POINT OF EXPERIENCE
dear travelers I have been to Yamunotri and sharing my experience with you to know more about the very beautiful and soulful place. visit this place where you feel free and feel like nature stands around you.
Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna river and the seat of the goddess Yamuna in Hinduism. it is situated at an altitude of 3 ,293 meters (10 ,804 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas and located approximately 30 kilometers (19 mi) north of Uttarkashi" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttarkashi">Uttarkashi , the headquarters of the Uttarkashi district in the Garhwal division of Uttarakhand" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uttarakhand">Uttarakhand , India. it is one of the four sites in India's Chhota char Dham pilgrimage. the sacred shrine of Yamunotri , source of the river Yamuna , is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas , perched atop a flank of Bandar Poonch parvat. the chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the goddess Yamuna and the holy Thermal springs at Janki Chatti (7 km. away).
the actual source , a frozen lake of ice and glacier (champasar glacier) located on the kalind mountain at a height of 4 ,421 m above sea level , about 1 km further up , is not frequented generally as it is not accessible; hence the shrine has been located on the foot of the hill. the approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims , therefore , offer puja at the temple itself.
the temple of Yamuna , on the left bank of the Yamuna , was constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri-garhwal">Tehri Garhwal. the deity is made of black marble. the Yamuna , like the Ganges , has been elevated to the status of a divine mother for the Hindus and has been held responsible for nurturing and developing the Indian civilization.close to the temple are hot water springs gushing out from the mountain cavities. Surya kund is the most important kund. near the Surya kund , there is a shila called Divya shila , which is worshipped before puja is offered to the deity. devotees prepare rice and potatoes , tied in a muslin cloth , to offer at the shrine by dipping them in these hot water springs. rice so cooked is taken back home as prasadam. the pujaris of Yamunotri come from the village of Pharsalia near Janki Chatti. they are the administrators of the sacred place and perform religious rites. they are well-versed in the Shastras. According to the ancient legend , sage Asit Muni had his hermitage here. All his life , he bathed daily in the Ganges and the Yamuna. Unable to go to Gangotri during his old age , a stream of the Ganges appeared opposite Yamunotri for him.
The temple and the place open every year on the auspicious day of the Akshaya Tritiya , which generally falls during the last week of April , or the first week of May. The temple always closes on the sacred day of Diwali in mid-October - the first week of November , with a brief ceremony. The temple staff returns to their villages and for the rest of the time , the valley is gripped in no-man silence and covered with a white sheet of snow. With the melting of the snow next summer , the temple re-opens.
Sangya is the birthplace of the Yamuna in the Champasar Glacier (4 ,421 m) just below the Banderpoonch Mountain. The mountain adjacent to the river source is dedicated to her father and is called Kalind Parvat , (Kalind being another name for the sun deity - Surya). The Yamuna is known for her frivolousness , a trait that she developed because , according to a common Story , Yamuna's mother could never make eye contact with her dazzling husband.
BEST TIME TO EXPLORE
it is well known amongst the regular travelers that hold pleasant weather the years round however , the first time explorer should plan to visit between June and September as the temperature is conductive and the various services are easily available. one has to make small preparations like carrying warmers , chargers , and power banks for the mobiles , necessary medicines , etc , and above all comfortable footwear.
HOW TO REACH Yamunotri
Yamunotri is not directly connected to the rest of India by any means. some 198 km away is the jolly grant airport in Dehradun , which is the nearest airport that connects Yamunotri to the rest of India. the nearest railway station to Joshimath is in Rishikesh which is 210 km away from Yamunotri. from there , you have to avail of either private taxis or buses plying on the route. we can access Yamunotri through the road as the Yamunotri bus terminal is directly connected to all the major cities in the country. road travel is now is highly facilitated yet safety is a major concern. landslides and road accidents occur regularly the road to Yamunotri. the motorized transport from Joshimath onwards has to move in convoys and the road is closed at night.
PLACES TO VISIT IN Yamunotri
Yamunotri temple
Dedicated to the holy Goddess Yamuna , the Yamunotri temple is a prime attraction of the ancient town of Yamunotri , considered the birthplace of the sacred river Yamuna. It is one of the main sights for pilgrims undertaking the Chota Char Dham Yatra pilgrimage of Uttarakhand. The temple and the town are nestled high up , at an altitude of 3 ,293 m above sea level , within the western side of the grand mountain range of the Garhwal Himalayas. One will be entranced by the beautiful temple surrounded by the enormous mountain peaks , surreal glaciers , and the exquisite water of the glorious river Yamuna. The river Yamuna is considered the second most sacred river after the river Ganga. It is believed that the clear waters of this pristine river will wash away the sins of those who bathe in it and protect them from an untimely and painful death. The river flows through a side of the temple , which houses a giant black marble stone idol of the great Goddess. Found at the foot of the Kalind Mountain and by the side of the Banderpooch Mountain , the surroundings of this temple combine the lush mountain greenery with the flowing river in the creek to provide an alluring sight indeed. Close to the temple lie natural hot springs gushing from the majestic mountains , an addition to this already picturesque spot making it worth the somewhat exhausting trek. The actual source of the Yamuna river lies ahead of this site at an altitude of 4 ,421 m above sea level , requiring the visitors to trek up the mountain for a couple of kilometers. However , to witness the birthplace of one of the most magnificent and famed rivers of the country would make this trip worth it.
HANUMAN CHATTI
A base camp for some of the most exciting and major trekking trails in the Himalayan Mountains , Hanuman Chatti is a place of profound scenic beauty. It acts as a base for treks to Yamunotri , Dodi Tal , and Darwa Top , making it a hub for trekking in the state. It is situated at an altitude of about 2400 meters at the confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna River. Hanuman Chatti is a base camp for the famous Char Dham Yatra into Yamunotri is also popular for offering some great treks to nearby peaks. Located in beauteous surroundings in the look of the Mighty Himalayan Mountains , Hanuman Chatti is a great place for seeking relaxation and adventure.
SAPTRISHI KUND
A popular natural lake atop 4421 meters , it is considered to be where the Yamuna originates. You can trek the 10 km path from Yamunotri , preferably with a guide. You will also meet many exotic birds and glaciers on your way.
SURYA KUND
This hot water spring is dedicated to the Sun God , believed to be the father of Yamuna. It also consists of a hot water spring at a temperature of 1900 F. Devotees often fasten rice and potatoes in a cotton cloth , and dip it in the water to be cooked. This cooked food is then offered to the temple.
Best Yamunotri Tour Packages
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Yamunotri ?
Around the year the weather for Yamunotri is quite soothing and you will feel that mild cold breeze. However, as this place is known for its heavy rainfall which causes landslides hence the best time would be between September to May during the winter season and some part of summer before the monsoon arrives.
What are the best things to do in Yamunotri ?
Well, there are a lot of adventure activities in which all you can indulge like trekking, hiking, swimming, Zip-lining, Rope sliding, wildlife Safari and many more.
How many days should I plan for Yamunotri ?
Ans) You can plan your trip for 4 days would be enough for you to explore Yamunotri and cover the majority of renowned places in the town. If you wish to extend your trip furthermore this town always welcomes you to stay as long as you can.
