The journey to Yamunotri Dham begins in Janki Chatti, a town located about 182 km from Dehradun, Uttarakhand’s capital. From Janki Chatti, pilgrims embark on a 5 km trek to the Yamunotri temple, which sits at an elevation of 3,293 metres. At the temple, devotees offer their prayers to Goddess Yamuna, who is revered as the daughter of Surya, the Sun God. Built in the 19th century, this sacred temple stands beside the Yamuna River and holds great spiritual significance. The region also boasts natural hot springs, believed to have medicinal and purifying properties. Pilgrims often bathe in these springs before entering the temple, as it is thought to cleanse both body and soul. The serene atmosphere and spiritual energy of Yamunotri make the journey truly unforgettable.
The Complete Itinerary to Yamunotri Dham Yatra - from Delhi to Delhi
Day 1: Delhi to Dehradun
Start your journey early in the morning from Delhi, either by train or flight, to reach Dehradun, the capital city of Uttarakhand.
• By Train: There are several trains from Delhi to Dehradun. The train journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours, depending on the train chosen. These trains depart from New Delhi Railway Station and offer meals along the way.
• By Flight: If you prefer to travel by air, you can take a direct flight from Delhi to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. The flight duration is approximately 1.5 hours, and once you land, you can take a cab or a pre-booked transfer to reach the city centre. Although flights are quicker, travelling by train allows for a more leisurely experience and the chance to enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding mountains.
Upon arrival in Dehradun, you can explore the city for a few hours. Dehradun is known for landmarks like Robber's Cave, Mindrolling Monastery, and the Forest Research Institute. Enjoy a relaxed evening here before preparing for the next leg of the journey.
Day 2: Dehradun to Janki Chatti
After a good night’s rest in Dehradun, start your day with an early breakfast. The drive from Dehradun to Janki Chatti is about 200 km and typically takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on road conditions. You can hire a private taxi or opt for a shared vehicle to reach Janki Chatti. The route passes through towns like Mussoorie and Barkot, where you can stop for a brief rest. The drive offers spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. Janki Chatti is the base for the Yamunotri trek, and from here, you will begin your journey to the holy shrine. Upon reaching, you will find a variety of Hotels in Janki Chatti with budget-friendly accommodations including guesthouses, small hotels, and dharamshalas.
Day 3: Trekking from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri and Back to Janki Chatti
This is the most exciting and physically demanding day of the trip, as you will be trekking to the sacred Yamunotri Temple. Begin your trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri. The trek is about 5 km one way and takes approximately 3-4 hours to reach the temple, depending on your pace. The trekking trail to Yamunotri is relatively moderate in difficulty, offering picturesque views of the Himalayas and bubbling streams along the way. The path can be traversed by foot, or you can hire a pony or a palanquin for a more comfortable journey, especially if you’re not used to long walks. For those who are physically fit and love the outdoors, walking the entire stretch is highly recommended as it offers the best experience.
Once you reach the Yamunotri Temple, take your time to explore the area. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, who is believed to be the daughter of the Sun God, Surya. You can offer your prayers and soak in the spiritual energy of the place. Many pilgrims also visit the nearby Surya Kund, a hot water spring where devotees cook rice and potatoes as an offering to the goddess. After spending some time at the temple, retrace your steps back to Janki Chatti for the return journey. Upon reaching Janki Chatti, you can rest and freshen up before continuing your journey. After resting, drive from Janki Chatti to Barkot, which is a small town approximately 2 hours from Janki Chatti. Barkot is a popular stopover for pilgrims on their way to Yamunotri and offers comfortable accommodation options.
Day 4: Barkot to Dehradun and Back to Delhi by Flight or Train
On the final day of your journey, wake up early and have a quick breakfast before starting your drive back to Dehradun. The drive from Barkot to Dehradun is about 136 km and takes upto 5 hours. Upon reaching Dehradun, you can either take a flight or a train back to Delhi, depending on your preferred mode of travel.