Yamunotri is the temple of Goddess Yamuna near the Yamunotri glacier, in Uttarkashi district. It is the westernmost of the four dhams and, by tradition, the first one visited. The road ends at Janki Chatti and the final stretch to the temple is on foot.
About this page: Registration and helicopter-booking rules were checked against the official registration portal on 2026-10-25. Distances, altitudes and times come from secondary sources and are approximate. Confirm current status with the official sources below.
Things to see
- Yamunotri Temple. Shrine of Goddess Yamuna. Expect queues in May-June.
- Surya Kund. Hot spring near the temple where pilgrims traditionally boil rice and potatoes tied in cloth as prasad.
- Divya Shila. Rock pillar worshipped before entering the main shrine.
- Kharsali. Village near Janki Chatti, winter seat of the deity when the temple is closed.
How to reach Yamunotri
By road
Dehradun - Mussoorie - Barkot - Hanuman Chatti - Janki Chatti. Barkot is the usual overnight halt. Allow a full day of driving from Dehradun or Rishikesh.
By rail
No railway in the hills. Dehradun and Rishikesh (Yog Nagari) are the usual railheads.
By air
Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun), then road.
The last stretch
The motor road ends at Janki Chatti. From there the temple is a walk of roughly 5-6 km uphill on a paved path. Ponies, palkis (carried chairs) and porters (kandi) operate on the route; rates are regulated locally, so confirm them at the official counters rather than agreeing a price on the road.
Where to stay
Barkot has the widest choice of hotels. Janki Chatti and Hanuman Chatti have simpler lodges and guesthouses. Rooms near the road head fill quickly in May-June; book ahead in peak season.
Food
Simple vegetarian meals at dhabas along the route and in Janki Chatti. Carry water and snacks for the walk.
Budget
No reliable published price list was verified for this page. Costs depend mainly on vehicle hire, the number of nights and whether you use a pony or palki. Check current rates with the district administration counters and your hotel before budgeting. Open the budget estimator.
Season and weather
Open only in the yatra season. In 2026 the temple opened on 19 April (Akshaya Tritiya); closing is customarily around Bhai Dooj/Diwali (reported as 11 November 2026, not confirmed by an official source). Monsoon (July-August) brings landslide and road-closure risk on this route.
Safety
- Check road and weather status before leaving Barkot; landslides are common in monsoon.
- The walk is steep. Start early, go slowly, and turn back if you feel unwell.
- Pilgrims with heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions should consult a doctor before travelling.
Tips
- Register before you travel (see the Char Dham overview) and carry the registration and an ID.
- Start the walk in the morning; weather in the valley usually turns in the afternoon.
- Keep rain protection and a warm layer even in May.
Plan around Yamunotri
Itineraries that include it
- Char Dham Yatra in 11 days (11 days)
Treks in the same district
- Kedarkantha (easy-moderate, 5 days)
- Har Ki Dun (moderate, 7 days)
- Dayara Bugyal (easy-moderate, 4 days)
- Auden's Col (difficult, 12 days)
Frequently asked questions
How far is the walk to Yamunotri?
Roughly 5-6 km from Janki Chatti, uphill. Most people take a few hours each way depending on pace and queues.
Can I visit Yamunotri in winter?
No. The temple closes after the season and the deity is worshipped at Kharsali.
Sources and verification
Last reviewed 2026-10-25. Prices, opening dates, road status and permits change often. Confirm with an official source before you travel.