Places to Visit in Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is one of the four sacred Char Dham sites in Uttarakhand. Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit Yamunotri Dham during the temple's opening season to seek blessings and spiritual peace. Located in the Uttarkashi district, pilgrims must complete a 6 km trek from Janki Chatti to reach the temple.

Besides the main Yamunotri Temple, there are several other beautiful and spiritually significant places nearby that visitors can explore. Whether you're looking for peace, adventure, or cultural experiences, Yamunotri has more to offer beyond the main shrine.

Best Places to Visit in Yamunotri Temple

Yamunotri is not only known for its famous temple but also for the beautiful and peaceful places around it. After visiting the temple, you can stay an extra day to explore nearby spots. These places include holy temples, natural hot springs, calm villages, and scenic views. They add more meaning and joy to your Yamunotri Yatra and give you a chance to enjoy both nature and spirituality. Here are some of the best places to visit near Yamunotri Temple that add to your overall yatra experience.

1. Divya Shilla

Divya Shila, meaning ‘slab of divine light’, is a sacred rock located near the Yamunotri Temple and Surya Kund in Uttarakhand. It holds deep spiritual significance for devotees visiting this holy site. According to ancient belief, Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of Lord Surya (Sun God), is said to have made her first appearance on Earth at this very spot. That is why Divya Shila is worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple.

Pilgrims begin their visit by offering prayers and performing puja at the Divya Shila. After this, they collect prasad from the nearby Surya Kund, a hot water spring, and offer it to Divya Shila as part of the ritual. Having darshan of Divya Shila is not just a tradition it’s considered an essential part of the Yamunotri Dham Yatra. It symbolizes purity, devotion, and the blessings of the divine.

Location: Diva Shilla is located near Yamunotri Temple in Uttarkashi.
How to Reach: The nearest motorable point to Yamunotri is Janki Chatti, which is well-connected by road to major towns like Rishikesh, Dehradun, and Haridwar. From Janki Chatti, Divya Shila is reached via a 6 km uphill trek to Yamunotri Temple. Porters and ponies are available for those who may need assistance.

2. Surya Kund

Surya Kund is a natural hot water spring located close to the Yamunotri Temple in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand. It is a very holy place for devotees visiting the temple. The water in Surya Kund is very hot—about 88°C. Pilgrims use this water to cook Prasad. They take rice or potatoes, add some salt, tie them in a muslin cloth, and dip it into the hot water. The food gets cooked in just a few minutes.

This cooked food is then offered to Goddess Yamuna in the temple. After offering, the remaining Prasad is taken home by the devotees as a blessing. It is believed that the hot water comes from the Champasar Glacier, which is also the source of the Yamuna River. The kund is named after Lord Surya (Sun God), who is the father of Goddess Yamuna, according to Hindu mythology.

Location: Surya Kund is located close to Divya Shila and the Yamunotri Temple in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
How to Reach: To reach Surya Kund, pilgrims must first arrive at Janki Chatti, then trek approximately 6 km to the Yamunotri Temple by foot or using pony/palki services. Surya Kund is located just a few steps from the temple, near Divya Shila.

3. Kharsali

Kharsali is a beautiful village located in the Uttarkashi district near the Yamunotri Temple. Pilgrims visiting Yamunotri Dham often include Kharsali in their itinerary due to its serene atmosphere, lush green surroundings, and natural beauty featuring springs and waterfalls.

Kharsali is also significant as the winter seat of Goddess Yamuna. During the winter months, when the Yamunotri Temple becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, the idol of Goddess Yamuna is brought to the Shani Devi Temple, which is located in Kharsali. Travelers and nature lovers can explore the scenic charm and spiritual aura of this peaceful Himalayan village.

Location: Kharsali is located around 2 km from Janki Chatti in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand.
How to Reach: Kharsali village is well connected by a motorable road. Pilgrims can reach Janki Chatti by shared taxis or cabs, and then proceed to Kharsali either by a short walk or by taking a local taxi, as the distance is approximately 1–2 km.

4. Shani Devi Temple

Shani Devi Temple is located in Kharsali and is considered one of the oldest temples in the region. Dedicated to Lord Shani, the son of Surya (the Sun God) and brother of Goddess Yamuna, this temple holds great spiritual and historical significance. It is believed that the temple was built by the Pandavas during their exile.

The temple also plays an important role in the religious practices of the region, as it serves as the winter seat of Yamunotri Dham. During the winter months, when the Yamunotri Temple becomes inaccessible due to heavy snowfall, the idol of Goddess Yamuna is brought to the Shani Devi Temple in Kharsali for worship.

Location: Shani Devi Temple is located in Kharsali, about 4 km from Janki Chatti in Uttarkashi, Uttarakhand.
How to Reach: Shani Devi Temple is easily accessible by motorable road. Pilgrims can take a local taxi from Janki Chatti, which is around 4 km by road. Alternatively, pilgrims can also trek approximately 1.9 km from Janki Chatti to reach the Shani Devi Temple in Kharsali.

