About Yamunotri Dham
Situated at a height of 10,804 feet above sea level this Dham is located at the left bank of the holy River Yamuna and is a part of the holy Chota Char Dham Yatra in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. This sacred shrine is also famed for being the westernmost pilgrimage centres in the Garhwal region of Himalayas. The approach towards the temple is extremely difficult due to its location on the point of the emergence of River Yamuna. The entire temple is set amidst the thick, lush greenery with cascading waterfalls dotting the region as far as the eyes can see makes the Yamunotri dham yatra worth it. The temple throws its door open for Darshan during the eve of ‘Akshaya Tritiya’(generally during the last week of April) where the temple swarms with devotees and Yatris; the holy doors are closed for Darshan on the day of Diwali (mid October or first week of November). The source of River Yamuna is located on the nearby Kalind Mountain range from where the river trickles down giving life to everywhere it passes through.
Yamunotri Trekking Route:
The entire trekking route is clearly marked and narrow which is attended by a throng of yatris who come for Darshan during the open seasons. One of the best routes for Yamunotri trek is via Dehradun and Barkot. From Hanuman chatti the main temple shrine is located at a distance of 13 kms and from Janki chatti this distance is 6 kms. The motorable road reaches up to Janki Chatti through Syana Chatti, Rana Chatti and Hanuman Chatti which are at a distance of 50 kms from Barkot. The trekking route to Yamunotri offers extremely serene and scenic views of the valley below complete with the gushing turquoise river water. The route goes from two hours of ascent and an hour of descent. Yamunotri is known for being extremely well connected from other holy sites of Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri and Chamba.
Tips for Yamunotri Dham Yatra
- The complete route for Yamunotri Dham trekking is dotted with numerous shelters and rest stops for the convenience of the yatris, which offers a few food and snacks items.
- The trekking route remains covered in thick snow during the winter seasons and makes trekking all the more difficult to cover.
- There are dolis and ponies available for people who are physically or mentally disabled.
- If you want to explore some of your winter trekking routes then Yamunotri trek can be your best option.
- There are regular bus services available from Mussoorie and Dehradun to Barkot from where you can hire a shared taxi or jeep heading till Janki Chatti.
- There are a number of accommodation facilities available here in the form of hotels, ashrams and Dharamshalas offering a stay like a hostel dormitory. There is also a GMVN tourist rest stop located at Janki Chatti.
Preparation to do before heading towards the holy Yamunotri Dham
- It is important for you to be physically fit before heading out for the Dham Yatra, which can begin by taking up 30 minutes of walking everyday prior to the commencement of your Yatra.
- Along with regular physical activity it is also important to have a well-balanced, nutritious diet to keep you healthy and energetic throughout the duration of your char Dham Yatra.
- Be sure to carry chocolates and energy bars during the trekking route which gives your body an energy boost in case you feel tired or lethargic while walking.
- It is important for you to carry your medicines along with you since there are no medical shops available on the trekking trail. Be sure to include antiseptic cream, foot cream, band aids and other relevant medications like pain killers and antibiotics.
Char Dham Yatra Blog 