Yamunotri Dham, Uttarakhand – Timings & Travel Guide

About Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri Dham is one of the most sacred Hindu pilgrimage destinations in India, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand in the Garhwal Himalayas. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and is situated at an altitude of approximately 3,293 metres above sea level.

Yamunotri is one of the four sacred shrines of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra, along with Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. It is regarded as the source region of the sacred Yamuna River and is the westernmost shrine of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Surrounded by majestic Himalayan peaks, glaciers and valleys, Yamunotri Dham attracts devotees and travellers from across India and around the world.

Quick Facts

Highlights

• One of the four sacred shrines of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra
• Revered temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna
• Located at approximately 3,293 metres in the Garhwal Himalayas
• Associated with the sacred source region of the Yamuna River
• Surrounded by spectacular Himalayan peaks and valleys
• Sacred Surya Kund natural hot water spring
• Divya Shila, an important sacred rock worshipped by devotees
• A scenic pilgrimage trek from Janki Chatti to the temple
• One of the most important spiritual destinations in Uttarakhand

Darshan, Timings & Rituals

Yamunotri Temple is open to pilgrims during the annual Char Dham Yatra season and remains closed during the winter months because of extreme weather conditions in the Himalayas.

Darshan: Darshan is available during designated temple hours during the pilgrimage season. The exact daily opening, closing and darshan schedule may change according to the season and official temple arrangements.

Special Rituals: Daily पूजा, bhog and aarti are performed for Goddess Yamuna according to traditional religious practices. Devotees traditionally worship Divya Shila before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

Surya Kund: Surya Kund is a sacred natural hot water spring near the temple. Devotees traditionally cook rice and potatoes in the hot water and offer them as prasad.

Important: The 2026 Yamunotri Dham pilgrimage season opened on 19 April 2026. Temple timings, darshan arrangements, registration requirements and travel guidelines may change, so visitors should always check the latest official information before beginning their journey.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Yamunotri Dham is generally during the annual pilgrimage season when the temple is open to devotees.

May and June are generally among the most popular months for the Yamunotri Yatra because of comparatively favourable weather conditions. September and October can also be suitable for pilgrimage after the main monsoon period, subject to weather and road conditions.

July and August can experience heavy rainfall and landslides in parts of Uttarakhand, so travellers should carefully monitor weather forecasts and official travel advisories before planning their journey during the monsoon season.

Winter conditions in the Yamunotri region are extremely cold, and the main temple remains closed during the annual winter closure period.

How to Reach

By Air: Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun is the nearest major airport for travellers visiting Yamunotri. From Dehradun, pilgrims continue their journey towards Barkot and Janki Chatti by road.

By Train: Dehradun, Haridwar and Rishikesh are important railway gateways for travellers visiting Yamunotri. From these locations, pilgrims can continue their journey by road towards Barkot and Janki Chatti.

By Road: Yamunotri is reached by road up to Janki Chatti, the main last motorable point for the pilgrimage route. From Janki Chatti, pilgrims continue towards Yamunotri Temple on foot. Ponies, palkis and other authorised services may be available for pilgrims who require assistance.

The exact road and trekking route can be affected by weather conditions and official arrangements, so travellers should check the latest route status before beginning the Yamunotri Yatra.

Suggested Itinerary

Day 1: Travel towards Barkot or Janki Chatti and rest before beginning the Yamunotri pilgrimage journey. Depending on your travel schedule, explore the scenic surroundings and prepare for the trek.

Day 2: Begin the journey towards Yamunotri Temple from Janki Chatti, complete Darshan of Goddess Yamuna and visit important sacred places including Surya Kund and Divya Shila. Return towards Janki Chatti after completing the pilgrimage.

Explore Nearby

Janki Chatti: An important pilgrimage base for travellers visiting Yamunotri and the main last motorable point before continuing towards the temple.

Surya Kund: A sacred natural hot water spring near Yamunotri Temple where devotees traditionally prepare offerings as prasad.

Divya Shila: A sacred rock near the Yamunotri Temple that devotees traditionally worship before entering the main shrine.

Kharsali: An important spiritual destination associated with Goddess Yamuna and regarded as her winter seat during the period when Yamunotri Temple remains closed.

Hanuman Chatti: A scenic destination on the Yamunotri travel route and an important base for travellers and trekking enthusiasts.

Barkot: A popular town and important stop for pilgrims travelling towards Yamunotri, offering accommodation and travel facilities.

Where to Stay

Find comfortable stays near Barkot, Janki Chatti and along the Yamunotri travel route, with convenient accommodation options for pilgrims visiting Yamunotri Dham.

Explore Trusted Stays Near Yamunotri →

Festivals

Yamunotri Dham holds special religious significance throughout the annual Char Dham Yatra season. The opening ceremony of the temple on the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya is one of the most important events associated with the shrine.

During the annual winter closure period, the religious traditions associated with Goddess Yamuna continue at Kharsali, which is regarded as the winter seat of the deity.

Special pujas, aartis and religious rituals are performed during the pilgrimage season according to traditional Hindu customs and official temple arrangements.

Travel Tips

• Check the latest official Yamunotri Temple opening dates, travel guidelines and route conditions before starting your journey.
• Complete any required Char Dham Yatra registration according to the latest Uttarakhand Government guidelines.
• Start your journey early, especially if you are completing the trek from Janki Chatti.
• Carry warm clothing, a raincoat and suitable trekking footwear.
• Check weather forecasts regularly because Himalayan weather conditions can change quickly.
• Avoid unnecessary travel during severe weather conditions or official road closures.
• Carry drinking water, essential medicines and light snacks for the journey.
• Allow sufficient time for the trek and avoid rushing at high altitude.
• Ponies, palkis and other assistance services may be available for pilgrims who need support during the journey.
• Follow all instructions issued by local authorities, police and pilgrimage administration.
• Respect the religious traditions and protect the natural Himalayan environment.
• Book accommodation and transport in advance during the peak Char Dham Yatra season.

FAQs

Where is Yamunotri Dham located?

Yamunotri Dham is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 3,293 metres.

Which deity is worshipped at Yamunotri Temple?

Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is revered as the divine personification of the sacred Yamuna River.

Is Yamunotri part of the Char Dham Yatra?

Yes, Yamunotri is one of the four sacred shrines of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra, along with Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath.

What is Yamunotri Dham famous for?

Yamunotri Dham is famous as the sacred source region of the Yamuna River, the temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and one of the four important shrines of the Uttarakhand Char Dham Yatra.

When does Yamunotri Temple open?

Yamunotri Temple opens annually for the Char Dham pilgrimage season, traditionally around the auspicious occasion of Akshaya Tritiya. For 2026, the temple opened on 19 April 2026. Visitors should check official announcements for future opening dates.

What is the best time to visit Yamunotri?

The best time to visit Yamunotri is generally during the pilgrimage season when the temple is open. May and June are popular months, while September and October can also be suitable depending on weather and road conditions.

How can I reach Yamunotri Dham?

Travellers can reach the Yamunotri region by air, train and road. The journey continues by road towards Janki Chatti, followed by a pilgrimage trek to Yamunotri Temple.

How many days are enough for a Yamunotri visit?

One day can be sufficient for the Yamunotri pilgrimage from a nearby base such as Barkot or Janki Chatti, while two days allow a more comfortable travel schedule and better preparation for the journey.