How To Reach Yamunotri

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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