A Guide for Yamunotri Trek

Yamunotri trek, a trail of spirituality, is located amid the raw beauty of the Himalayan landscapes. As the name reflects, this majestic trek leads to the beautiful temple of Yamunotri Dham. It’s located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand at a height of 3,239 meters.

Among the Chota Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, this temple is believed to be the birthplace of the holy river Yamuna. The trek to the shrine cherishes a great religious significance in Hinduism and extends the chance to experience spirituality and unmatched beauty of mountains. This article is written to throw light on the important details you may need while planning for this religious trek to Yamunotri.

Trek Overview

This pilgrimage covers a trek of around 6 km, starting from Janki Chatti, a serene town serving as the base camp for the Yatra. Coming to the route, your eyes will witness the enchanting beauty of the Himalayan landscapes, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and the Yamuna River.

How to Reach

From the numerous modes of transportation you can select any to reach the starting point of the trek, which is Janki Chatti.

• By Air: If you wish to travel via air, book your tickets to the Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun. It’s approximately 210 km away and may take 6-7 hours to arrive at your destination.
• By Rail: The nearest railway stations to this devotional place are in Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. As you reach here, hire local vehicles such as a bus or taxi to Janki Chatti.
• By Road:  From Metropolitan cities, you can book your slot in private or government buses to reach Rishikesh and then to Janki Chatti.

Route Breakdown

The trek route starts from Janki Chatti and goes through Phool Chatti and Hanuman Chatti. Here’s a quick breakdown with altitude gain, distance, terrain, and trekking time.

Route	Distance (km)	Altitude (m)	Terrain Type	Trekking Time
Janki Chatti to Phool Chatti	3 km	2,650 m – 2,800 m	Gentle climb with numerous small streams, a picturesque village with vibrant flora and fauna	1-2 hours
Phool Chatti to Hanuman Chatti	3 km	2,800 m- 2,900 m	Moderate ascent beside the Yamuna River, and rocky patches	1-2 hours
Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri Temple	3 km	2,900 m- 3,293 m	Steep uphill trek, waterfalls, dense forests, boulder path	2-3 hours

Key Attractions on Yamunotri Trek

The way to this sacred site of Maa Yamuna includes numerous religious sites and tourist attractions with immense charm. Some of them are:

Saptrishi Kund:

Saptarishi Kund, nestled in the Bandarpoonch Mountain range, is said to be the origin of this holi River Yamuna. It’s a glacial lake at a height of 4421 m. Many adventurous people often take a trek here to enjoy the scenic beauty.

Hanuman Chatti:

It is a base camp for numerous breathtaking treks, including Darwa Top and Dodi Tal. People treat this serene village as their peaceful stopover, located amidst the dense forests and streams of river.

Kharsali:

Kharsali is a tiny village considered the winter abode of the Goddess Yamuna. Its majestic environment allures many devotees and hosts several sacred temples. It is elevated at a height of 2,675 m, serving the stunning looks of the Himalayan Landscapes in the backdrop.

Divya Shila:

Near Surya Kund and the Hindu Tirth Yamunotri, there is a Divya Shila, also known as the “Slab of Divine Light.” Its Darshan is considered highly auspicious for the devotees heading towards the temple. This sacred pillar is believed to fulfill your wishes and is really meaningful.

Surya Kund:

Surya Kund is a natural hot spring, and easily accessible from the temple. It enjoys a great spiritual significance where pilgrims take a dip and prepare themselves for the further Darshans of the deity.

Yamunotri Temple:

The primary attraction of the trek is the Yamunotri temple, which enshrines a marble idol of Maa Yamuna in black color. This Dham comes first in the circuit of the Char Dham of Uttarakhand and hence is of high importance.

Tips for a Smooth Trek

For a safe and smooth Trek, we’re suggesting a few tips:

• You should perform acclimation one or two days before the trek to adjust your body in the high-altitude areas.
• Trekkers should engage in regular exercise and maintain their body fitness.
• You should try to begin your trek early as the peak afternoon may bring harsh sunlight and It also gets more crowded.
• On this spiritual trek, you should carry your own water and stay hydrated as it’s a demanding trek, especially while ascending the steep roads.
• Hikers should bring essential items, whether it be Snacks, first-aid kits, extra clothes, trekking poles, sunglasses, sunscreen, rain gear, or toiletries.
• It is good to wear sturdy boots with good balancing qualities to make your entire trek comfortable.
• Pilgrims should layer themselves in woolen clothes to avoid sudden weather changes.
• On this high-altitude Yatra, you should carry enough cash and use ATMs before the remote areas.
• This religious trek is moderate to difficult, involving steep, rocky, and challenging turns. Hence, you must keep your pace to a minimum and not rush.

Conclusion

With the help of this trek guide, we hope you will be able to plan an exciting trip to this spiritual residence of the Goddess Yamuna. Additionally, we believe this hike will be one of the soul-awakening treks and will make a lifetime memory for you to cherish forever. However, it is advised to follow the tips to complete the challenging yatra in the most smooth manner.

• Suggested Tour: Yamunotri Yatra Tour Packages