal Himalayas, this peaceful dham is known for its beautiful temple of Goddess Yamuna, hot water springs and the young, fast-flowing river. The journey itself is scenic, with forests, waterfalls and high mountain cliffs guiding you towards the shrine.

From taking darshan at the Yamunotri Temple and offering prayers at Divya Shila, to seeing Surya Kund, Janki Chatti and nearby villages, every part of this trip feels pure and refreshing. Cool mountain air, the sound of the river and the simple village atmosphere together create a natural calm. Whether you are travelling for faith, peace of mind or to enjoy nature, Yamunotri offers a gentle, uplifting Himalayan experience.

Yamunotri Dham

Destination Details

Destination
Yamunotri, Uttarakhand
Elevation
3,293 metres (10,804 feet)
Best Season
May–June and September–October
Language
Hindi, Garhwali
Currency
Indian Rupee (INR)
Live Weather
Live Yamunotri Weather

SUB DESTINATIONS

Explore Divine Places around Yamunotri Dham

Discover spiritually significant places around this destination that complete your pilgrimage experience.

Yamunotri Dham Area – Temple, River and Mountain Valley

Yamunotri Dham Area – Temple, River and Mountain Valley

The Yamunotri dham area feels like a tiny mountain village wrapped around the main temple. Simple lodges, dharamshalas, tea stalls and prasad shops line the narrow paths, serving pilgrims who arrive tired from the trek. The young Yamuna flows just below, rushing over rocks and filling the valley with its sound. On one side you see steep cliffs; on the other, snow-capped peaks appear whenever the clouds move away. Steam from the nearby hot springs rises into the cold air, reminding you that this is a place of both natural power and spiritual energy. Sitting here for a few quiet minutes after darshan, watching people, listening to the river and feeling the chill breeze, gives a deep sense of peace and makes the journey feel truly worthwhile.

Surya Kund – Boiling Hot Spring Near the Temple

Surya Kund – Boiling Hot Spring Near the Temple

Surya Kund is a natural hot water spring located very close to Yamunotri Temple and is one of the most striking spots at the dham. The water here is boiling hot, so people do not bathe in it, but use it mainly to prepare a unique form of prasad. Devotees tie rice or potatoes in a small cloth, dip the bundle into the pool for a few minutes and take it out fully cooked. This simple act feels special because it is done in the shadow of the temple and in the middle of cold mountain air. Steam rising from the kund, the chanting of mantras nearby, the colourful crowd of pilgrims and the roar of the Yamuna below together create a dramatic, memorable scene that visitors talk about long after they return home.

Divya Shila – Sacred Rock Before the Temple

Divya Shila – Sacred Rock Before the Temple

Divya Shila is a sacred rock placed near Surya Kund, just before the steps that lead up to Yamunotri Temple. According to tradition, pilgrims first offer prayers at this stone and only then go towards the main shrine of Goddess Yamuna. People touch the rock gently, offer flowers or tilak and bow their heads for a few moments with closed eyes. Because the rock stands between the hot spring and the temple, you can feel warm steam on one side and cool breeze from the river on the other. This short, simple ritual at Divya Shila helps you pause, leave behind travel fatigue, focus your mind and enter the temple with a calm, devotional mood. For many visitors, this moment becomes a quiet personal pause before meeting the goddess.

Yamuna River at Yamunotri – Young Flow of a Sacred River

Yamuna River at Yamunotri – Young Flow of a Sacred River

At Yamunotri, the Yamuna River is seen in its early, youthful form before it flows down into the plains. The water is clear, fast and full of force as it rushes through rocks and narrow channels beside the temple area. Small bridges, pathways and safety railings allow visitors to stand close and safely watch the flow. Many pilgrims close their eyes for a moment, touch the icy water and say a quiet prayer to the river goddess. Knowing that this same Yamuna later passes through major cities and farms makes this meeting at its mountain source feel very personal and sacred, almost like greeting a great river at the very start of her long journey. Spending even a few minutes by the riverbank brings a feeling of freshness and inner calm after the long journey.

