Yamunotri is a sacred place in Uttarakhand, India, that marks the source of the Yamuna River and is one of the four sites of the Char Dham pilgrimage. It is situated in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) above sea level. Yamunotri is home to the Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, and is a significant spiritual destination for Hindus.
Char Dham is a set of four pilgrimage sites in India that are highly revered by Hindus. It comprises Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, each representing a significant spiritual site in the Himalayas of Uttarakhand. These destinations are visited by thousands of devotees every year who undertake the Char Dham Yatra for spiritual redemption.
The best time to visit Yamunotri is from May to June and from September to November. The temple is usually open from the auspicious day of Akshaya Tritiya (April-May) until Diwali (October-November), after which it remains closed during the winter months due to extreme cold and snowfall.
Yamunotri is accessible by a combination of drive and trek. The nearest town to Yamunotri is Barkot, and the nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, while the closest railway station is in Dehradun or Rishikesh. From Dehradun or Rishikesh, pilgrims can take a bus or taxi to Janki Chatti, which is the last motorable point. From Janki Chatti, there is a 6-kilometer trek to Yamunotri.
Apart from the Yamunotri Temple, key attractions include the hot springs at Janki Chatti, Surya Kund, where pilgrims cook rice as prasad by tying it in a cloth and dipping it in the hot water, and Divya Shila, a rock pillar worshipped before entering the temple.
Yes, there are basic accommodation facilities available in Yamunotri, including ashrams, guesthouses, and Dharamshalas. Since facilities are limited, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during the peak pilgrimage season. More comfortable accommodations can be found in nearby towns like Barkot.
Yes, the government often regulates the yatra to ensure the safety and security of the pilgrims. It's advisable to check the current requirements before planning your trip. A biometric registration called the Yatra Registration or Yatra Pass is mandatory and can be obtained online or at designated centers. Carrying valid ID proof is also essential.
Visitors should be prepared for high-altitude travel including colder temperatures, possible altitude sickness, and the physical demands of trekking. It's crucial to carry warm clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and essential medicines. One should also be prepared for basic living conditions as the amenities in the area are limited.
Medical facilities at Yamunotri are basic. However, during the Char Dham Yatra season, medical camps and emergency services are usually set up by the government along with the route. For more comprehensive medical care, one may need to travel back to Barkot or bigger cities like Dehradun.
No, Yamunotri Temple and the route to it are closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall and harsh weather conditions. The temple typically reopens for pilgrims with the onset of summer around April or May.
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