Yamunotri

Yamunotri  is the source of Yamuna river and seat of  the Goddess Yamuna in Hinduism and one of the Dhams in the Himalayas. It is situated at an altitude of 10,804 ft in the Garhwal region of Himalayas in Uttarakhand, India. Yamunotri is famed for its glaciers and thermal springs. According to Hindu tradition, Yamuna is the sister of Yama, the God of death. A holy dip in this Yamuna river secures a painless death to the devotees. Yamunotri has picturesque surroundings with  awesome shrubs, lush meadows and gushing cascades.

How to reach here:

By Air: The nearest Airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is 196 Kms away from Yamunotri.

By Rail: Nearest railway station is the Dehradun station which is 172 Kms away and is connected to major cities of India.

Best time to visit: May to June and September to November.

Languages spoken: Hindi, Garhwali and English

Must Eat: Very limited options. Satvik food devoid of any onion or garlic.

Famous Restaurants: None.
Places you must visit:

Yamunotri Temple was built in 19th century by Maharani Gularia  of Jaipur. This temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is perced atop of Kalind Parvat in the Bandar Poonch range. The deity in this temple is portrayed in the form of silver idol bejeweled with garlands.The temple opens on the auspicious day of Akshay Tritiya and closes on the second day after Diwali celebration. A popular belief is that a holy darshan in this shrine fetch one with good fortune. The offerings in the shrine are boiled rice and potatoes that are cooked in the hot waters of Surya Kund.

Surya Kund is one of the renowned natural thermal spring in Yamunotri devoted to Sun God, father of Yamuna. The temperature of the water is very high here. Devotees fasten rice and potatoes in a cloth and dip it in the water to get cooked. The Surya Kund is also famous for its curative properties.

Saptarishi Kund is a natural lake and is the most enthralling spot in Yamunotri.It is regarded as the origin of Yamuna river.It is located at an altitude of 4421 meters and is not easily accessible and it is considered as one of the most tedious treks in the Himalayas.With its murky blue waters, pebbly banks and a rare display of Brahma lotus, makes it a delightful scenery.

Divya Shila literally means heavenly rock is a rock pillar which is worshiped before entering the divine Yamunotri temple. It is situated at an altitude of 3000 meters.Though a dangerous path, devotees find pleasure in climbing this colossal embankment since it is highly rewarding with the most tranquil environment.

Janki Chatti is the midpoint of the trek to Yamunotri and it is 3 Kms away from Yamunotri. This place is popular for its various thermal springs.A bath in these hot water springs gives revitalizing energy and vigor to the visitors who are very tired of the rugged surroundings. This area encompasses the last village in the region and the pilgrims are provided with moderate accommodation facilities.

 Hanuman Chatti is one of the most thrilling climbs in the rocky terrain and is situated 13 Kms away from Yamunotri. It is a very serene place spotted at the convergence of the rivers Yamuna and Hanuman Ganga. It is a six hours climb through the lustrous meadows, woody hills and amazing aroma of the Himalayan shrubs.

Barkot is a tiny hamlet situated 49 Kms from Yamunotri. It is famous for its ancient temples.The magnificent Bandar Poonch range and other massive peaks of the Himalayan ranges are distinctly visible from here. You get mesmerized by the ravishing landscapes, gushing water of the sacred Yamuna river and the apple orchards.