How to Reach Yamunotri
Yamunotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is the daughter of Lord Surya (the Sun God) and sister of Yama (the God of Death). It is one of the important Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand. The temple is very special for devotees and is connected to many religious and mythological stories.
Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Yamunotri Temple during its opening season (from April/May to October) to pray and seek blessings. The temple is located in the beautiful Himalayan mountains, and the journey offers both spiritual peace and natural beauty.
Here is a simple guide to help you understand how to reach Yamunotri Temple.
Yamunotri Location
Yamunotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, near the town of Barkot. The motorable route ends at Janki Chatti, which is about 45 km from Barkot. From Janki Chatti, pilgrims must trek to reach the temple. The road journey offers scenic views of the mountains and valleys, making it a beautiful spiritual and natural experience. Yamunotri’s serene location amidst the Himalayas adds to its charm and draws both devotees and nature lovers.
How to reach Yamunotri by Road
Yamunotri is well-connected by road and can be reached easily. Pilgrims first need to reach Rishikesh, Haridwar, or Dehradun, which are the nearest major towns to Yamunotri. From these places, you can find buses, shared jeeps, and private cabs, especially during the Char Dham Yatra season.
The road journey from these towns to Jankichatti (the last motorable point) takes about 6 to 8 hours, covering a distance of around 185 to 233 km. The route offers beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains, rivers, and green valleys, making the journey peaceful and scenic. Pilgrims traveling by their own vehicle can follow either of these popular routes:
Route 1: Haridwar – Rishikesh – Chamba – Chinyalisour – Barkot – Jankichatti – Yamunotri
Route 2: Haridwar – Rishikesh – Dehradun – Mussoorie – Lakha Mandal – Barkot – Jankichatti – Yamunotri
Once at Jankichatti, pilgrims begin the trek to Yamunotri Temple.
How to reach Yamunotri by Train
Yamunotri does not have its own railway station, so it cannot be reached directly by train. The nearest railway stations are Rishikesh, Haridwar, and Dehradun. These stations are well connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, making them convenient starting points for the Yamunotri Yatra.
From any of these railway stations, pilgrims can continue their journey to Jankichatti (the last motorable point before Yamunotri) by bus, shared taxi, or private cab. The road journey takes about 6 to 8 hours and offers beautiful views of mountains and valleys. After reaching Jankichatti, pilgrims need to complete a 6 km trek to reach the Yamunotri Temple. So, the overall journey to Yamunotri involves a combination of train travel, road journey, and a short trek.
How to reach Yamunotri by Air
Yamunotri does not have its own airport, so you cannot reach it directly by flight. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, which is about 6 hours away by road. From the airport, pilgrims can hire private cabs or take shared taxis to reach Jankichatti — the last motorable point near Yamunotri. From Jankichatti, there is a 6 km trek to reach the temple, which can be done on foot or by hiring a pony or palki.
Jolly Grant Airport is well-connected to major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, making it easy for pilgrims from across India to reach. This route is a convenient option for those who prefer to travel by air and continue the rest of the journey by road.
Helicopter Option to reach Yamunotri
For a faster and more convenient journey to Yamunotri, especially suitable for elderly pilgrims or those with health issues, a Yamunotri helicopter tour package from Dehradun (Sahastradhara Helipad) is an excellent option. This same-day round trip package includes a helicopter ride to Kharsali Helipad, which is the nearest helipad to Yamunotri. From there, pilgrims are provided with palki or pony services to reach the temple. The package typically also includes VIP darshan at the Yamunotri Temple and one meal (breakfast or lunch). This helicopter service not only saves travel time but also offers a comfortable and scenic experience, making the Yamunotri Yatra more accessible for those who wish to avoid the long road journey and trek.
Travel Tips to reach Yamunotri
- Check the weather forecast before starting your Yamunotri journey. Avoid traveling during heavy rains due to the risk of landslides or slippery paths.
- Begin the Yamunotri Temple trek early in the morning to avoid midday heat and ensure you have enough daylight for the return journey.
- Carry only important items during the Yamunotri trek to make your journey easier and more comfortable.
- For senior citizens or those unable to walk, palki, pony, and doli services are available at Jankichatti.
- During the Yamunotri Dham tour, pilgrims should book transportation in advance for a smooth trip.
How to Reach Yamunotri FAQ's
The last motorable road to Yamunotri is Janki Chatti. From there, pilgrims need to continue the journey on foot, by pony, or by doli to reach the Yamunotri Temple
The trek to Yamunotri is about 6 km from Janki Chatti. It is a steep uphill path that can be done on foot or with the help of services like palki (palanquin), pony, or doli, especially for those who may find the climb difficult.
To reach Yamunotri from Janki Chatti, pilgrims need to complete a trek on foot. For elderly pilgrims or those who are physically unable to walk, palki, pony, or doli services are easily available at Janki Chatti. These options make the journey more comfortable and accessible for everyone.
To reach Yamunotri from Delhi, pilgrims can travel by road, train, or flight to Dehradun, Rishikesh, or Haridwar. From there, they can continue the journey by bus, taxi, or cab to Janki Chatti, the last motorable point before the temple. Alternatively, Yamunotri helicopter packages are available from Dehradun for a quicker and more comfortable travel option.
