Yamunotri

Yamunotri is the source of River Yamuna, situated 30 km from Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand. It is one of the most revered pilgrimages in India, part of the famous Chhota Char Dham yatra (including Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath). The main attraction here is the Yamunotri Temple dedicated to Ma Yamuna.

Yamunotri has to be reached by a 6 km trek which starts from Jankichatti. The 2.5 hours trek can be done on foot, mule, palanquin or pithoo (carrier). The yatra to Yamunotri is usually completed in one day.

Yamunotri temple remains open for 6 months each year. On Akshya Tritiya, the idol of Ma Yamuna is shifted to the Yamunotri Temple from Khushimath. On Bhai Dooj, the idol is returned to Khushimath for the next 6 months. The opening of Yamunotri Temple marks the beginning of Char Dham yatra each year. The temple remains open from 6 AM - 8 PM. Aarti Timing is 6:30 AM and 7:30 PM.

The other attractions at Yamunotri are the Tapta Kunda (where the pilgrims take a bath before visiting the temple), Draupadi Kunda, Surya Kunda, and Divya Shila. According to Hindu mythology, the devotees who do this pilgrimage with utmost devotion and purity are relieved from the cycle of life and death.