Yamunotri in winter or summer time is one of Uttarakhand’s most revered destinations, located in its Uttarkashi district at an altitude of about 3,293 metres above sea level. It is part of the Garhwal Himalayas and one of the four pilgrimage sites of the sacred Chota Char Dham Yatra. It is also the source of the Yamuna River and is believed to be Goddess Yamuna’s seat. At the foot of the hill lies the shrine or the Yamunotri Temple which attracts large crowds of devotees daily from all around.
Yamunotri In Winter
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Part of the Garhwal Himalayas in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, Yamunotri is a breathtaking destination in winter or summer and one of the four pilgrimage sites of the holy Chota Char Dham Yatra. It is the source of the river Yamuna and is also said to be the seat of Goddess Yamuna; there is a shrine known as the Yamunotri Temple at the foot of the hill.
The primary reason for placing the shrine at the bottom of the hill is that the source of the river, the Champasar Glacier, makes for an incredibly challenging and treacherous climb. Yamunotri, also known as Jamunotri, is situated at about 3,293 metres above sea level. It is also the starting point of the Chota Char Dham Yatra. According to Hindu mythology, this is where the sage Asita used to reside; it is said that he would bathe every day in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, but when old age made it difficult for him to get to Gangotri, a stream of the river Ganges appeared here itself.
Must Read: Places To See In Uttarkashi
Visiting Yamunotri In Winter Time
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The Yamunotri Temple, which attracts hundreds and thousands of devotees yearly, especially during the Chota Char Dham Yatra beginning in May, was built in the 19th century. It was built to replace the shrine previously on the site and is located on the left bank of the river Yamuna. The main idol inside the temple is made of black marble, and two others face north. Moreover, near the temple lie the rock Divya Shila as well as hot water springs, including the Surya Kund. Before offering their prayers at the temple, devotees first worship Divya Shila and then dip their offerings (usually rice and potatoes), wrapped in a muslin cloth, in the hot springs. The offerings are then taken home as prasad. The Chota Char Dham Yatra comprises the sites of Yamunotri, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Badrinath. It is an annual sacred journey that usually begins in the summer. Yamunotri is the beginning point of the yatra.
Owing to its altitude and tricky roads, it can either accessed on foot or animal back; many devotees prefer to cover the last stretch to the Yamunotri Temple on the back of a horse or pony. People usually trek from Janki Chatti, which is about 7 km away. The best time to visit Yamunotri is during the summer season, between the months of May and June or during the autumn season from September to November. During the winter season, the Yamunotri region is covered in a thick layer of snow, and it is impossible to access the site given how dangerous and cold it gets. It is because of this reason that people are not allowed to visit Yamunotri between November and April, the temple sealed and one of its idols of Goddess moved to a temple in Kharsali closer to Janki Chatti.
How To Reach Yamunotri
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Yamunotri remains closed during winter due to the heavy snow, and therefore, it is nearly impossible to reach by any means of transport. However, during the rest of the year, there are a few options to look into if you plan to make a trip to the sacred site of Yamunotri. There is no road suitable for vehicles that connect directly to Yamunotri. However, you can take a vehicle to Janki Chatti, the closest to the holy site and the starting point of the trek to Yamunotri.
The easiest way is to bring your own car and drive to Janki Chatti; from there, you can cover the rest of the distance on foot or even hire a horse, pony or mule for the same. If you plan on taking the train, the closest railway station is in Rishikesh, over 230 km from Janki Chatti. Alternatively, you can also go to Hanuman Chatti, about 220 km from the station, and then trek the 14 km to Yamunotri. Another option is to take a flight; the closest airport is the Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun, about 170 km from Hanuman Chatti and about 180 km from Janki Chatti, respectively. No matter which mode of transport you choose, you would need to either trek to Yamunotri or opt for an animal back ride since the roads to this pilgrimage site are unsuitable for any vehicle.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Uttarakhand In Winter
Staying In Yamunotri In Winter
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As mentioned above, Yamunotri in winter is inaccessible because of the thick blanket of snow that covers the area, thus making the roads dangerous for use. Therefore, it is advisable not to visit this sacred site during winter. However, you would find some accommodation options in Yamunotri at any other time of the year. You would find cottages, resorts, hotels, homestays, apartment complexes for tourists and more in Yamunotri, where you can lodge. These are all located at different distances from the temple; therefore, you might need to hire transport if you choose not to bring your own.
Further Read: Things To Do In Uttarkashi
Given that you now have a fair amount of information about Yamunotri and visiting Yamunotri in wintertime, you are now set to plan your trip to this holy destination. In fact, you can also begin planning a trip to Uttarakhand, be it to embark on the holy journey of Chota Char Dham or explore its many wonderful attractions. So book your tickets soon for a splendid trip with family and friends.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Yamunotri In Winter
Is Yamunotri open during the monsoon season?
While Yamunotri as well as its temple, remain open to the public from May to November, people should avoid visiting during the monsoon season from July to September. This is because the region receives heavy rainfall, which not only makes the trek more difficult but also increases the possibility of landslides
What kind of clothes must visitors avoid wearing when going to Yamunotri?
There is no official dress that must be followed when visiting Yamunotri but given that it is a religious site, visitors must dress modestly and not wear clothes that show too much skin. Moreover, make sure to carry warm clothes as the weather can often be unpredictable.
How difficult is it to trek up to Yamunotri?
With how narrow and rocky the path can be at times, especially when crowded, the trek to Yamunotri is not very easy. It takes 6-8 hours to cover the 7 km from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri. However, of the four Chota Char Dham sites, Kedarnath is usually considered the most challenging one to get to.
Is it allowed for devotees bathe in the Surya Kund hot springs?
Yes, devotees can not only dip their offerings in hot water of Surya Kund, but they can also bathe in it. This hot spring originates from within the mountain and is said to be hot enough to cook rice!
Is there an order to be followed when performing the Chota Char Dham Yatra?
Although the Chota Char Dham Yatra usually begins from Yamunotri, followed by Gangotri, Kedarnath and finally Badrinath, you can choose to change the order if you deem it more suitable. The journey is traditionally performed from west to east.
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