Best Places To Visit In Yamunotri 2026 Nearby Attractions

About Yamunotri Temple

Yamunori temple, the abode of Goddess Yamuna, is nestled in the high Garhwal Himalayas at an elevation of 10,804 feet (3,293 meters) above sea level. It is the key part of the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand and surrounded by snow-capped peaks. 

The sacred Char Dham includes Gangotri, Kedarnath, Badrinath, and Yamunotri; it is the first stop on the Yatra. Thousands of pilgrims visit Yamunotri as part of the Char Dham yatra to enhance their spirituality and attain salvation. 

There are so many hidden gems, including waterfalls, natural hot springs, and so much more to explore beyond the Yamunotri temple. 

Today, I'm going to tell you about some of the best places to visit in Yamunotri, along with famous tourist places near Yamunotri Dham, with a complete travel guide. 

Places To Visit In Yamunotri

Yamunotri Temple: The Soul Of A Sacred Journey

Yamunotri is the origin of the Yamuna River and a spiritual hub, with several nearby places of pilgrimage and adventure for pilgrims and adventure enthusiasts. 

The Yamunotri temple itself is one of the places to visit in Yamunotri and a main attraction of this region. It was built by Maharaja Partap Shah (king of Tehri Garhwal) in the 19th century.  

Pilgrims should visit Yamunotri to seek the divine blessings of Goddess Yamuna (twin sister of Yama). It is believed that taking a holy dip in the sacred Yamuna washes away visitors' sins.
 

• Altitude: Yamunotri sits at an elevation of 10,804 feet (3,293 meters).

• Distance: 6 km from Janki Chatti. 

• Time taken: 2-3 hours, depending on your pace.

• Significance: abode of goddess Yamuna and part of Char Dham Yatra, also renowned for its stunning natural beauty. 

• Highlights: The idol of Goddess Yamuna,  a 6 km scenic trek to Yamunotri, and panoramic views of dense oak forests and Himalayan peaks are the main highlights. 

• Temple Opening: On Akshay Tritya (April or May)

• Temple closing: On Bhai Dooj (October or November)

Surya Kund: A Natural Hot Spring

Surya Kund, a sacred hot water body associated with Surya Dev (the father of Goddess Yamuna), is located just beside the temple.
Pilgrims use the Kund to cook rice and potatoes in a muslin cloth, which they then offer to the deity. It is one of the best places to visit in Yamunotri and the perfect Site for cultural photography and storytelling.

• Altitude: 14,505 feet (4,421 meters) above sea level.

• Distance: 100 meters walk from Yamunotri, and 6 km trek from Janki Chatti (one of the winter char dham of Uttarakhand).

• Time taken: 2-3 hours for the trek and 10 minutes for the walk from the Yamunotri temple.

• Features: the water of Surya Kund remains cold throughout the year; the temperature can reach up to 88°C.

• Highlights: the natural thermal spring itself and snow-capped Himalayan peaks.

Divya Shila: A Holy Rock For Darshan 

Divya Shila, often called the "slab of divine light," is located near the Yamunotri temple. 

It is one of the best places to visit in Yamunotri and a key part of a religious ritual for pilgrims, who worship this sacred slab before entering the main temple, as it is believed to be part of the overall puja. 

Pilgrims offer prayers and cooked rice and potatoes here. 

• Altitude: 10,613 feet (3,235 meters) above sea level.

• Distance: very minimal from the Yamunotri temple and 5.5 km from Janki Chatti. 

• Time Taken: The trek from Janki Chatti to Divya Shila takes almost 2-3 hours on foot. 

• Highlights: Divya Shilla and Surrounding Peaks

• Significance: The rock is significant in itself, as it is believed to be the place where the Goddess Yamuna first set foot on earth.

Janki Chatti: Base For Yamunotri Trek

Janki Chatti is a small village located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It is the last motorable point and the starting point of the Yamunotri temple. 

It is famous for its wonderful natural hot spring, where pilgrims take a holy bath before heading for the Yamnotri trek. 

Janki Chatti is around 6 kilometres away from the Yamunotri temple and at an elevation of 8,694 feet (2,650 meters). 

It also serves as the winter seat of Char Dham temples, which house a beautiful temple in Kharsali village, where the Utsav murti of Maa Yamuna is being transferred during the winter season.

