How To Reach Yamunotri Temple: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Yamunotri is a significant pilgrimage site located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, in the Uttarkashi district, at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) above sea level.  The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, considered the Origin of the Yamuna River. It is a part of the sacred Char Dham Yatra, considered the first stop of the yatra, and it is also renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including natural hot springs and mountains. Due to its great significance, many tourists visit the Yamunotri temple to seek the divine blessing of the Goddess Yamuna. 

Today, I’m going to guide you on the most common question asked by many pilgrims: how to reach Yamunotri, covering distance, travel time, travel options and travel tips for a safe and smooth journey to Yamunotri. So let’s start. 

Quick Facts about Yamunotri Temple

Overview—How to reach Yamunotri:

Yamunotri is accessible by air, train, and road, but there is no direct connectivity to the temple itself. The final stretch involves a trek. Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Uttarkashi are the major transport hubs to Yamunotri, which is the actual starting point of your journey. Janki Chatti, serving as the base for the Yamunotri trek,  is the last motorable head to Yamunotri. 

Here is a detailed guide on how to reach Yamunotri from major cities or towns, like Delhi, Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Gangotri. 

How To Reach Yamunotri From Major Cities

Below is a complete Guide on how to reach Yamunotri from cities/Towns like Delhi, Haridwar, Dehradun, Rishikesh, Uttarkashi and Gangotri. 

How To Reach Yamunotri from Delhi

Delhi to Yamunotri is a multi-stage journey, which involves travel by road, air, or train or a mix of those and a final approach trek. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reach Yamunotri from Delhi with all the possible transport options, travel distance and travel time.   

Delhi to Yamunotri By Road via bus, car and Taxi

Delhi to Yamunotri by road is a scenic journey, considered the most direct way to reach Yamunotri from Delhi. Details of the Journey from Delhi to Yamunotri are as follows.

Delhi to Yamunotri Distance: The  Delhi to Yamunotri distance by road is approximately 425 km till Janki Chatti (you can also refer Janki Chatti Travel Guide for more details) + 6 km trek. 

Travel Time: Takes 14-15 hours of road travel and 4-5 hours of trekking. 

Route Details: Delhi → Haridwar/Rishikesh → Barkot → Janki Chatti

Travel Options: 

Delhi to Yamunotri By Bus:

There is no direct bus from Delhi to Yamunotri; you must travel to the nearby town of Haridwar or Rishikesh, and from there you need to transfer to another bus or taxi to reach Janki Chatti. Here is a breakdown of Delhi to Yamunotri by bus.

 Step 1: Delhi to Haridwar: Take a bus from Delhi’s ISBT Kashmiri Gate to Haridwar or Rishikesh. Approximately, the distance is 250 km, taking 4-5 hours. 

Step 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh to Janki Chatti: From any of these cities, take another bus or taxi to Janki Chatti, which is about 232 km from Rishikesh and 257 km from Haridwar.

Step 3: Trek to Yamunotri from Janki Chatti: Janki Chatti is the last motorable point and base for the Yamunotri temple trek. From there, you must undertake a trek to the main temple. 

Note: There is no direct bus to Janki Chatti from Haridwar/Rishikesh. UTC buses run to Barkot. From there, you need to hire a shared taxi to reach Janki Chatti. 

Alternative transport option:

Delhi to Yamunotri by Car/taxi: You can also reach Yamunotri from Delhi by car or private taxi, which demands a lot of patience and time. 

Tip for road travellers: Depart early from Delhi to avoid city traffic and also avoid driving after sunset. Prefer to cover this distance in three days and take night stay at Dehradun and Janki chatti for a comfortable journey.

Fare Details:

Delhi To Yamunotri Bus Ticket Price

Note: There is no direct bus from Delhi to Yamunotri. 

• Bus ticket price from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh: The estimated bus ticket price from Delhi to Haridwar/Rishikesh ranges from ₹600 to ₹1600, depending on bus type, like sleeper or semi-sleeper. 

• Bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Yamunotri (Janki Chatti): The price of a local bus from Haridwar/Rishikesh to Janki Chatti ranges between ₹800 and 1600 per person. 

The total bus fare from Delhi to Yamunotri ranges from ₹1600 to ₹ 4000 per person.

