Yamunotri — the first dham in the traditional Char Dham sequence — is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the sacred river personified as a divine mother. Located in the Uttarkashi district at an altitude of 3,293 metres, perched on the western slopes of the Bandarpunch massif, the Yamunotri Temple is the westernmost of the four Char Dham shrines and one of the most dramatic in its mountain setting.

What is Yamunotri?

Yamunotri is both the name of the dham (the temple complex) and the region. The Yamunotri Temple houses the black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna, who in Hindu mythology is the daughter of Surya Dev (Sun God) and the twin sister of Yama (the God of Death). The Yamuna River originates from the Champasar Glacier above Yamunotri at approximately 6,387 metres.

The temple itself is not very large — it is a simple stone structure — but its position in a dramatic valley with waterfalls cascading from three sides creates an atmosphere of intense natural beauty and spiritual power.

Mythology of Goddess Yamuna

Yamuna is revered in Hinduism as one of the most sacred rivers. She is associated with Lord Krishna — the Yamuna flows through Vrindavan and Mathura, the places of Krishna's childhood and divine sports. In the Puranas, Yamuna is described as a goddess who grants relief from the fear of death (Yama Raj) to those who bathe in her waters. Taking a dip in the Yamuna at Yamunotri is believed to wash away all sins and grant freedom from the cycle of rebirth.

Opening and Closing Dates 2026

Yamunotri opens on Akshaya Tritiya (same as Gangotri — late April/early May) and closes on Yama Dwitiya (the second day after Diwali, in October/November). The exact dates for 2026 will be announced at Mahashivaratri.

Darshan Timings

Morning: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM Afternoon Break: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM Evening: 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Morning Aarti: 6:30 AM Evening Aarti: 7:30 PM

Surya Kund Hot Spring

The most famous feature of Yamunotri (besides the goddess herself) is the Surya Kund — a natural hot spring at the temple complex with water temperature reaching 88–94°C. According to tradition, the spring is connected to Surya Dev (Yamuna's father), who heats the water with his divine energy. Pilgrims lower small cloth parcels of rice and potatoes into the spring using the spring's heat to cook their offerings — the cooked rice is then offered to the goddess and taken home as prasad. This tradition is one of the most distinctive and charming rituals of any Char Dham temple.

Note: Bathing in Surya Kund is not possible (water is boiling). Pilgrims bathe in the adjacent Gauri Kund, which is cooler but still warm.

How to Reach Yamunotri

• From Haridwar: 220 km to Janki Chatti via Barkot (7–8 hours)
• From Delhi: ~460 km (12–14 hours)
• Route: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Mussoorie → Barkot → Janki Chatti
• From Janki Chatti, a 6 km trek leads to Yamunotri Temple

Accommodation Near Yamunotri

The best base for Yamunotri is Barkot (36 km from Janki Chatti), which has several comfortable hotels and is the ideal overnight halt. Janki Chatti has basic guesthouses. Accommodation at Yamunotri itself is extremely limited (a few dharamshalas only).