Yamunotri Dham, the source of the sacred Yamuna River, is one of the four sites of the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage in Uttarakhand, India. This revered shrine is located at an elevation of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas, nestled in the Uttarkashi district. Yamunotri Dham attracts thousands of devotees every year who seek blessings and embark on a spiritual journey. This guide provides detailed information on how to reach Yamunotri by road, train, and helicopter, ensuring a seamless pilgrimage experience.
Overview of Yamunotri
- Geographic Location: 31.01°N 78.45°E
- State: Uttarakhand
- District: Uttarkashi
- Weather Condition: Cold and snowy
- Temperature: Around 7°C
- Altitude: 3,293 meters (10,804 feet)
- Famous For: Pilgrimage, trekking
- Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
- Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to November
- Opening Date for 2024: 10th May 2024
- Closing Date for 2024: 20th Nov 2024
- Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Reaching Yamunotri by Road
Yamunotri is not directly accessible by road. The nearest roadhead is Janki Chatti, from where a 6 km trek is required to reach the temple. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the route:
From Delhi to Yamunotri:
Delhi to Rishikesh
- Distance: 238 km
- Travel Time: 5-6 hours
- Mode of Travel: Bus or Taxi
- Route: Take NH334 from Delhi, passing through Ghaziabad, Muzaffarnagar, and Haridwar to reach Rishikesh.
Rishikesh to Barkot
- Distance: 170 km
- Travel Time: 6 hours
- Mode of Travel: Bus or Taxi
- Route: From Rishikesh, take the route via Narendra Nagar, Chamba, and Tehri to reach Barkot.
Barkot to Janki Chatti
- Distance: 45 km
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Mode of Travel: Jeep or Taxi
- Route: Travel through Syanachatti, Hanuman Chatti, and Phool Chatti to reach Janki Chatti.
Janki Chatti to Yamunotri
- Distance: 6 km (trek)
- Travel Time: 3 hours
- Mode of Travel: Trek on foot or hire a pony/palanquin
The road journey to Yamunotri offers picturesque views of the Garhwal Himalayas and the gushing waters of the Yamuna River. Devotees often stop at Rishikesh or Haridwar to seek blessings before proceeding with their journey.
Reaching Yamunotri by Train
The nearest railway station to Yamunotri is in Rishikesh. From there, travelers can continue their journey by road.
Delhi to Rishikesh
- Distance: 238 km
- Travel Time: 5-6 hours
- Mode of Travel: Train
- Route: Board a train from New Delhi Railway Station to Rishikesh Railway Station.
Rishikesh to Barkot
- Distance: 170 km
- Travel Time: 6 hours
- Mode of Travel: Bus or Taxi
- Route: From Rishikesh, take a bus or taxi via Narendra Nagar, Chamba, and Tehri to reach Barkot.
Barkot to Janki Chatti
- Distance: 45 km
- Travel Time: 2 hours
- Mode of Travel: Jeep or Taxi
- Route: Travel through Syanachatti, Hanuman Chatti, and Phool Chatti to reach Janki Chatti.
Janki Chatti to Yamunotri
- Distance: 6 km (trek)
- Travel Time: 3 hours
- Mode of Travel: Trek on foot or hire a pony/palanquin
Reaching Yamunotri by Helicopter
For those seeking a quicker and more comfortable journey, helicopter services are available from Dehradun to Yamunotri.
Delhi to Dehradun
- Distance: 202 km
- Travel Time: 1 hour
- Mode of Travel: Airplane to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
- Route: Board a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport (Delhi) to Jolly Grant Airport (Dehradun).
Dehradun to Sahastradhara Helipad
- Distance: 30 km
- Travel Time: 57 minutes
- Mode of Travel: Taxi
- Route: Hire a taxi from Jolly Grant Airport to Sahastradhara Helipad.
Sahastradhara to Kharsali
- Distance: 94 km
- Travel Time: 30 minutes
- Mode of Travel: Helicopter
- Route: Board a helicopter from Sahastradhara Helipad to Kharsali Helipad.
