Janki Chatti is a picturesque town located in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi region in Chamoli district at 2,650 metres above sea level. It is best known for being a starting point for pilgrims trekking towards the renowned Yamunotri Temple for Yamunotri Dham and Char Dham Yatra. Surrounded by tall and towering mountains that make up a breathtaking view, it is a place that is so peaceful you will feel spiritually uplifted. From the hot water springs to trekking routes, you will never get bored at Janki Chatti. The region makes a great vacation for those seeking a peaceful escapade as it is brimming with things to explore.
About Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti is a quiet town that was relatively unexplored until a few years ago. Ever since it became the starting point of the trek to Yamunotri, more people have been exploring it. Earlier, Hanuman Chatti was the starting point of the trek to the famous destination. However, you can reach Janki Chatti and then start your trek to Yamunotri from there, thereby saving you several kilometres of trekking. The region is known for being a quiet escape from the crowded areas of Uttarakhand and offers peace unlike you have ever experienced. This Himalayan gem provides an excellent place for a spiritual retreat, trekking, photography, and coming closer to nature.
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Things To Do In Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti does not have to be only a part of the Char Dham Yatra. You can visit the location on your trip to Uttarakhand as it offers serene activities that you and your entire family can enjoy.
Take A Dip In Hot Water Springs
The thermal springs in the Chatti are famous all over the region and they are also known as Yamunotri Tapt Kund. They provide a great way to feel rejuvenated as the cool breezy air sometimes becomes cold, especially towards the end of the year. The hot springs also have a therapeutic purpose as many believe they have healing properties. Also, they have a religious aspect to them as people believe that taking a dip in these springs before going to the Yamunotri Temple will purify their souls.
Trek To Yamunotri
The main trekking route is from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri and you can follow the concrete trail that leads you to Yamunotri. It is best to trek starting in the morning. The trek is moderate to difficult as there are steep inclines on the way. If you do not want to trek or are unable to trek, you can always opt for a palki or a pony ride towards the thermal hot springs and Yamunotri. The other trekking routes take you to Hanuman Chatti and Saptarishi Kund.
Suggested Read: Yamunotri In Winter
Indulge In Local Culture
You should ideally spend some time at the Janki Chatti to understand the local culture and customs. The locals are welcoming and always ready to assist you. The warm welcome will encourage you to extend your stay! Make sure that you try the delicious Garhwali cuisine such as the Garhwali thali with multiple local dishes during your stay. You will taste of some of the best vegetarian food you have ever eaten.
Staying Options At Janki Chatti
If you are planning a vacation and wish to stay at Janki Chatti for a night or two, you can find a range of accommodations. The most popular is the GMVN Guest House which offers lodging at economical prices. You can also book local private accommodations here. All these offer basic facilities for a comfortable stay in the quaint town. You can also look for staying options at Barkot which is around 50 km from Janki Chatti. It offers more facilities such as hospitals, ATMs, banks, restaurants, hotels, etc.
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How To Reach
There are various Transportation modes one can opt for to reach Janki Chatti. Here is the list of transportation:
- By Flight: The Jolly Grant Airport is the closest airport and the distance between them is 207.4 km. You can hire a taxi or book a cab to reach Janki Chatti directly.
- By Train: The Dehradun Railway Station is the closest airport to Janki Chatti and the distance is 182.5 km. From there you can reach Uttarkashi or Barkot by bus or taxi. Then you can hire a direct taxi or can to reach the Chatti.
- By Road: This place is well connected to Uttarakhand’s major cities. You can reach Rishikesh or Haridwar from other cities such as Delhi and then take a taxi to Janki Chatti.
Tips For Visiting Janki Chatti
- You will see some of the most amazing landscapes and views as you explore Janki Chatti so make sure you bring your best camera.
- You can choose from a range of accommodation options but make sure you book earlier, especially during the peak season when there is a high influx of tourists and pilgrims.
- It is advised to avoid the monsoon season to travel and explore the place due to heavy rainfall leading to landslides and road blockages.
- It is best to book a horse ride from Janki Chatti rather than further down the route as you will save significant money.
- If you are trekking to Yamunotri, make sure you have all the equipment you need such as good shoes, a bottle of water, snacks, food, a first aid kit, and so on.
- If you do not want to carry snacks and water it is okay because you can find water and snacking options on the way.
- Depending on when you are planning your visit, carry sufficient clothes and plan well in advance to avoid leaving something important behind.
- The hot water springs have medicinal properties that can soothe your muscles and make you relaxed. Make sure you plan to spend some time here.
- You should avoid travelling in the dark even when you are trekking with many people as it is not safe.
- You can find lots of sheds that provide shade and allow you to rest during your trekking journey.
Further Read: Kedarnath In Summer
Make your trip to Uttarakhand special by going to Janki Chatti too. Whether you are going on the Char Dham Yatra tour or want to escape to a serene place in Uttarkashi, the Janki Chatti has you covered by offering just the right amenities and allowing you to have a nature retreat holiday you will always remember. It is time to make new memories that last!
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Cover Image Credit: Anurag.vq forWikimedia Commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Janki Chatti
Is Janki Chatti closer to Yamunotri than Hanuman Chatti?
Yes, it is closer to Yamunotri. The distance from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri is 9.3 km while the distance from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri is 3.4 km.
How much is the pony and palki charge?
The cost of a pony ride is INR 1,200 one way while the cost of a palki ride is INR 4,000 one way. You can negotiate and lower the ride cost.
How long does it take to reach Yamunotri from Janki Chatti?
It takes up to two hours to go from Janki Chatti towards Yamunotri as it is an uphill climb while the downhill descent takes 1 and a half hours.
When is the best time to visit Janki Chatti?
You can visit the region from March to June, then October and November. The monsoons arrive from July to September and it is best to avoid travelling at that time due to safety concerns.
How much time to spend at Janki Chatti?
You can spend a few hours here if you are on the way to Yamunotri. If you have time, you can spend a night at Janki Chatti so you have ample time to explore the surrounding areas.
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