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The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas, which is Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The shrine is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh peak (3235 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri. It constitutes one of the four most important pilgrimages, collectively called 'Char Dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas or Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is the source of the revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champasar Glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine, at an altitude of 4421 mts. Pilgrims do not frequently visit the source of the river as it is not easily accessible. Yamunotri can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.

Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. The legend says, this lonesome hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni. Among the prime attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs nearby, which is believed to have medicinal properties. Devotees prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine, by dipping them in these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. The trek to Yamunotri is spectacular, surrounded by a panorama of rugged peaks and thick forests.

Altitude 3,235 metres above sea level

STD Code 0175

Best Time To Visit : The best time to visit Yamunotri is between May-June and September to October.

Climate : Summer-Cool during the dayy and cold at night. Winter - Snow bound. Touching sub-zero.

Language : Hindi, Garhwali & English

Clothing : Summer - Light woolens. Winter - Very heavy woolens.

Eating Out : Only local eating houses (dhabas) are available. Non-vegetarian food and alcoholic drinks are prohibited in Yamunotri.

Only Dharamshalas are available at Yamunotri. Alternative accommodation available. There is a Tourist Rest House (GMVN) at Janki Chatti.

Yamunotri By Air : Nearest airport is Jollygrant in Dehradun, which is 196 km away from Yamunotri. Jollygrant airport, Dehradun is connected to Delhi airport. Taxi services are available from airport to Yamunotri. Delhi is the nearest international airport which is 495 km away. Delhi is well connected to all major cities in India and many cities abroad.

Yamunotri By Train : Nearest railway station is Dehradun, which is nearly 172 km away from Yamunotri. This station is connected to all cities in India. Taxi services are available from Dehradun to Yamunotri

Yamunotri By Bus : Yamunotri is well connected to many cities in the region by buses from Hanuman Chatti, which is 14 km away from city. Private and public buses offer services from Hanuman Chatti to Rishikesh (213 km) and Dehradun (172 km).

Important road distances : Hanumanchatti 13 km; Dharasu 107 km; Tehri 149 km. Rishikesh to Yamunotri 222 km via Narendranagar 16 km, Chamba 46 km, Brahmkhal 15 km, Barkot 40 km, Sayanachatti 27 km, Hanumanchatti 6km, Phoolchatti 5 km, Jankichatti 3 km and Yamunotri 6 km.

YAMUNOTRI TEMPLE : Built in the 19th century by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur it is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is perched atop the Bandar Poonchh peak. Many interesting legends are related to this place. One of these says that anyone bathing in this river is spared a painful death. The temple contains a silver idol of Yamuna, decked with garlands along with an image of her brother, Yama.

Surya Kund : It is a striking and important thermal spring some kilometers from Yamunotri devoted to the Sun God, the father of Yamuna. Temperature here is higher than the surroundings. The water is so hot that it is used to cook the Prasad. The Surya Kund is also famous for its curative properties.

Divya Shila : The Yamunotri temple is surrounded by thermal springs and the Divya Shila, which literally means heavenly rock. It is a custom to worship this rock before entering the Yamunotri temple.