How To Reach Yamunotri From Delhi By Train 

Reaching Yamunotri by train from Delhi is the most economical option. But there is no train to Yamunotri itself. Haridwar and Rishikesh are the nearest railheads to Yamunotri. From there, you need to travel by road. Here is a brief about Delhi to Yamunotri by train. 

Step 1: Delhi To Haridwar/Rishikesh

Popular Train from Delhi To Haridwar/Rishikesh

Step 2: Haridwar/Rishikesh To Yamunotri Base Camp:

From the Haridwar/Rishikesh railway station, you need to travel by road to reach the Yamunotri base camp. You can hire a bus or taxi to reach Janki Chatti. 

Final Step: Janki Chatti to Yamonotri Temple: 

From Janki Chatti, embark on a 6 km trek to the Yamunotri temple. 

By Air (Flight + Road or Helicopter)

Air travel is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Yamunotri. There are two options to reach Yamunotri by air: one is completely by air, and the second one is a combination of flight and road. Let’s discuss each option one by one. 

Option 1: Complete Air Travel + Trek

• Fly from Delhi to Dehradun: firstly, take a flight from Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport to Dehradun’s Jolly Grant Airport. 

• Dehradun to Yamunotri helipad: During the pilgrimage season, helicopter service is available for Yamunotri, along with the complete Char Dham Tour, not just for Yamunotri. Kharsali helipad is nearest to Yamunotri, which is about 500 meters from Janki Chatti. From there, you need to trek to reach the temple. 

Option 2: Flight + Road

• Fly from Delhi to Dehradun: Fly to Dehradun airport from Delhi’s IGI Airport. 

• Road Travel from Airport: From Dehradun Airport, hire a taxi or jeep to Janki Chatti. 

• Final Stretch: The motorable journey ends in Janki Chatti; from there, embark on a trek for the final leg of the journey. 

 

How To Reach Yamunotri From Haridwar

Haridwar is one of the major hubs of Uttarakhand, serving as a gateway for the pilgrims to Char Dham, Do Dham, Kedarnath yatra and many pilgrimage circuits. Many travellers start their spiritual journey from Haridwar. Here is a breakdown of how to reach Yamunotri from Haridwar with travel options, distance, route and fare details. 

Route detail:

The road journey from Haridwar to Yamunotri follows the NH-507 route, which passes via many scenic towns, including Rishikesh, Narand Nagar, Chamba, etc., providing scenic views of the mountains. 

Hardiwar → Rishikesh → Narendra Nagar → Chamba → New Tehri → Barkot → Hanuman Chatti → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri

Distance: 

Haridwar to Yamunotri distance: The road distance from Haridwar to Yamunotri till Janki Chatti is approximately 250 km, and a 6 km trek. 

Travel Time: Takes 7-9 hours for road travel and 5-6 hours for trekking. 

Travel Options: Bus, Taxi or Jeep

Haridwar to Yamunotri by Bus: 

Step 1: Haridwar to Barkot via bus:

There is no direct bus for this route.  Buses run till Barot; take a bus from ISBT Haridwar to Barkot. From there, you need to hire a shared taxi or jeep to the Yamunotri base camp. 

Operators: Government, like the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation (UTC), and private operators, like the Garhwal Motor Owners Union, provide buses for this route. 

Fare: A Bus Ticket from Haridwar to Yamunotri will cost you around ₹400 to 1200. 

Bus Timings: Buses typically depart early in the morning at 7.00 a.m. 

Step 2: Barkot to Janki Chatti: from Barkot, take a shared jeep or taxi to cover the remaining distance to Janki Chatti.

Final Step: Trek to Yamunotri temple: After reaching Janki Chatti, embark on a trek to the Yamunotri temple.

Option 2: Direct Taxi from Haridwar

Hiring a direct taxi from Haridwar is the most comfortable and convenient way to reach Yamunotri, but the common question raised is, How to go to Yamunotri by taxi from Haridwar?  Here is an answer to it. 

Take a taxi from the Haridwar taxi stand to  Janki Chatti. The journey from Haridwar to Janki Chatti is around 250 km and takes almost 7-9 hours, depending on road conditions. 

Cost of taxi from Haridwar to Janki Chatti: The fare of a direct taxi from Haridwar to Janki Chatti depends on taxi type (sedan or SUV), service (one-way or round trip), and travel time. Here is the estimated cost of a taxi from Haridwar to Rishikesh. 