Janki Chatti – Trek Starting Point with Hot Springs

Janki Chatti – Trek Starting Point with Hot Springs

Janki Chatti is the main base village and starting point for the final trek to Yamunotri Temple. Surrounded by high mountains and dense greenery, it has a number of guesthouses, dhabas and small shops renting ponies, palkis, raincoats and walking sticks to make the climb easier. The trek to the temple from here is about five to six kilometres and offers lovely views of waterfalls, forests, deep valleys and snow patches in season. Janki Chatti is also known for its natural hot springs, where many travellers dip their feet or take a quick bath before starting the yatra. The combination of warm water, cool air, temple bells and busy yatra activity gives the village a lively, welcoming atmosphere. For many yatris, an overnight stay here turns the journey into a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.

Hanuman Chatti – Quiet Riverside Village & Old Base

Hanuman Chatti – Quiet Riverside Village & Old Base

Hanuman Chatti is a quiet, scenic village located at the meeting point of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. It once served as the traditional starting point for the Yamunotri trek and is still an important halt on the route for food and stay. The village has simple lodges, small temples, tea stalls and shops for basic supplies. Green hills, pine trees and the sound of the flowing river make it a peaceful place to spend a night before or after your darshan. Short walks around the village, sitting on the riverbank and visiting the local Hanuman temple are small, gentle experiences that leave a lasting, soothing memory of the mountains. Compared to the busy higher stretches, Hanuman Chatti feels slow and unhurried, perfect for rest and quiet time.

Kharsali Village – Winter Home of Goddess Yamuna

Kharsali Village – Winter Home of Goddess Yamuna

Kharsali is a beautiful old village near Yamunotri, known as the winter home of Goddess Yamuna. When heavy snow closes the high shrine, the idol of Yamuna Devi is brought down to the ancient temple here and worshipped throughout the colder months. The village is full of traditional wooden houses with carved balconies, narrow stone paths and terraced fields that change colour with the seasons. Life moves at a slow, village pace, and locals are generally warm and welcoming to pilgrims. Visiting Kharsali lets you see how faith continues all year round, beyond the main yatra season, and gives a close look at the everyday culture and lifestyle of the Garhwal Himalayas. Many pilgrims also like to stay here for a night to enjoy the silence and starry skies.

Saptrishi Kund – High-Altitude Lake Near Yamunotri

Saptrishi Kund – High-Altitude Lake Near Yamunotri

Saptrishi Kund is a remote, high-altitude lake believed to be one of the main source points of the Yamuna. It lies far above Yamunotri and can be reached only by a demanding trek over rocky, uneven and sometimes icy terrain. Because of the difficulty, height and changing weather, this route is suitable only for well-prepared, experienced trekkers accompanied by knowledgeable local guides. The lake itself is stark and beautiful, surrounded by bare mountains and often partly frozen even when lower areas are warm. There is very little vegetation or human activity, so the silence is deep and almost otherworldly. For those who reach it safely, Saptrishi Kund offers a rare glimpse of the raw, untouched side of the high Himalayas and becomes a lifelong memory.

Barkot – Comfortable Base Town for Yamunotri Yatra

Barkot – Comfortable Base Town for Yamunotri Yatra

Barkot is a larger hill town that serves as a comfortable base for many Yamunotri pilgrims and also for travellers exploring this part of Uttarakhand. It offers more choice in hotels, camps and restaurants than the small villages higher up the route, making it ideal for families and groups. The town is set among green hills, with views of surrounding peaks on clear days and a pleasant climate during the main yatra season. From Barkot, travellers usually drive to Janki Chatti in the morning and return by evening after darshan. Simple evening walks through the market lanes, sipping hot tea, shopping for woollens and watching local life make Barkot a relaxed and convenient stop on a Yamunotri trip. Because of its facilities and road access, many people choose it as their main base.

HOLY DESTINATIONS

Explore sacred places that offer peace and spiritual reflection

From ancient temples to serene Himalayan lakes, our curated itineraries help you experience every divine facet of Yamunotri Dham and its surroundings.

Starting from

₹ 7,999

Starting price is for a short Yamunotri yatra on twin-sharing basis, ex–Haridwar/Dehradun, and may change as per travel dates, hotel category, transport type and group size.

1,528+ pilgrims

4.8 / 5

Travel Options

Flexible routes as per comfort (trek / vehicle / heli where available)

Stay & Pooja

Comfortable stays & assisted darshan

Local Expertise

On-ground support throughout the yatra

Safe Travel

Verified drivers, guides & properties

*Prices are indicative and can vary based on dates, group size, and customization.