Barkot

Barkot is a beautiful town located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. The town is surrounded by lush landscapes and offers splendid views of Bandarpunch peak. Barkot is popularly known as a major stopover for the Yamunotri and Gangotri Temples as part of the Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand.

Barkot is a scenic town with a peaceful, calm atmosphere, natural beauty, apple orchards filled with rich valleys situated on the banks of the Yamuna River. For adventure enthusiasts who love to trek, Barkot is a hub and an important stop with essential facilities.

Barkot A Halt Before Yamunotri

Barkot is famously known as a major halt before Yamunotri in Uttarakhand. The Town is located around 47 km from the Yamunotri Temple offers a wide range of accommodation and food options. Pilgrims on the Yamunotri Dham Yatra take a halt in Barkot to rest, and some also make it their base before heading to the temple the next day. Barkot is a key stop with direct transportation to Janki Chatti, starting point for the Yamunotri trek. Located along the Yamuna River offers both comfort and peaceful, making Barkot a pleasant place to rest before continuing the journey to Yamunotri.

Things To Do in Barkot

• Relax by the Yamuna River: Barkot is located alongside the Yamuna River. Travelers visiting Barkot often take a leisurely walk and sit beside the river to relax. spend peaceful moments on the banks of the Yamuna River and capture your beautiful moments.
• Trekking and Nature Walks: Barkot is a beautiful village and a hub for short treks and forest trails. Take time for local exploration in Barkot, enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings, and interact with the locals.
• Apple Orchards: If visiting between July and October, tourists can explore local apple orchards during the apple season. Enjoy a unique experience of learning about apple farming, plucking fresh apples, and tasting them straight from the tree.
• Photography: During your visit to Barkot, capture stunning views of the Bandarpunch peak and scenic valleys. Click pictures of the Yamuna River, apple orchards, the local area, and vibrant village life to create beautiful memories and cherish them forever.
• Spiritual Exploration: Visit nearby temples in Barkot, including Shiva temples and the Jamdagneshwar Mahadev Mandir. Seek blessings and add a deeper spiritual touch to your journey.

Best Time to Visit Barkot

Barkot is a place you can visit any time of the year, with each season offering its own charm. The best time really depends on what kind of weather or experience you’re looking for.

• Summer (April to June): Summer is the most popular time to visit Barkot. The weather is pleasant and perfect for sightseeing, trekking, and spending time in nature. Most importantly, the Yamunotri Temple opens its doors to devotees in April, so it’s an best time for those planning a tour.
• Monsoon (July to September): During the monsoon season, Barkot turns lush green with fresh mountain air and scenic beauty all around. But this season also brings the risk of landslides and slippery roads, so if you’re planning to travel during this time, be cautious and keep your plans flexible.
• Autumn (October to November): Autumn is a peaceful time in Barkot. The weather stays clear and cool, and the views are stunning. It’s also the end of the Char Dham Yatra season, so it’s a good time for those who prefer less crowd and want to attend the closing rituals at Yamunotri Temple.
• Winter (December to March): Winters in Barkot are cold, and snow can cover many routes. It’s not suitable for temple visits, but if you enjoy snowfall, beautiful landscapes, and snow-covered mountain views, this season has its own magic.

Important Note: If you’re planning to visit Yamunotri Temple, the best time is from late April to early November, when the temple remains open and the weather is more comfortable for travel.

Hotels in Barkot

Barkot offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget to deluxe, with the necessary facilities and amenities. Travellers on the way to Yamunotri Temple mostly stay at Barkot because the town is the nearest major town to the Yamunotri Temple and offers better facilities, making the yatra more enjoyable and comfortable.

There are various best hotels in Barkot including Hotel Necklace Moon, Hotel Grand View, Raturi Hotel, Hotel Parash Palace and many others, offering the best services with food facilities and the best proximity to the Yamunotri Temple and nearby adventurous treks. If you are planning to visit Yamunotri Dham, take a comfortable halt at Barkot, and then next day visit Yamunotri Temple.

How to Reach Barkot

Reaching Barkot is easy and convenient. First reach to Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun three major cities near Barkot which is well-connected and accessible by road, train, and air.

If you’re traveling by train or road, start by reaching Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. Among the three, Haridwar has regular services from major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and more. If you’re looking for a quicker travel, board a flight to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is well-connected to cities like Delhi, Bangalore, and others.

Barkot is about 5–6 hours by road from Haridwar, Rishikesh, or Dehradun. From Haridwar or Rishikesh, you’ll find buses, shared taxis, and cabs easily. From Dehradun, there are no direct buses, but you can hire a cab for a smooth ride. The journey is scenic, with lovely views of hills, rivers, and greenery along the way.