Yamunotri -

By Shreya Chabri: 25:07:2023

Yamunotri - "The birth place of the Yamuna"

Yamunotri is believed to have been the birthplace of the holy Yamuna River, according to Hindu mythology. It is believed that Lord Krishna granted Yamuna, the daughter of the sun god Surya, the ability to flow like a river on Earth. Legend has it that Yamuna is revered as a goddess who can purify sins and bestow blessings on her devotees and is thought to be the sister of Yama, the god of death.

Yamunotri has to be reached by a 6 km trek which starts from Jankichatti. The 2.5 hours trek can be done on foot, mule, palanquin or pithoo (carrier). The yatra to Yamunotri is usually completed in one day.

Yamunotri temple remains open for 6 months each year. On Akshya Tritiya, the idol of Ma Yamuna is shifted to the Yamunotri Temple from Khushimath. On Bhai Dooj, the idol is returned to Khushimath for the next 6 months. The opening of Yamunotri Temple marks the beginning of Char Dham yatra each year. The temple remains open from 6 AM - 8 PM. Aarti Timing is 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM.

The other attractions at Yamunotri are the Tapta Kunda (where the pilgrims take a bath before visiting the temple), Draupadi Kunda, Surya Kunda, and Divya Shila. According to Hindu mythology, the devotees who do this pilgrimage with utmost devotion and purity are relieved from the cycle of life and death.

Best time to visit Yamunotri
May-June and September-November are the best months to visit Yamunotri. Yamunotri is cold all across the calendar, while winters making most activities difficult. Visiting the area during festivals Basant Panchami, Phool Devi etc. will let you witness a more colourful and joyful side of Yamunotri.
Who should visit Yamunotri? 
Yamunotri is one of the sites for the Char Dham Yatra and a popular pilgrimage centre. It is an ideal place for rock climbing and trekking. A perfect destination for family, kids, couples and solo trip.
What is famous about Yamunotri? 
A pilgrimage hotspot. Peaceful and beautiful.
What are the places near Yamunotri? 
The top places near to Yamunotri are Mussoorie which is 70 km from Yamunotri, Shimla which is located 123 km from Yamunotri, Auli which is located 118 km from Yamunotri, Kinnaur which is located 72 km from Yamunotri, Rishikesh which is located 102 km from Yamunotri

Fast Facts

1. Janaki Chatti to Yamunotri temple is a trek of 5.5 kms. A normal person will take 2 to 2 and half hours to walk down the trail.
2. Ponies charge 1200 rupees one way and a palaki 4000 rupees one way.
3. Travelers are normally allowed to leave till 5 pm in the evening from Janaki Chatti towards Gangotri.
4. There is enough of water and food available on the way.
5. There are also sheds for the shelter from sun, rain and wind.
6. Always walk towards the hillside to be safe as there are lot of pulls and push from various elements.