• Altitude: 8,694 feet (2,650 meters) above sea level.

• Distance: approx. 6 km to the Yamunotri temple one way.

• Time Taken: 2-3 hours. 

• Highlights: River valley and mountain views. 

Hanuman Chatti: Confluence Of Hanuman Ganga And Yamuna River

Hanuman Chatti is another scenic village, located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. It's a significant stopover on the Yamuntori trek route, and it's renowned for its temple dedicated to Lord Hanuman, which gave the place its name. It is accessible by road via major cities such as Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Dehradun.  

• Altitude: 2,400 meters (7,874 feet) above sea level

• Distance: 13 km from Yamunotri

• Time Taken: 10-15 minute drive and 2-3 hours trek

• Highlights: the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and the Yamuna River, and the riverside scenery. 

Kharsali Village: Winter Abode Of Goddess Yamuna

Kharsali is a significant Site, located in the Uttarakashi district of Uttarakhand. The Site is renowned for its ancient temples, like the Shani Dev temple. 

It also serves as a winter abode for the Yamunotri temple when the main temple becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall—surrounded by snow-capped Himalayan peaks and dense oak forests, making it one of the best places to visit in Yamunotri, an ideal destination for spiritual seekers and nature lovers. 

• Altitude: 8,776 feet (2,675 meters) above sea level. 

• Distance: approx. 5 km from Yamunotri.

• Time Taken: 20 minutes drive up to Janki chatti and 2-3 hours trek. 

• Highlights: natural hot springs, a waterfall, and the ancient temple of Shani Dev. 

Yamuna River Origin Point

The Yamuna River viewpoint, also renowned as "Yamunotri Glacier, is another major highlight of this region, one of the best places to visit in Yamunotri, famous for its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere. 

It is the best places to visit in Yamunotri for riverside walks, photography, and meditation or spiritual awakening. 

• Altitude: 10,804 feet (3,293 meters) above sea level.

• Distance: 6 km from Janki Chatti and 650 meters from Yamunotri 

• Time Taken: 2-3 hour trek and 20-30 minute walk. 

• Highlights: glacial views of the river and panoramic views of Bandarpoonch peak. 

Barkot Viewpoint: A Charming Town

Barkot is a scenic town located in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district, surrounded by dense forests and snow-capped peaks. 

Barkot Uttarkashi is situated on the banks of the Yamuna River at an altitude of 4,003 feet above sea level, one of the best places to visit in Yamunotri, and is renowned for its stunning natural beauty. 

• Altitude: 1,220 meters (4,003 feet) above sea level

• Distance: 51 km by road from Yamunotri

• Time Taken: 2-3 hours drive

• Highlights: apple orchards, Bandarpooch peak, and picturesque views of the surroundings.  

Shani Dev Temple

A sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shani, located in Kharsali village, Uttarakhand, near Yamunotri, is considered the most honoured place for seeking blessings. 

• Altitude: 7,000 feet above sea level.

• Distance: 52 km from Yamunotri

• Time Taken: 2-3 hours

• Highlights: the temples themselves and panoramic views of the peaks

Sapt Rishi Kund Trek

Sapt Rishi Kund is a moderately challenging trekking Site, located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, surrounded by dense oak forest and snowy meadows. Holds immense spiritual significance as the source of the Yamuna River. 

• Altitude: 4,421 meters (14,500 feet) above sea level 

• Distance: 12 km from Yamunotri

• Time Taken: 3-4 hours, depending on pace and fitness. 

• Highlights: glacial views, river views, and stunning flora and fauna of the Site. 

Things To Do In Yamunotri

Yamunotri is not just for pilgrimages; it also offers unlimited opportunities to explore and feel the natural beauty, with opportunities to explore, including trekking, riverside walks, cultural walks, nature photography, and much more. 

Here are some activities listed to do while visiting Yamunotri:

• Holy Bath in hot springs: Yamunotri is a popular spot for spiritual bathing; Janki Chatti and Hanuman Chatti offer opportunities to bathe in hot springs and relax. 

• Trekking: Trek to nearby sites, including Hanuman Chatti, Jhunsi Chatti, and Sapt Rishi Kund. These treks pass through dense oak forests and river valleys, offering panoramic views. 

