8 Top Tourist Places to Visit in Yamunotri

At a distance of 5 km from Janki Chatti, 13 km from Hanuman Chatti, 46 km from Uttarkashi and 50 km from Barkot, Yamunotri Temple is situated in the western region of Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3293 m in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

The temple, perched atop Bandarpunch parvat, is the first place to visit in Chota Char Dham circuit. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and has a black marble idol of the goddess. The temple of Yamuna, on the left bank of the Yamuna, was first built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the early 19th century. The temple was damaged in the earth quakes of 1923 and 1982. But it was subsequently rebuilt by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, who was the ruler of this region.

According to the ancient legend, Yamunotri is also believed to be the residence of sage Asit, who bathed daily both in the Ganges and the Yamuna. Unable to go to Gangotri during his old age, a stream of .....

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Surya Kund is one of the most important thermal springs located near the temple of Yamunotri. This hot water spring gets its name from Yamuna River which is considered to be the offspring of Surya, believed to be the father of Yamuna. The presence of this thermal spring bordered by snow-covered mountain peaks adds to the divine significance of the place. Many pilgrims visit this spring to get refreshed and prepare Prasad for the offering to the temple.

Surya Kund serves as a holy place. The temperature of Surya Kund is estimated to be around 88°C. Pilgrims prepares Prasad out of potatoes or rice mixed with salt and ties it in a cloth. Then it is dipped into the hot spring where it gets boiled. This Prasad is offered to the temple deity after which the remaining is taken back home by the devotees.

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At a distance of 1 km from Janki Chatti, 9 km from Hanuman Chatti and 6 km from Yamunotri, Kharsali is a little village located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Situated at an elevation of 2675 m above the sea level, Kharsali is known as the home of Goddess Yamuna during winters when the Yamunotri Shrine becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall.

The place is a popular picnic spot among the travellers because of its natural surroundings covered with natural springs and waterfalls. Kharsali also houses the oldest Shani Dev Temple of India. The idol of Goddess Yamuna is kept at the Shani Dev Temple during the winter season. The temple is a three-storied structure made up of stones, wood and mortar. The temple has withstood several earthquakes and other natural calamities since ages. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas. The Bronze idol of Lord Shani Dev is kept here along with the Chaaya, the Sangya .....

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At a distance of 10 km from Yamunotri Temple, Saptarishi Kund is the original source of Yamuna River fed by Champasar Glacier situated in the upper parts of the massif created by Bandarpunch Mountain. It is an ideal place for trekking near Yamunotri for 2-3 days.

Saptrishi Kund is about a half km in diameter, and its water is dark blue in color, The water of the nearby glaciers gathers in this lake. On the banks of Saptrishi Kund Lake, there are naturally created slate stones. The rare Brahma Lotus grows here. It is believed that seven great Rishis Kasyapa, Atri, Bharadwaj, Viswamitra, Gautama, Jamadagni, and Vasistha performed penance at Saptrishi Lake in ancient times.

The Saptrishi Kund is located amidst magnificent and enchanting surroundings of the lofty rock strewn glaciers. This scenic spot lies at an altitude of 4421 m. Trek to Saptrishi Kund is considered to be one of the most difficult treks in the Himalayas. The .....

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At a distance of 9 km from Yamunotri, Bali Pass Trek is one of the least explored treks in the Indian Himalayan region that connects Har Ki Dun Valley with Yamunotri. It is one of the best and tough treks in Uttarakhand.

Bali Pass is situated at an elevation of about 4,800 m in the Garhwal Himalayan region and was an old route from the Tons river valley to the Yamuna river valley. It continues to attract trekkers during the monsoon season when the snow melts and the pass is approachable. The pass is more approachable from the Har Ki Dun valley as the gradient is small.

The Bali Pass trek commences from Sankri, which is approximately 153 km from Mussoorie and 130 km from Yamunotri by road. The trekking trail stretches for approximately 7-8 days with elevation ranging from 1,900 m to 4,800 m, passing through the charming Har Ki Dun valley. The trail runs through Govind National Park, which houses several colorful orchards, .....

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At a distance of 5 km from Yamunotri and 8 km from Hanuman Chatti, Janki Chatti is a small town located on the way to Yamunotri Temple in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.

Janki Chatti is perched at an elevation of about 2650 m above the sea level and is famous for its many hot water springs. Taking a dip in the hot water from these springs is considered very sacred, before visiting the Yamunotri. This area encompasses the last village in the region and the pilgrims are provided with moderate accommodation facilities here. The town is surrounded by mountains offering scenic views.

Janki Chatti town is very famous among tourists who travel to the region of Yamunotri during Char Dham Yatra and most pilgrims take a night halt. Previously the starting point of the trek to reach Yamunotri was Hanuman Chatti but now jeeps are available up to Janki Chatti. Ponies and palanquins are available at Janki Chatti.

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At a distance of 13 km from Yamunotri, 8 km from Janki Chatti and 36 km from Barkot, Hanuman Chatti is a small hamlet on the way to Yamunotri in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna Rivers, Hanuman Chatti used to be a halting place for pilgrims during their Char Dham Yatra. Hanuman Chatti lies at an altitude of 2400 m and it is a serene place offering good accommodation facilities. The river side scenic beauty at Hanuman Chatti acts as a perfect place to experience nature and countryside.

There are many small temples in the region, the most noteworthy temple is the one dedicated to Hanuman. Within the interiors of the temple there is an impressive image of Lord Hanuman carrying a mountain. To the left of the temple there is a Samadhi of Himalaya Giri, a saint who lived and meditated in Hanuman Chatti. On top of the shrine there is a Shiva Linga.

Hanuman Chatti is also .....

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At a distance of 50 km from Yamunotri and 61 km from Uttarkashi, Barkot is a hill town located on the banks of the Yamuna River in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Situated at an elevation of 1220 m above sea level, Barkot is one of the popular places of tourism in Uttarakhand state.

Barkot is known for its scenic beauty and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains of Bandarpunch and other beautiful mountain peaks of the Himalayas. Barkot is an important stopover en route Yamunotri and Gangotri, among the four Chota Char Dham pilgrimages. It is an ideal holidaying and adventure destination as the place offers many trekking excursions and white water rafting opportunities. The ravishing landscapes, gushing water of the sacred Yamuna River and apple orchards attract the tourists in large number.

The best time to visit Barkot is between the months of April and October. Snowfall during winters changes this picturesque .....

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