Yamunotri at a Glance: Entry, Timings & Key Info
| State | Uttarakhand |
| Famous For | Char Dham, Yamuna River, Pilgrimage |
| Best Time to Visit | May to June, September to October |
| Ideal Duration | 2-3 days minimum |
| Language | Hindi, Garhwali |
| Nearest Airport | Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 190km from Yamunotri |
| Nearest Railway | Dehradun (DDN) |
| Entry Fee | Free |
| Best For | pilgrims and nature and adventure seekers |
Yamunotri: What Makes It Worth Visiting
Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and one of the four sites in the Char Dham pilgrimage circuit. Nestled high in the Garhwal Himalayas, it's a remote and spiritually significant destination. The Yamuna River originates from the Champasar Glacier, located a further trek from the main temple.
Yamunotri offers stunning mountain scenery and a deeply spiritual experience. However, the high altitude and challenging trek can be physically demanding. The infrastructure is basic, and accommodation options are limited. It's best suited for devout pilgrims and experienced trekkers.
Yamunotri: Temples & Religious Site Opening Hours
| Name | Hours | Entry Fee | Best Time | Dress Code |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri Temple | 06:00-20:00 daily (when open) | Free | Morning, to avoid crowds and f | Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) |
How to Reach Yamunotri: Road, Train, Air & Bus Routes
train Train to Yamunotri: Nearest Station & Schedules
Nearest Station: Dehradun (DDN) — Nearest railway station, well-connected to major cities.
- From Delhi: 6-7 hours (₹500-₹1500)
- From Mumbai: 24-28 hours (₹1500-₹4000)
Booking: IRCTC or 12Go.asia
flight Flying to Yamunotri: Nearest Airport & Transfers
Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport (DED), 190km from Yamunotri
- Delhi: 1 hour (₹3000-₹5000)
- Mumbai: 2.5 hours (₹6000-₹9000)
Airport transfer:
- Taxi: ₹4000-₹6000
directions_bus Bus to Yamunotri: Services & Timings
- From Dehradun: 7-8 hours (₹500-₹800)
Trains more comfortable
Best Time to Visit Yamunotri: Month-by-Month Guide (2026)
Best months: May to June, September to October
| Season | Temperature | What to Expect | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Time: May to June | 10-20 degrees C | The temple is open, and the weather is conducive for trekking. The snow has melt | Best ✓ |
| Shoulder Season: September to October | 5-15 degrees C | Fewer crowds than the peak season, offering a more peaceful experience. The weat | Some facilities might start closing |
| Avoid: November to April | -5 to 5 degrees C | The Yamunotri temple is closed during these months due to the harsh winter condi | The temple reopens in May, coincidi |
Peak season note: Expect large crowds, especially during weekends and holidays. Book accommodation and transportation well in advance.
2-Day Yamunotri Itinerary: Day-by-Day Highlights
Day 1 — Temples & Heritage
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
🙏 Yamunotri Temple
The Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and marks the source of the Yamuna River. The temple is rebuilt multiple times…
💡 Tip: Arrive early in the morning to avoid the long queues and have a more peaceful experience.
📍 Surya Kund
Surya Kund is a hot spring near the Yamunotri Temple. It is revered for its therapeutic properties and high temperature.…
💡 Tip: Bring a small cloth bag to boil rice or potatoes in the hot spring.
☀️ Afternoon (12 PM – 5 PM)
📍 Divya Shila
Divya Shila is a rock pillar near the Yamunotri Temple. Pilgrims traditionally offer prayers to Divya Shila before entering the ma…
💡 Tip: Follow the instructions of the local priests for the proper way to offer prayers.
📍 Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti is a small town serving as a base camp for the trek to Yamunotri. It's the last motorable point before the trek begin…
💡 Tip: Negotiate prices for ponies and palanquins before hiring them.
📍 Kharsali
Kharsali is a village near Jankichatti, known as the winter home of Goddess Yamuna. The idol is brought here during the winter mon…
💡 Tip: Respect the local customs and traditions when visiting the village.
Day 2 — More to Explore
🌅 Morning (9 AM – 12 PM)
📍 Hanuman Chatti
Hanuman Chatti is another starting point for the Yamunotri trek, though slightly longer than the Janki Chatti route. It's a small …
💡 Check the condition of the trail before starting the trek, especially during the monsoon season.
Top Places to Visit in Yamunotri: Must-See Attractions & Things to Do
| # | Place | Entry | Duration | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 🙏 Yamunotri Temple | Free | 1-2 hours | 06:00-20:00 daily (when open) |
| 2 | 📍 Surya Kund | Free | 30 minutes | Open during temple hours |
| 3 | 📍 Divya Shila | Free | 15 minutes | Open during temple hours |
| 4 | 📍 Janki Chatti | Free | Variable, depends on stay | 24 hours |
| 5 | 📍 Kharsali | Free | Half-day trip | Daylight hours |
| 6 | 📍 Hanuman Chatti | Free | Variable, depends on stay | 24 hours |
🙏 1. Yamunotri Temple
The Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and marks the source of the Yamuna River. The temple is rebuilt multiple times due to damage from weather and avalanches.