Booking: You can hire a taxi directly from the taxi stand or book online through websites like CabBazaar. 

Final Step: The motorable road ends in Janki Chatti, and from there, the trek starts.

How to Reach Yamunotri from Dehradun

Dehradun is the fastest road route to reach Yamunotri; you can easily reach Yamunotri by hiring taxis or taking a bus from Dehradun. Here is a breakdown on how to reach Yamunotri from Dehradun. 

Route: The route from Dehradun to Yamunotri (Janki Chatti) is very scenic and short compared to the Haridwar and Rishikesh route. 

Dehradun → Mussoorie → Kempty Falls → Nainbagh → Damta → Barkot → Janki Chatti

Distance: 

The road distance from Dehradun to Janki Chatti is around 180 km, and a 6 km trek

Travel time: 6-7 hours for the drive and 4-5 hours for the trek.
 

Travel Options:

There are two options to reach Yamunotri from Dehradun: First is by road and trek, and the second is by helicopter. Let’s know both options one by one. 

Option 1 

By road and trek: 

• By Taxi/Cab: The most comfortable way to reach Yamunotri is to hire a taxi or cab from the Dehradun taxi stand to Janki Chatti. Taxis are available from Dheraudn airport and taxi stands. The price of a one-way taxi ranges from 6,000 to 8,000, depending on vehicle type. 

• By Bus: Direct buses from Dehradun may not be available. The mussies bus stand is the nearest bus station; you can take a bus from there to Janki Chatti. 

Trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri: from Janki Chatti, you must head on a 6 km trek, which you can cover by trekking on foot or by hiring a Pony/Palki service.

Option 2:

By Helicopter:

People who have a shortage of time or want the fastest access to the Yamunotri temple,  hiring a helicopter is the most convenient option.  Helicopter service is available from Dehradun’s Sahastradhara Helipad to Kharsali Helipad, near Janki Chatti, from there trek to the Yamunotri temple. 

How To Reach Yamunotri From Rishikesh

Rishikesh, the Yoga Capital of the world, is another major route for travel to Yamunotri. In addition to that it is also it is also famous as a pilgrimage spot and especially for adventure activities like Rishikesh river rafting. It is the most common method chosen by many travellers. The journey from Rishikesh to Yamunotri involves a 220 km road trip to Janki Chatti and a 6 km trek for the final leg. Here is a detailed guide on how to reach Yamunotri from Rishikesh.

Route: The efficient route for this journey is—

Rishikesh → Narendranagar → Chamba → Brahmkhal → Barkot → Sayanachatti → Hanumanchatti → Janki Chatti

Distance: 

Rishikesh to Yamunotri Distance: The distance from Rishikesh to Yamunotri is approximately 220 km by road and a 6 km trek. 

Travel Time: 7-8 hours for the drive and 5-6 hours for the trek

Stage 1: Rishikesh to Janki Chatti Road Travel

Travel Options: Bus, Taxi, Shared Jeeps

Rishikesh to Yamunotri by bus: 

The bus is the most economical option. Take a bus from ISBT Rishikesh to Bakot; from there, hire a shared taxi to Janki Chatti. 

• Operators: UTC government and private, such as Royal services and Devbhoomi travels, provide regular buses on this route during the yatra season.

• Boarding Time: early in the morning, around 7.00 a.m. 

• Approx. fare: The bus from Rishikesh to Barkot will cost you around 700 to 1200 per person, and a shared jeep from Barkot to Janki Chatti will cost you around 150 per person. 

Rishikesh To Yamunotri By Taxi and Shared Jeep:

Taxi is a comfortable way to travel from Rishikesh to Yamunotri; you can hire a taxi from the Rishikesh taxi stand to Janki Chatti, taking almost 6-8 hours to complete. 

• Average fare of taxi from Rishikesh to Janki Chatti: The cost of a taxi from Rishikesh to Janki Chatti will cost you around 5000 to 9000, one-way, depending on the taxi type, like SUV and Sedan. 

From Janki Chatti To Yamunotri Temple: 

After heading to Janki Chatti, embark on a 6 km trek journey to the Yamunotri temple. You can complete the trek on foot or by hiring ponies/Palkis. 

