Yamunotri is a place where River Yamuna originates and is located at an altitude of about 3293 m above sea level on Bandar Poonch Parvat. Earlier it was famed as the first shopping destination of the Char Dham pilgrimage and is a primarily significant place fully packed with holy shrines, mesmerizing Himalayan beauty along with plentiful religious spots to explore.
Below we have listed for you ten best places to visit during your Yamunotri Trip:
Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti is a small town located at the distance of just five km from Yamunotri and about 8 km from Hanuman Chatti .the place is perched at an elevation of 2650m above sea level and is famous for its numerous hot water springs. The location is very much popular among travelers during their Char Dham Yatra where many pilgrims take a night stay. The site encompasses that last village of the area and also acts as the central hub for pilgrims travelling to Yamunotri. All springs of the region are the significant part of Yamunotri pilgrimage. Also, ponies, as well as palanquins, are easily accessible at Janki Chatti, which is all surrounded by mountains from all sides and lies nearby the Indo China border.
Yamunotri temple
Yamunotri temple is one of the most visited places without which your trip to Yamunotri will be incomplete. It is situated in the west of Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of 3235 m above sea level. In the temple, the idol of Hindu Goddess Yamuna along with the Hindu God Yama is enshrined. Yama is recognized to be the brother of Hindu Deity Yamuna. This beautiful temple was constructed in 19th-century nu Maharani Guleria of Jaipur and is one of the four temples that are well known as Char Dham. The gates of Yamunotri temple open up on Akshay Tritiya and are close to Diwali. The best part of the trip is the trudge from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri, which is very pleasing with striking visions of many cascades.
Dodi Tal
Dodi Tal is a freshwater lake situated at the height of 3024 m and is a very popular place among pilgrims too as it was chosen by Lord Ganesha as his abode. There is also a temple here dedicated to Lord Ganesha. The site remains swarmed by tourists and devotees from all around the world. It is considered as nature’s treasure house and is more visited by nature admirers as well as adventure enthusiasts. Here the land along with the forest offers a perfect podium for many recreational and adventures activities counting nature walk, angling, boating, bird watching and trekking. It is also an ideal trek among trekkers as it passes through Darwa Top, the spot which bestows the tourists the spellbinding vistas of beautiful and majestic Garhwal Himalayas.
Hanuman Chatti
Hanuman Chatti is the meeting point of River Hanuman Ganga and River Yamuna and is situated at an altitude of 2400 m above sea level. Previously this site was the starting point of the trek to the famous Hindu pilgrimage site Yamunotri and is located at just 13 km from it. From here the trek to Dodi Tal also begins. It is a six hours climb all the way through lustrous meadows as well as woody hills. This trek is one of the best treks which should be done by every trekker as enjoying the aromatic fragrance of the Himalayan shrubs offers them with sheer amusement. There are many small temples in the area, too, and all are dedicated to Hanuman. The interiors of these beautiful temples are very much impressive images of Lord Hanuman carrying mountain. The site is also a popular trekking spot which is used as a starting point of the trek to reach Yamunotri, even hiking from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri is also very popular among hikers and adventure lovers.
Surya Kund
Surya Kund is actually a hot water thermal spring located nearby Yamunotri. The temperature of the hot water of spring is at 88 degree Celsius, and this water is also used for cooking potatoes as well as rice that are placed in boiling water of the spring in a muslin cloth. Then both potatoes and rice are offered as Prasad to the deity. Following the god, the Prasad is then provided and distributed amongst all the devotees. The presence of this thermal spring surrounded by snow-covered mountains is the best site you can see and which is the spiritual significance of the place.
Saptarishi Kund
Saptarishi Kund is the place of the origin of River Yamuna and is at an altitude of 4421 m. the site is considered as the origin of Yamuna River and attars visitors with its murky bluish waters, pebble banks as well as a rare showcase of Brahama lotus. This beautiful kund holds delightful scenery; however, you have to keep in mind that you should be familiar with the climatic conditions here before you venture your trip and this can be done by staying for one day at Yamunotri. The site is located amidst enchanting as well as magnificent surroundings; also trek to Sapttrishi kund is also amounted as one of the most challenging treks in the Himalayan as the entire route is covered with ice and it also requires guide too. The trek also passes through dense forests along with rugged mountains.
Divya Shila
Divya Shila is actually an excellent rock pillar situated near the Surya Kund at Yamunotri. The site presents an ethereal experience to all devotees. Also, all devotees at first should make poojas here at this site before they enter Yamunotri. Almost all devotees find pleasure in climbing this massive embankment in spite of quite a tiresome journey during Char Dham Yatra. The site is well known as a slab of divine light and is a precious stone or else pillar. Before entering the Yamunotri temple premises, devotees always visit this place; first, we can say worshipping Divya Shila is a part of puja ritual at Yamunotri temple; however, it is not mandatory, but almost all perform it.
Trekking in Yamunotri
Yamunotri not only is a pilgrimage site now but besides the Char Dham Yatra it also presents several pictorial and tedious treks .be it beginners or else experienced Yamunotri trek is perfect for all, however, the rugged and slippery terrains are challenging yet thrilling. The place is popular among adventure enthusiasts as they can reach Yamunotri by trekking from Dehradun all the way through Yamuna Bridge or else via Rishikesh too. Some popular, as well as exciting treks which you should try out during your Yamunotri Trip, includes a trek to Hanuman Chatti to Phul Chatti, Dodi Tal Trek as well as the trek from Janki Chatti to Kharsali.
Kharsali
Kharsali is one of the most beautiful places you will see during your trip to Yamunotri as it presents exciting surroundings as well as the lovely ambience. The site is popular among picnickers and is one of the most renowned tourist locations in the region. You will, for sure enjoy amid the mind lowing meadow where oak and conifers trees surround all environment. It is the best place for nature lovers as it presents natures beauty at its peak. The place is an ideal picnic spot owing to its beautiful surroundings, natural springs and waterfalls. The site also had the oldest Shani dev Temple of India and where during winters at the time of Bhai Dooja and Yam Dwitya the idol of Goddess Yamuna is placed and is prayed till the end of the winter season.
Barkot
Barkot is a small town on the way to Yamunotri and is about 49 km away from it. The place is famous for one of the ancient temples and is also an ideal place for meditation too. The place is situated in the lap of Uttrakhand, and the best part is that here silence can also be understood and here you will probably be greeted by red-cheeked kids. From Barkot the magnificent Banderpoonch peak along with many other vast peaks of the Himalayan range are closely visible and which are sufficient to make your trip memorable. The place is considered as a perfect holidaying as well as adventure destination as it offers numerous trekking excursions.
Yamunotri is counted as one of the most preferred destinations for every visitor as the designations has everything for travelers, family, kids as well as couples. The best time to visit Yamunotri is in the months of May, June, September, October, November and December. Undoubtedly, Yamunotri will take you to a different world with its stillness, beauty and purity.