Honest take: Worth visiting for spiritual significance, but expect crowds and basic facilities.
📍 Getting there: Trek from Jankichatti (5-6 km) or hire a pony/palanquin.
📍 2. Surya Kund
Surya Kund is a hot spring near the Yamunotri Temple. It is revered for its therapeutic properties and high temperature.
Honest take: A unique experience, especially for those interested in the religious rituals.
📍 Getting there: Located near the Yamunotri Temple.
📍 3. Divya Shila
Divya Shila is a rock pillar near the Yamunotri Temple. Pilgrims traditionally offer prayers to Divya Shila before entering the main shrine.
Honest take: A significant part of the Yamunotri pilgrimage, worth the short stop.
📍 Getting there: Located near the Yamunotri Temple.
Food & Restaurants in Yamunotri: Local Dishes & Where to Eat
Must-try dishes: Aloo ke Gutke, Chainsoo, Kumaoni Raita, Singal
| Dish / Specialty | Price Range | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|
| Thalis, vegetarian dishes | ₹/₹₹ (₹300-500 for two) | Jankichatti |
| Dal Makhani, Paneer Butter Masala | ₹/₹₹ (₹300-500 for two) | Jankichatti |
🛺 Street Food: Jankichatti Market — Momos, Maggi, Tea (₹50-100 per person)
Yamunotri Trip Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfortable |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation/night | ₹800-₹1200/night | ₹1500-₹2500/night | ₹4000+/night |
| Food/day | ₹200–400 | ₹500–800 | ₹1,000–1,500 |
| Local transport | ₹100–200 | ₹300–500 | ₹500–1,000 |
| Entry fees (avg) | ₹50–100 | ₹100–200 | ₹200–400 |
| Total (2 days) | ~₹1,700 | ~₹4,500 | ~₹11,000 |
Hotels in Yamunotri: Best Accommodation for Every Budget
💰 Budget
Hotel Janki
₹800-₹1200/night
Jankichatti
GMVN Tourist Rest House Jankichatti
₹900-₹1300/night
Jankichatti
🏨 Mid-Range
Hotel Kalindi
₹1500-₹2500/night
Barkot (en route to Yamunotri)
Camp Yamunotri
₹2000-₹3000/night
Near Jankichatti
⭐ Luxury
The Char Dham Camp
₹4000+/night
Barkot
Sterling Palm Bliss, Barkot
₹3500+/night
Barkot
Yamunotri Travel Tips: Safety, Money & Getting Around
- ✓ Pony scams: Negotiate the price before hiring a pony. Ensure a fair price.
- ✓ Fake priests: Be wary of priests demanding excessive donations. Donate only what you can afford.
- ✓ Wear warm and comfortable clothing. Layering is essential due to the fluctuating temperatures. Carry rain gear.
- ✓ Limited availability, especially in Jankichatti. Carry sufficient cash.
- ✓ Available in major cities. Airtel and Jio offer good coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Yamunotri
How many days are enough for Yamunotri?
2-3 days minimum is ideal for Yamunotri. Day 1 covers Yamunotri Temple and Surya Kund, while Day 2 explores Hanuman Chatti.
What is Yamunotri famous for?
Yamunotri is famous for Char Dham, Yamuna River, Pilgrimage.
What is the best time to visit Yamunotri?
The best time to visit Yamunotri is May to June, September to October. Pleasant and relatively dry weather, ideal for trekking. Clear skies offer stunning views of the surrounding peaks.
Is Yamunotri worth visiting?
Yes, Yamunotri is worth visiting for Char Dham, Yamuna River, Pilgrimage. It is especially recommended for pilgrims and nature and adventure seekers and can be combined with a visit to Gangotri.
What is the budget for a trip to Yamunotri?
A 2-day trip to Yamunotri costs approximately ₹2,000–₹5,000 per person including accommodation, food, and local transport. Budget accommodation starts at ₹800-₹1200/night per night.
What are the timings of Yamunotri Temple?
Yamunotri Temple is open 06:00-20:00 daily (when open). Closed on November to April. Best time to visit: Morning, to avoid crowds and for a peaceful darshan..
What is the entry fee for Yamunotri Temple?
Entry fee at Yamunotri Temple: Free.
What is the dress code for Yamunotri Temple?
Modest clothing (cover shoulders & legs) when visiting Yamunotri Temple.
Is photography allowed at Yamunotri Temple?
Photography is not allowed inside at Yamunotri Temple.