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Location : In the Garhwal Himalayas in the
state of Uttaranchal, north of India.
Tourist Attractions : Lakhamandal, Surya Kund, Divya Shila,
Jankichatti, Hanumanchatti, Sayanachatti. Best Activity : Trekking
Nearby Tourist Destinations : Chamba (158 Kms), Badrinath,
Gangotri, Kedarnath, Rishikesh, Haridwar. |
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When To Visit : The temple remains closed
during the winter months of Nov. to April. The shrine attracts
devotees in large numbers from May to October.
About Yamunotri
The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine
of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas, which is Dedicated to Goddess
Yamuna. The shrine is perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonchh
peak (3235 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to
Gangotri. It constitutes one of the four most important pilgrimages,
collectively called 'Char Dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas or
Uttarakhand. Yamunotri is the source of the revered river Yamuna
which originates from the Champasar Glacier lying 1 km ahead of the
shrine, at an altitude of 4421 mts. Pilgrims do not frequently visit
the source of the river as it is not easily accessible. Yamunotri
can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.
Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. The legend
says, this lonesome hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit
Muni. Among the prime attractions of Yamunotri are hot water springs
nearby, which is believed to have medicinal properties. Devotees
prepare rice and potatoes to offer at the shrine, by dipping them in
these hot water springs, tied in muslin cloth. The trek to Yamunotri
is spectacular, surrounded by a panorama of rugged peaks and thick
forests.
Major Tourist Attractions in Yamunotri
Temple of Goddess Yamuna
The temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th
century. It was destroyed twice in the present century and rebuilt
again. The temple remains closed from November to May.
Lakhamandal
Pass Kempty falls 75 kms. On the Mussoorie - Yammnotri road lies
Lakhamandal. Legend has is that the Kaurvas made a shelter house and
conspired to bum the Pandavas alive here.
Surya Kund
One of the important thermal springs known for its very high
temperature of 190 f. Pilgrims cook rice and potatoes here to offer
to deity in the temple.
Divya Shila
A huge rock pillar venerated before entering the Yamunotri Temple.
Jankichatti
The theral springs here offer a spectacular sight and a refreshing
bath for the pilgrims.
Hanumanchatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna river forms the starting
point for the scenic Dodi Tal trek. (Rishikesh - Barkot -
Hanumanchatti - Yamunotri - hanumanchatti - Darvatop - Dodital -
Agora - Uttarkashi - Rishikesh). Porters. Ponies and Palanquines are
available for the journey to Yamunotri. Their rates are fixed by
District Magistrate before the start of every Yatra season.
Sayanachatti
A scenic spot along the bank of river yamuna that makes a lovely
sight enrouted the trek up to Yamunotri.
Getting There
Air : Jolly Grant, 196 Kms. From Yamunotri via Dehradun
Rail : Rishikesh, 219 kms. & Dehradun, 172 kms.
Road : Dharasu, 107 Kms. Tehri, 107 Kms. Rishikesh, 213 Kms. &
Dehradun, 172 Kms. Journey by road takes one to Hanumanchatti. From
here, the remaining 14 kms. trek is covered on foot or on ponies.
Palanquins, Horses and porters are also available on hire.
Accommodation
Only Dharamshalas are available at Yamunotri. Alternative
accommodation are also available. There is a Tourist Rest House (GMVN)
at Janki Chatti. All the accommodations are ideally planned to offer
comfortable stay to the tourists of all type.
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