• Riverside walk: Yamunotri's riverhead and Hanuman Chatti offer a scenic riverside walk that helps travellers find solace.

• Meditation: The serene environment of the Yamunotri temple is a perfect spot for meditation and other mindful activities, making it an ideal destination for peace seekers. 

• Photography: Yamunotri is a heaven for Photography, perfect for scenic photography. It offers majestic views of river valleys, Bandarpooch peaks, and waterfalls. 

• Palki and Pony rides: If you are unable to trek or want to skip, you can enjoy scenic palki or pony rides in Yamunotri. 

• Explore the local culture of the villages: Immerse yourself in the towns of Kharsali, Hanuman Chatti, and Janki Chatti.

• Try local pahadi cuisine: Try some local Garhwali dishes, like Aloo ke gutke, Mandhua roti, and Jhangora kheer. It's simple yet delicious. 

Places to Visit Near Yamunotri Dham

• Uttarkashi: Uttarkashi, known as the "Kashi of the North," is located in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand on the bank of the Bhagirathi River. It is renowned for its ancient temples, such as the Vishwanath temple in Uttarkashi, and for its mountain scenery, green meadows, and hot springs. The town is serving as a base for Yamunotri and Gangotri. Located at a distance of around 170 km from Rishikesh and 191 km from Haridwar. 

• Kempty Falls: A celestial waterfall located in the Tehri Garhwal district of Uttarakhand at an altitude of 4,500 feet above sea level. It's renowned for its stunning natural beauty and offers boating and swimming in a small pool. It is accessible by road via Mussoorie, and a local ropeway also connects to the main area. 

• Mussoorie: one of the best tourist places near Yamunotri, a hill station located in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand, near Dehradun. Popular for stunning Himalayan scenery and spots, like Gun Hill and Camel's Back road. It is about 35 km from Dheradun, accessible via taxi or Jeep. 

• Sayana Chatti: a scenic village located on the Barkot-Yamunotri road, considered one of the best places to visit near Yamunotri Dham. It serves as a popular stop on the Yamunotri temple trek. It is known for its hilly terrain and beautiful views and is situated 17 km from the Yamunotri Temple, which can be reached in 50 minutes.

• Naugaon: a scenic town located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand on the banks of the Yamuna River. Popular for the Yamuna River viewpoint and the Sunara viewpoint. This town is one of the most popular places to visit near the Yamunotri temple, located at a distance of 55 Km, which can be covered in 2 hrs by road.

Travel Tips For Yamunotri Dham

• Check Weather: Weather in Yamunotri can change rapidly, so check the full Yamunotri weather forecast before planning a trip. 

• Clothing: Pack warm clothes, including jackets, socks, ponchos, sweaters, etc., even in summer, as the weather of this region remains cool throughout the year 

• Trek safety: Be aware of the trek's altitude and difficulty level.
  
  

• Trekking gear: Pack essentials, including trekking poles, a flashlight, a power bank, and a compass. 

• Stay hydrated: drink plenty of water throughout your journey to reduce the risk of altitude sickness. 
  
  

• Stay nourished: pack light snacks for instant energy.
  
  

• Acclimatisation: Properly acclimatise before heading out on a trek. 

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FAQs Related To Places To Visit In Yamunotri

1. What is special about Yamunotri?

Yamunotri is the abode of the Goddess Yamuna, located in the Garhwal Himalayas. It is a special Site, a key part of the Char Dham Temples. It features many sacred hot springs and waterfalls. 

2. Which hill station is near Yamunotri?

Barkot is the nearest hill station to Yamunotri, located about 50 km away. It's a popular Site for trekking and whitewater rafting, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. 

3. Where to take a bath in Yamunotri?

Natural hot springs in Jungle Chatti and Hanuman Chatti are used for holy baths before heading to Yamunotri. 

4. Which village is near Yamunotri?

Kharsali is the nearest village to Yamunotri, about 7 km away. It serves as the winter abode for the goddess Yamuna. 

5. Which season is best for visiting Yamunotri?

The Summer and Autumn seasons, from May-June and Sep-Oct, are ideal times to visit Yamunotri, as these months offer pleasant weather and good accessibility for trekking and pilgrimage. 

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