Kharsali to Yamunotri
- Distance: 5 km (trek)
- Travel Time: 4 hours
- Mode of Travel: Trek on foot or hire a pony/palanquin
The helicopter journey offers stunning aerial views of the Himalayan landscape and significantly reduces travel time, making it an ideal option for elderly pilgrims and those with time constraints.
Detailed Distance Chart for Yamunotri
| From | To | Distance (km) |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | Yamunotri | 419 |
| Rishikesh | Yamunotri | 222 |
| Haridwar | Yamunotri | 235 |
| Dehradun | Yamunotri | 177 |
| Chandigarh | Yamunotri | 394 |
| Nagpur | Yamunotri | 1,470 |
| Mumbai | Yamunotri | 1,795 |
| Bangalore | Yamunotri | 2,533 |
| Chennai | Yamunotri | 2,586 |
| Vishakhapatnam | Yamunotri | 2,158 |
| Mangalore | Yamunotri | 2,703 |
| Nashik | Yamunotri | 1,681 |
| Pondicherry | Yamunotri | 2,741 |
| Kerala | Yamunotri | 3,015 |
| Bhopal | Yamunotri | 1,170 |
| Kolkata | Yamunotri | 1,871 |
| Vijayawada | Yamunotri | 2,235 |
| Pune | Yamunotri | 1,855 |
| Surat | Yamunotri | 1,564 |
Best Time to Visit Yamunotri
Yamunotri Dham is accessible during specific months of the year due to extreme weather conditions in the region. The best times to visit are:
- Summer: May to June
- Autumn: September to November
During these months, the weather is relatively pleasant, making the trek and overall journey more comfortable. The temple remains closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall.
Essential Tips for Yamunotri Yatra
- Registration: Ensure you register for the Yamunotri Yatra in advance to avoid any last-minute hassles.
- Physical Fitness: The trek to Yamunotri requires a good level of physical fitness. Prepare yourself with regular exercise and check-ups if necessary.
- Clothing: Carry warm clothing irrespective of the season, as the weather in the Himalayas can be unpredictable.
- Medical Kit: Carry a basic medical kit with necessary medications. There are medical facilities available en route, but having your supplies is advisable.
- Footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy trekking shoes to handle the rough terrain.
- Permits: Obtain any required permits and passes before starting your journey. These are usually available at registration points.
- Guides and Porters: Hiring local guides and porters can make the trek easier and provide additional safety.
- Respect Local Customs: Respect the local customs and traditions. Follow the guidelines provided by temple authorities and local officials.
Nearby Attractions
Apart from the Yamunotri Temple, the region offers several other attractions for pilgrims and tourists:
- Satprishi Kund: The glacial lake which is the source of the Yamuna River.
- Divya Shilla: A sacred rock pillar near the Yamunotri Temple, worshipped before entering the temple.
- Surya Kund: A hot water spring where devotees cook rice and potatoes to offer at the temple.
- Hanuman Chatti: Known for its natural beauty and as a base camp for treks to Dodi Tal.
- Barkot: Offers panoramic views of the Bandarpunch mountain range.
FAQs
Can we go to Yamunotri by Car?
- No, Yamunotri is not directly accessible by car. The journey involves trekking from Janki Chatti.
Can I visit Yamunotri throughout the year?
- No, Yamunotri is accessible from May to June and September to November due to weather conditions.
How long does the Yamunotri Yatra take?
- The yatra typically takes about 5 to 7 days, including travel and stay.
Are there any medical facilities along the route?
- Yes, medical facilities are available at points such as Barkot, Hanuman Chatti, and Janki Chatti.
Is photography allowed at Yamunotri Temple?
- Yes, but visitors should respect the temple’s sanctity and follow guidelines.
Are there any restrictions on the yatra due to religious ceremonies?
- Occasionally, restrictions may apply during certain religious ceremonies. Check with local authorities before planning your visit.
Conclusion
Embarking on the Yamunotri Yatra is not just a pilgrimage but an adventure through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in the Himalayas. Whether you choose to travel by road, train, or helicopter, the journey to Yamunotri Dham is filled with spiritual significance and natural beauty. Proper planning, preparation, and respect for local customs will ensure a memorable and fulfilling yatra.
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