Yamunotri is located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri along with Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath form Chota Char Dham Pilgrim. This is the sacred place for Hindus. For Yamuna River it is the source. This river plays a crucial role in the development of Hindu civilisation. People worship Yamuna River and believe that if they worship River Yamuna they will die without any pain. Temple in the Yamunotri closed on Diwali day. Again this temple will reopen on Akshaye Tritiya. Temple was first built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur. Due to earthquake it was damaged in the early 19th century. It was reconstructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal.
What to see in Yamunotri:
Yamunotri Temple: It is the major attraction of Yamunotri. Temple is dedicated to River Yamuna. River Yamuna is considered as sister of Yama. Idols of Yama and Yamuna can be seen in this temple. During the winter season, idol will take away to the village Kharsali. So it remains closed during the winter season. Temple opens at 6.00AM and closes on 8.00 PM.
Surya Kund: It is located near Yamunotri Temple. This is one of the important thermal springs. Temperature of the spring is hot. This is used to prepare Prasad for the temple. Prasad is Rice and Potatoes. Rice along with potatoes and salt will tied up in the cloth and dipped into the spring to get boiled.
Divya Shila: It is located near the temple of Yamunotri. This is a pillar. Devotees offer pooja to this shila before entering into the temple.
What to see around Yamunotri:
Kharsali: It is located just 1km away from Yamunotri. Water falls and Natural Springs welcomes the travellers to this place. Another attraction of this village is an ancient temple which is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Wooden work and stone carvings of the temple are the major attraction of this temple.
Hanuman Chatti: It is located 13kms away from the city. This place is famous for trekking.
Barkot: It is one of the major attractions of Uttarakashi district tourism. It is located 49kms away from Yamunotri. This place is famous for ancient temple.
Getting to Yamunotri: Yamunotri is well connected with road and railways. From Badtok, Gangotri, Uttarkashi, Mussoorie, Rishikesh etc buses come to this place. Form the cities such as Dehradun, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Noida, Jodhpur, Mumbai, Gurgaon, Bangalore etc trains come to this place. Nearest railway head is located at Dehradun which is 172kms away from Yamunotri and Rishikesh which is 213kms away from Yamunotri. Nearest airport is Jolly Grant which is located near Dehradun. This airport is located 192kms away from Yamunotri. Taxis are available to reach Yamunotri from airport.
Getting around Yamunotri: Ponies are available to reach the temple from Janaki Chatti. It will take 2 hours to reach the temple through Ponies. Visitors can also climb to the temple. As temple opens only during particular seasons, local transport is not much available. Buses reach only till Sayana Chatti of Yamunotri. From then Jeeps are available to reach Janaki Chatti. Jeeps and buses are available to visit the surrounding places of Yamunotri.
Best time to visit Yamunotri: Due to heavy snowfall, temple closes during the winter season. Best time to visit this temple is between April to October.
Where to stay in Yamunotri: Rest houses, Dharmasalas and Ashrams are available to stay in Yamunotri. Rest Houses of Janki Chatti, Hanuman Chatti and Yamunotri are maintained by Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam. In Barkot, Char Dham Camp is situated.
Where to eat in Yamunotri: Only vegetarian food is available. Alcohol and Non vegetarian food is restricted. Limited option to have food in this place. Luxury hotels and restaurants cannot be found here.