How to Reach Yamunotri from Uttarkashi

Uttarkashi, which serves as a gateway to many sites, including Yamunotri, Gangotri, Dodi Tal, Gangotri Gaumukh Tapovan trek and the Dayara Bugyal trek, is located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand on the Char Dham Yatra route. Reaching Yamunotri from Uttarkashi involves a 126 km scenic road trip and a 6 km trek journey. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to reach Yamunotri from Uttarkashi.

Route:

Uttarkashi to Yamunotri is a scenic, short and smooth one, used by many pilgrims. The journey follows the NH-134 route, passing via—

Uttarkashi → Barkot → Sayanachatti → Hanuman Chatti → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri

Distance: 

Uttarkashi to Yamunotri Distance: approx. 120 km by road, then a 6 km trek. 

Travel Time: 7-8 hours by road and trek. 

Travel Option:  Bus and taxi for road Travel, and Pony/Palki and Dandi for the Yamunotri trek. 

Step 1: Uttarkashi to Janki Chatti road Travel

Uttarkashi To Yamunotri By Bus:

UTC buses and private operators provide buses from Uttakashi to Barkot; from Barkot, take a shared jeep to reach Janki Chatti.  

• Fare: Bus fare from Uttarkashi to Bakot ranges from ₹400 to ₹600 per person, and a taxi from Bakot to Janki Chatti will cost you around Rs 150. 

• Boarding time: Depart early, between 5.00 a.m. and 7.00 a.m. 

• Booking Information: Book through the website, like redBus or directly hire from the Uttarkashi Bus Stand. 

Uttarkashi to Yamunotri By Taxi/Cab

Hiring a taxi is the most convenient and direct way, especially for family travellers, to reach Yamunotri from Uttarkashi. Take a taxi from the Uttarkashi taxi stand to Janki Chatti, around 120km, which takes almost 3-4 hours to complete. Fare and booking details.

• Taxi Fare From Uttarkashi To Janki Chatti: A one-way taxi from Uttarkashi to Janki Chatti will cost you around 2000 to 4000, depending on taxi type and season.

• Booking Information: Hire directly from the taxi stand or book through apps like CabBazaar. 

Step 2: Final Leg: Trek To Yamunotri from Janki Chatti. 

After reaching Janki Chatti via bus or taxi, head on a scenic trek to reach the Yamunotri temple.

How to Reach Yamunotri from Gangotri

Gangotri, the sacred abode of Goddess Ganga. To reach Yamunotri from Gangotri temple, you must travel to Uttarkashi, as there is no direct road between Gangotri and Yamunotri. Here is a brief about how to reach Yamunotri from Gangotri, covering the travel route, distance, time and travel options. 

Stage 1: Travel to Janki Chatti via the Uttarkashi route. 

Gangotri to Yamunotri Route: The recommended route for this journey is—

Gangotri → Harsil → Uttarkashi → Barkot → Sayanachatti → Hanuman Chatti → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri. 

Distance:

Gangotri to Yamunotri Distance: Approx. 220 km by road and then a 6 km trek.

Travel Time: It takes 7-8 hours for road travel and 4-5 hours for the trek. 

Travel options: Taxi, Cab and Bus

By Taxi: 

Direct taxis for Yamunotri are available from the Gangotri taxi stand. It will drop you at Janki Chatti. Here is the estimated cost of a taxi from Gangotri to Yamunotri (Janki Chatti). 

By Bus:

First of all, there is no direct bus from Gangotri to Yamunotri. But you can take a bus to Uttarkashi and change to another bus to Bakot, and then take a taxi to reach Janki Chatti. 

• Cost: The journey from Gangotri to Yamunotri by bus will cost you around 1200 to 1500, which includes a bus from Gangotri to Uttarkashi, then Uttarkashi to Barkot, and then a taxi from Barkot to Janki Chatti. 

Stage 2: Janki Chatti to Yuamunotri by trek:

After reaching Janki Chatti, head towards a 6 km trek to reach the Yamunotri temple. It can be completed by trekking on foot or by ponies and palki. 

Yamunotri Trek Route (Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple)

The Yamunotri trek is a 6 km uphill trail, which starts from Janki Chatti and leads to the Yamunotri temple. The trek is considered an easy-to-moderate trek and involves some steep sections at high altitude, demands good health and willpower, and is suitable for both beginners and experienced trekkers. 

The trek passes through the dense rhododendron forests, valleys and lush green meadows, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Here is a breakdown of the Yamunotri trek.

