Yamunotri Dham Route Map – Complete Travel Guide

Yamunotri Dham, the sacred source of the Yamuna River, is one of the Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand. Located in the Garhwal Himalayas at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet), the Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The temple, originally built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus who believe that a dip in the holy waters of the Yamuna purifies the soul and ensures a hassle-free journey to the afterlife.

The journey to Yamunotri Dham is an adventure filled with breathtaking mountain views, dense forests, and sacred rivers. Unlike Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, Yamunotri is only accessible by a trek, which adds to its charm and spiritual significance.

This comprehensive travel guide will help you plan your pilgrimage to Yamunotri, covering route maps, distances, travel options, and must-visit places along the way.

In This Blog

How to Reach Yamunotri Dham?

Yamunotri is not directly accessible by road, and pilgrims must trek 6 km from Janki Chatti to reach the temple. The best way to reach Yamunotri is via Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun, from where one can travel by road up to Janki Chatti and then trek to the temple.

Modes of Travel to Yamunotri

By Air – Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (210 km)
By Train – Nearest railway station: Rishikesh Railway Station (183 km)
By Road – Taxis, buses, and private vehicles are available up to Janki Chatti.
By Trek/Pony/Doli – 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple.

Yamunotri Route Map & Distance Guide

The Delhi to Yamunotri route is approximately 430 km, and the final 6 km trek from Janki Chatti can be completed on foot or using ponies, palkis, or mules.

Detailed Route Map with Distance & Major Stops

Destination	Distance (km)	Estimated Travel Time
Delhi to Haridwar	206 km	5-6 hours
Haridwar to Rishikesh	24 km	1 hour
Rishikesh to Narendra Nagar	16 km	45 minutes
Narendra Nagar to Chamba	40 km	2 hours
Chamba to Barkot	75 km	3.5 hours
Barkot to Sayana Chatti	28 km	1.5 hours
Sayana Chatti to Hanuman Chatti	5 km	20 minutes
Hanuman Chatti to Janki Chatti	4 km	20 minutes
Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple (Trek)	6 km	2-3 hours
Total Distance (Delhi to Yamunotri)	430 km	14-16 hours (approx.) + 6 km trek

New Trekking Route to Yamunotri

The trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri is well-paved and offers scenic views of the Himalayas, waterfalls, and lush greenery.

Trekking Route	Distance (km)	Estimated Time
Janki Chatti to Phool Chatti	2 km	45 minutes
Phool Chatti to Hanuman Chatti	2 km	45 minutes
Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri Temple	2 km	1 hour
Total Trek Distance	6 km	2-3 hours

Alternative Travel Options for the Trek

Pony/Mule Ride: ₹1,500 – ₹2,500 per person (one way).
Doli/Palanquin: ₹3,500 – ₹5,000 per person (one way).
Helicopter Services: Available from Dehradun to Kharsali, then a 5 km trek to Yamunotri.

Places to Visit Near Yamunotri

Along the way to Yamunotri, there are several sacred and scenic locations worth visiting.

1. Janki Chatti (6 km before Yamunotri)

The starting point of the trek to Yamunotri.
Famous for hot water springs where pilgrims bathe before the trek.

2. Hanuman Chatti (4 km before Janki Chatti)

A scenic stopover with stunning views of the Yamuna River.
Named after Lord Hanuman, it serves as a resting point for trekkers.

3. Surya Kund (Near Yamunotri Temple)

A naturally boiling hot water spring.
Devotees cook rice and potatoes in the water as prasadam for Goddess Yamuna.

4. Divya Shila (Near Yamunotri Temple)

A sacred rock that pilgrims worship before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

5. Kharsali Village (Nearby Helicopter Landing Point)

Known as “Winter Seat of Goddess Yamuna” when the temple is closed.
Home to ancient wooden temples and apple orchards.

Best Time to Visit Yamunotri Dham

The temple remains open for six months (May to November) due to heavy snowfall in winter.

Season	Best Months	Weather Condition	Pilgrimage Experience
Summer	May – June	Pleasant (10-20°C)	Best time for darshan
Monsoon	July – September	Heavy rains, landslides possible	Travel can be risky
Autumn	September – November	Cool and clear weather	Ideal for spiritual seekers
Winter	December – April	Temple closed due to snowfall	Not accessible

Accommodation Near Yamunotri

Since Yamunotri is in a high-altitude region, accommodations are limited to guesthouses, dharamshalas, and budget hotels in Barkot, Hanuman Chatti, and Janki Chatti.

Best Places to Stay

Hotel Name	Location	Price Range (per night)
GMVN Tourist Rest House	Janki Chatti	₹800 – ₹2,500
Yamunotri Cottages	Barkot	₹2,000 – ₹4,000
Camp Nirvana	Kharsali	₹3,500 – ₹5,000
Hotel Devbhoomi	Hanuman Chatti	₹1,500 – ₹3,000

Essential Travel Tips for Yamunotri Yatra

Book accommodations and transport in advance, especially during peak season.
Carry warm clothes, even in summer, as temperatures drop significantly at night.
Avoid traveling during monsoons due to landslides and roadblocks.
Start the trek early in the morning to complete it comfortably.
Carry energy bars, water, and basic medicines for the trek.
Respect local customs and temple rules while performing rituals.

Conclusion

A journey to Yamunotri Dham is a blend of spirituality, adventure, and natural beauty. Whether you travel by train, road, or helicopter, the route to Yamunotri offers picturesque landscapes, sacred sites, and a deep sense of devotion.

By following this updated travel guide, you can plan a safe and memorable Yamunotri Yatra, seeking Goddess Yamuna’s blessings in the heart of the Himalayas.

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Yamunotri Dham Route Map: Complete Travel Guide