Altitute: 3,235 mts.
Climate: Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night.
Winter : Snow- bound. Touching sub-Zero.
Clothing : Summer : Light woollens.
Winter : Very heavy woollens.
Languages : Hindi, Garhwali and English.

YAMUNOTRI - INTRODUCTION

The revered shrine of Yamunotri, source of the river Yamuna, is situated in the shadow of the 6,315 m High Bandarpunchh mountain. It constitutes one of the four most important pilgrimages, collectively called 'Char Dham' of the Garhwal Himalayas. Legend has it that a sage, Asit Muni, used to reside at this secluded spot in ancient times
The shrine of Yamunotri, is a point of paramount religious importance for Hindus and an essential pilgrimage. Situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri, the road bifurcates from a place called Dharasu, somewhere between Rishikesh - Uttarkashi and goes on to Yamunotri. The shrine can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot..

YAMUNOTRI - LOCATION AND CLIMATE
Perched at an altitude of 3293 meters above sea level, Yamunotri is located in the Uttarkashi district of the northern state of Uttaranchal. It is very close to the Indo-Chinese border and is surrounded by the Himalayan offshoots on all sides. Yamunotri, lies near the Bandarpunch Mountain, which is 6315 m high and lies to the north. The glacial lake of Saptarishi Kund, on the Kalind Parbat, at an altitude of 4421 m, is the real source of the Yamuna River. Yamunotri is at a distance of 278 km from Dehradun, 236 km from Rishikesh, 176 km from Chamba, and 21 km from Sanya Chatti. It remains cool even during summers. The winters are snow-bound and temperatures fall below 0°C. One is advised to carry light or heavy woolens depending on the time of visit.

SIGHTSEEING (YAMUNOTRI)
Yamunotri Temple
The present temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. In 1923, the temple was destroyed by an earthquake, but subsequently rebuilt. Here a holy dip in the tank filled by hot springs, and cooking rice in its water are part of the rituals.
Surya Kund
There are a number of thermal springs in the vicinity of Yamunotri. The most important of these, Surya Kund, has a temperature of almost 1900 F. Pilgrims tie rice and potatoes in a cotton cloth, and immerse it in the water to be cooked.
Divya Shila
A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri temple.

EXCURSION (YANUNOTRI)
Hanuman Chatti
Hanuman Chatti is at a distance of 13 km from Yamunotri. It is located at the confluence of the Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers and the trekking route to Dodi Tal starts here. Accommodation is available here as well.
Jankichatti
Janki Chatti is at a distance of 7 km from Yamunotri. It is well known for its thermal springs. It provides accommodation facilities for tourists.
Barkot
Barkot is a small hamlet, 49 km from Yamunotri. It has an ancient temple and can provide good facilities to the traveler.
Saptarishi Kund
Saptarishi Kund is at a distance of 10 km from Yamunotri and is the actual source of the river. This lake is generally covered with ice. The place is known for the rare Brahma lotus, which grows here. It is a beautiful picnic spot as well.

TREKKING (YAMUNOTRI)
Yamunotri is famous for its trekking routes. The trek route from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri is 14 km and takes about 5 hours. It is a picturesque route through the countryside following the river track.

The Dodi Tal track, which links Gangotri and Yamunotri, is a famous trek route. It starts from Kalyani, en route Gangotri from Uttar Kashi. It then goes on to Agoda, Dodi Tal (3024 m), Darwa Top (4130 m), Shima and finally Hanuman Chatti. The entire route is about 60 km long and takes about four days to complete.

There is another trek from Hanuman Chatti to Phul Chatti and from Janki Chatti to Kharsali.

TRAVEL INFO (YAMUNOTRI)

Air Nearest airport is Jolly Grant.
Rail Nearest railhead is at Rishikesh.
Road The road to Yamunotri diverts from Rishikesh - Gangotri road at Dharasu. Important road distances : Hanumanchatti 13 km. Dharasu 107 km; Tehri 149 km.
Hanumanchatti, the roadhead for Yamunotri is connected by bus services of Samyukt Rotation Yatayat Vyavstha Samiti to Rishikesh, Haridwar and other major centres in the region.