Trek Details:

• Starting point: Janki Chatti 

• Leading point: Yamunotri temple.

• Yamunotri Trek Distance: 6 km one-way

• Time Taken: 5-6 hours, depending on pace and fitness level. 

• Difficulty Level: Moderate, involving steep ascents, rocky terrain, and narrow paths. 

• Facilities on the trek route: The path of the Yamunotri trek is lined with amenities like tea stalls and resting points, medical service and sheds. 

• Alternative: alternative transport options like ponies, Dandi and Kandi are available for the trek; you can hire them if you find difficulty in the trek or want to avoid the trek. 

Tips for a safe trek: 

• Footwear: Wear sturdy trekking shoes to protect your feet from rugged terrain. 

• Start early: if you trek on foot, start early to avoid mule traffic and the pilgrim rush. 

• Essentials: Carry a walking stick, medical kit, and energy snacks to get instant energy. 

Best Time To Visit Yamunotri

The Yamunotri temple is open only for six months of the year, from May to October, and is closed in winter, from November to April, due to harsh weather and heavy snowfall. 

Here is a brief overview of the best time to visit Yamunotri. 

Summer season (May-June): Summer is the most ideal time to visit Yamunotri, as the temple is open to the general public after its winter closure. It experiences pleasant weather with mild temperatures, making it ideal for pilgrimage and sightseeing. 

• Temperature: 10°C to 20°C

• Conditions: clear skies, pleasant weather, vibrant scenery, and great accessibility and visibility, ideal for trekking. 

• Travel suitability: The peak summer season experiences huge crowds, less ideal for peace seekers. 

Monsoon season (July-August): The Monsoon brings heavy rain, leading to landslides and roadblocks, making trails difficult to navigate. Temple is open, but travel is not safe due to safety concerns. 

• Temperature: 12°C to 22°C 

• Conditions: heavy rain triggers landslides, thunderstorms and roadblocks and makes trails slippery and muddy; also experiences high humidity, making it an avoidable time to visit.  

• Travel Suitability: Not recommended due to safety and accessibility reasons. 

Autumn Months (Sep-Oct):  Post-monsoon is another ideal time to visit after the wet monsoon; experience pleasant weather with comfortable temperatures. The surrounding scenery vibrates at this time, making it an ideal time for pilgrimage and outdoor activities.

• Temperature: 15°C to 30°C

• Conditions: clear skies, comfortable weather, but high humidity, lush greenery, accessible trails, ideal for trekking. 

• Travel Suitability: The Crowd level is smaller compared to summer, ideal for those who want a quieter darshan experience.

Winter Season (Nov-April): Winter in Yamunotri is very cold and harsh with moderate to heavy snowfall, making this region inaccessible. The temple gets closed at this time due to inaccessibility. 

• Temperature: -7°C to 5°C 
• Conditions: freezing and harsh, the area is covered with snow, blocking all the routes. 
• Temple Closure: The temple gets closed on Bhai Dooj (October or November) till the next opening on Akshat Tritya (April or May). 

For a detailed Guide, check our blog on the Best Time to visit Yamunotri. 

Travel Tips For Yamunotri Visitors

• Yatra Registration: Registration is mandatory for Char Dham Yatra and the Yamunotri part of the yatra, so register yourself on the official portal of Uttarakhand tourism, as it assures pilgrim safety. If you are planning on your own, then you can refer to our step-by-step guide on Char Dham Yatra registration for more details.

• Weather precautions: weather in the Himalayas changes rapidly, so check before planning for a trip. May-June and September-October. 

• Pack warm layers: a warm layer is key to travelling in this region; pack fleece jackets, gloves, and socks to protect from cold weather.

• Trekking equipment: a walking stick, sturdy trekking shoes, a flashlight, and a medical kit are also necessary. 

• Essentials: other essentials like documents,  reusable water bottles, Cash, a power bank, snacks and personal care. 

• Book accommodation in advance: Book your accommodation well in advance, especially during the peak season. 

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout your journey to reduce dehydration. 

How do I Travel to Yamunotri?

To reach Yamunotri, you must travel to the major transport hubs of Uttarakhand, Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun via road, air, or train. From there, travel by road to the last motorable point, Janki Chatti. From there, a 6 km trek is required to reach the temple.