Yamunotri Dham
About Yamunotri Dham
Ideally the first destination for beginning the Chota Chardham Yatra in Uttarakhand, Yamunotri Dham showers its blessings to the pilgrims to have a safe and unforgettable spiritual journey ahead. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the temple is seated at a height of 3293 m and along the gorgeous River Yamuna in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The actual source of River Yamuna is at a short distance from the temple located at an altitude of about 4,421 m (14,505 ft) on the Kalind Mountain. The River Yamuna has also been given the status of the nurture of Indian lands and thus is worshipped widely amongst Hindus. The journey to Yamunotri isn’t complete without preparing potato and rice in the hot spring of Surya Kund near the holy shrine. Devotees offer this in the temple and take the cooked rice home in the form of Prasad.
Yamunotri Temple Opening & Closing Dates 2023
The Yamunotri temple opens in the month of April/May at the onset of the summer season and closes for winters in the third week of November. The idol of Goddess Yamuna is then carried to Kharsali Village where the pilgrims can pay homage to the deity for 6 months.
The dates for opening date of Shri Yamunotri Temple is announced by the priests on the auspicious day of Basant Panchmi. The opening date of Yamunotri Temple is 22 April 2023.
Best Time to Visit Yamunotri Temple
Due to its high altitude location, Yamunotri Dham remains open to the devotees for only a brief period of six months. The end of April or beginning of the month of May is chosen for the opening of the portals of this sacred Hindu shrine as the snow melts and the weather becomes pleasant. The temple closes right after the festival of Diwali and its deity is moved to Kharsali Village to be worshipped for next six months of winter season. Therefore, the best time to visit Yamunotri is between April and November with April to mid-June and October to mid-November being ideal most.
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Summer
The month of April marks the onset of the summer season in Yamunotri the daytime is warm. The temperature in summer that lasts till mid-June ranges between 15℃ and 25℃, keeping it quite pleasant for devotees to perform the pilgrimage.
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Monsoon
The season of monsoon is packed with heavy rains that sometimes continue for days. The average temperature drops a bit with 23℃ being the highest. Though the Yatra is carried out in this season in full swing as well, it is advisable to check the weather forecast and carry necessary gears like raincoats, umbrella, walking sticks, etc.
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Winter
Yamunotri like all other Chota Chardham destinations closes down for a period of six months with the onset of winter in mid to end November. The mercury dips to sub-zero figures and the entire region is covered under the thick blanket of snow. The idol, then is brought to lower region of Kharsali Village for the devotees to worship.
Yamunotri Temple History
The original Yamunotri Temple is said to have been built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century. However, there are stories of it being constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. Due to destruction by weather and the elements, the temple has been renovated a couple of times. Yamunotri Dham’s mythological significance is narrated in a popular legend that is related to sage Asit Muni who lived here and used to bathe in the Ganges and the Yamuna River daily. In his old age, he was unable to go to Gangotri, thus a stream of the Ganges appeared opposite Yamunotri for him. Also, Goddess Yamuna is said to be the daughter of Surya Dev (the Sun God) and sister of Yama (the God of Death). It is believed that worshipping the Yamuna would also please Sun God and Yama
Activities around Yamunotri
Trekking, basking amidst the scenic nature and paying homage to some divine temples make some of the most interesting activities around Yamunotri Dham. Seated in the lap of pristine nature, Yamunotri is surrounded by equally stunning and sacred places missing on which can be a big loss.
- Trekking to Jankichatti Hot water spring
- Preparing Rice and Potatoes in the Hot Spring of Surya Kund
- Basking in the serene Barkot along the river
- Climbing to stunning Hanumanchatti
- Paying homage at big and small temple en route and ahead of Yamunotri
- Visiting the Saptrishi Kund
Travel Tips: Top 5 Things to Know Before Going to Yamunotri Yatra
- The weather in Yamunotri varies from moderate to chilly, therefore it is advised to carry woollen clothes
- Yamunotri is at a short distance from its originating point, so, in case you want to witness this sacred place, it is necessary to carry good trekking shoes
- Though the altitude of Yamunotri is around 3000 m there are chances you might feel mountain sick, thus pack some medicine for it like Diamox
- The consumption of alcohol as well as non-veg strictly prohibited in Yamunotri. Therefore, avoid to carry any of it
- In order to keep everything hassle-free, carry at least one identity proof that can be showed wherever required
Top Places to Visit Around Yamunotri
Yamunotri enjoys being surrounded by picturesque places that are ideal to relax and have an adventure experience. During a visit, you have the chance to explore the nearby hot springs, prepare your own rice and potatoes, and sight the place where Ma Sita rested.
Janki Chatti
Known majorly for its hot water spring, Janki Chatti is one of the most visited place on the route to Yamunotri Dham. The place where it is believed that Lord Ram’s consort, Sita said to have rested, is also the last village of the area.
Surya Kund
Cascading elegantly opposite the Gauri Kund, Surya Kund is a beautiful waterfall that should not be missed on your visit to Yamunotri. Situated just 500 m from Yamunotri dham, the waterfall can be reached by taking the walkway past the Dandi Kshetra and Tapovan Kuti ashrams.
Hanuman Chatti
Situated at the meeting point of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers, Hanuman Chatti is where today pilgrims can find plenty of accommodations overlooking a scenic vista. Hanuman Chatti is said to be the place where Lord Hanuman met Bheema, one of the Pandavas.
Saptrishi Kund
Believed to be the original source for the Yamuna River, Saptrishi Kund is fed by the Champasar Glacier. This pretty dark blue lake is one of the place where the charming and unique Brahm Kamal blooms.
Kharsali
A popular picnic spot and a place to stay for the nature lovers, Kharsali is blessed with unsurpassed beauty. Kharsali also houses the oldest Shani Temple and is also the winter abode for the deity of Yamunotri Temple in the winter season.
Barkot
A nature lover paradise, Barkot is inarguably one of the most scenic places to visit around Yamunotri. Situated at the bank of Yamuna River, this pretty destination is perfect for camping and nature walks.
Bali Pass
A high-altitude mountain pass, Bali is known to offer panoramic views of Kala Nag, Bandarpoonch and Swargarohini peaks. The destination can only be reached by trekking through a lush meadow and passing through some more surreal destinations like Ruinsara Lake and Jaunsar Village.
Yamunotri Tour Packages for 2023
Liberate your soul at the pilgrimage of Goddess Yamuna and choose one of our Yamunotri tour package to make your journey completely hassle free. Our well-crafted Yamunotri packages allow you to not only find the best accommodation but also the best sightseeing/trekking experience around the sacred shrine that too at a budget that suits your pocket.
Six Prayag Yatra with Shri Badrinath Ji
Duration: 10 Nights – 11 Days
Rs. 27900/-Person
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Char Dham Yatra with Valley of Flowers
Duration: 13 Nights – 14 Days
Rs. 33900/-Person
View More Book NowBest Hotels to Stay in Yamunotri
A wide array of hotels surrounds the Yamunotri Dham, thus a pilgrim can rest assured to have a plethora of staying options to choose from. There are hotels on Yamunotri Road, Jankichatti also have decent number of accommodation, while Barkot houses several hotels along the flowing Yamuna.
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