About Yamunotri
The source-shrine of the Yamuna at 3,293 metres on the flank of Bandarpoonch peak — the first dhām of the Chota Char Dham, reached by a steep 6 km trail from Janki Chatti where pilgrims cook rice in the boiling Surya Kund spring as the goddess's offering.
History
The current temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century after the original was destroyed in successive earthquakes; the black marble idol of Yamuna was installed by Tehri ruler Naresh Sudarshan Shah. The Yamuna is mythologised as the daughter of Surya (the sun) and the twin sister of Yama (death) — bathing in her source on Yama Dwitiya is believed to ward off untimely death. The Surya Kund hot spring at the entrance reaches near-boiling temperatures and is the only Char Dham site where pilgrims cook their own offering — rice and potatoes wrapped in muslin are dipped in the kund and presented at the shrine.
Best Time to Visit
May to June, September to October
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Entry Fee · Tickets
How much does it cost to visit Yamunotri?
Free temple entry. Pilgrim trail and rituals are open to all.
- Mandatory Char Dham yatra biometric registration is free but enforced
- Open mid-April / early May to early November (Akshaya Tritiya to Yama Dwitiya)
- Aarti timings: 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.
Plan your visit
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Travel Tips
- Pre-register on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in — biometric check at Janki Chatti gate
- 6 km uphill from Janki Chatti — palki ₹3,500–4,500, pony ₹1,500–2,000, kandi (porter basket) ₹1,800
- Stay overnight at Barkot or Janki Chatti, NOT at the shrine — accommodation up top is basic and limited
- Carry rice and aloo pre-wrapped in muslin if you want to perform the Surya Kund offering yourself
- Start the trek before 6 a.m. — afternoon weather is unpredictable above 3,000 m
Temples & Heritage Sites
- Hanuman Chatti — base camp for the trek, 13 km from Janki Chatti
- Kharsali Shani Dev Temple — Yamuna's winter abode, 1 km from Janki Chatti
- Divya Shila — the rock pillar worshipped before entering the main shrine
How to Reach Yamunotri
Yamunotri is located in Uttarakhand, India at coordinates 31.0185°N, 78.4525°E. You can reach Yamunotri by air (nearest airport in Uttarakhand), train, or road. Use YatraJunction's free fare calculator to compare live train, bus and flight prices, and to build an AI-powered itinerary tailored to your budget and travel dates.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Yamunotri?
- The best time to visit Yamunotri is May to June, September to October.
- What are the top travel tips for Yamunotri?
- Pre-register on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in — biometric check at Janki Chatti gate. 6 km uphill from Janki Chatti — palki ₹3,500–4,500, pony ₹1,500–2,000, kandi (porter basket) ₹1,800. Stay overnight at Barkot or Janki Chatti, NOT at the shrine — accommodation up top is basic and limited. Carry rice and aloo pre-wrapped in muslin if you want to perform the Surya Kund offering yourself. Start the trek before 6 a.m. — afternoon weather is unpredictable above 3,000 m.
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