5. Jankichatti

Janki Chatti serves as the base point for the trek to Yamunotri Temple and is the last motorable stop on the route. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks and lush valleys, it is well known for its natural hot water springs, which are believed to have therapeutic properties. Jankichatti also offers scenic trekking trails and a tranquil environment, making it both a spiritual and rejuvenating stop for pilgrims.

In addition to its spiritual significance, Janki Chatti is a key halt for devotees, offering a range of accommodation options, food options, and basic facilities. Pilgrims usually spend the night here and start the 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple early the next morning, either on foot or by hiring ponies, palkis, or pitthus.

Location: Janki Chatti is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, about 6 km from Yamunotri Temple.
How to Reach: Janki Chatti is well connected by road and can be reached from nearby towns like Barkot, Hanuman Chatti, and Dehradun via buses, shared taxis, and private vehicles. The distance from Barkot to Janki Chatti is approximately 45 km by road.

6. Hanuman Chatti

Hanuman Chatti is a serene village located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers in Uttarakhand. It is renowned for its ancient Hanuman Temple, where pilgrims offer prayers and seek the blessings of Lord Hanuman before or after visiting Yamunotri Dham.

Yamunotri temple located about 15 km from Hanuman Chatti was once the starting point for the Yamunotri trek before the motorable road to Janki Chatti was developed. Today, it remains a spiritual and scenic stopover for pilgrims, surrounded by beautiful mountain views and peaceful riverbanks.

Location: Hanuman Chatti is located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India, around 15 km from Yamunotri Temple.
How to Reach: Hanuman Chatti is easily accessible by road. Pilgrims can take buses or taxis from Dehradun, Rishikesh, and Haridwar to Barkot, which is around 35 km from Hanuman Chatti. From Barkot, cabs and shared/local taxis are readily available to reach Hanuman Chatti and continue the journey towards Yamunotri.

7. Saptrishi Kund

Saptrishi Kund is a glacial lake located about 7 km from the Yamunotri Temple. It is the original source of the Yamuna River and is surrounded by rocky glaciers, with water coming from the Champasar Glacier. The lake is about half a kilometer long and has a dark blue color.

According to legends, seven great sages Kashyap, Atri, Bharadwaj, Vashistha, Jamadagni, Gautama, and Vishwamitra meditated here, which makes the place very holy and important. The Saptrishi Kund trek distance is a challenging 7 km journey from Yamunotri Temple, offering breathtaking natural beauty and a deep sense of spiritual significance.

Location: Saptrishi Kund is located on the Bandarpunch Mountain in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, around 7 km trek from the Yamunotri Temple.
How to Reach: To reach Saptrishi Kund, pilgrims must first travel by motorable road to Janki Chatti. From there, they can trek or use palki/pony services for the 6 km route to Yamunotri Temple. After reaching the temple, a 7 km tough trek leads to the sacred Saptrishi Kund.

How to Cover Nearby Attractions During Yamunotri Tour

1. Places You Can Visit on Foot

Divya Shila: Just beside the Yamunotri temple; pilgrims worship it before entering the shrine.
Surya Kund: Right next to Divya Shila; hot water spring used for cooking prasad.

2. Places to Visit by Vehicle

Janki Chatti: The last motorable point before the Yamunotri trek; offers hot springs and accommodation.
Kharsali: Reachable via a short drive or walk from Janki Chatti.
Shani Devi Temple: Accessible by vehicle up to Kharsali.
Hanuman Chatti: Located about 15 km before Yamunotri, you can travel by road from Barkot.

3. Places to Visit by Trekking

Yamunotri Temple: 6 km trek from Janki Chatti. You can do it on foot or hire ponies/palkis.
Shani Devi Temple (Kharsali): About 1.9 km easy trek from Janki Chatti.
Kharsali Village: Around 1–2 km from Janki Chatt at walkable and scenic journey.
Saptrishi Kund: A 7 km trek from the temple, recommended only for those with good physical fitness and interest in spiritual adventure.

Tips for Pilgrims Visiting Places Near Yamunotri

Take an extra day or two to explore nearby spots like Kharsali, Shani Devi Temple, and Saptrishi Kund for a richer Yamunotri experience.
Check the weather forecast before starting any trek or local visit near Yamunotri.
Start your day early at Yamunotri Temple to make the most of daylight and avoid sudden weather changes in the mountains.
Respect local traditions and temple customs – dress modestly and avoid wearing revealing clothes while visiting Yamunotri Temple.
Stay at Janki Chatti, the base point for Yamunotri Temple – it makes it easier to explore nearby attractions and begin the temple trek early.