Chardham destinations in the state of Uttarakhand are frequently visited by lakhs of tourists, pilgrims and devotees every year. One highly sacred destination that’s an important part of the Chardham circuit is Yamunotri. A visit to this holy town will prove as a window to the rich Hindu culture, religious rites and rituals. That’s why you should never forget to visit Yamunotri while spending your holidays in the state of Uttarakhand in northern India.
Situated at an elevation of 3,390 m above sea level, Yamunotri is actually the source of the holy Yamuna River. The Indo-China border is very close to this pilgrimage site. The presence of mountains (Himalayan ranges) on all sides makes Yamunotri look even more divine and beautiful.
If you are in Rishikesh, you’ll need to travel a distance of around 236 km to reach the holy town of Yamunotri. Chamba is at 176 km from here while Dehradun is at 278 km from the town. From Hanuman Chatti, you can undertake a trek of around 6 km to get to Yamunotri shrine. This trekking journey will also introduce you to the natural richness of Yamunotri. Thick forests and mountain peaks surround the holy town from all sides.
When you set out for the Chardham Yatra, Yamunotri is your very first pilgrimage destination to visit. The temple, that’s the biggest crowd puller here, remains dedicated to Hindu goddess Yamuna. Between May and October, the Yamunotri shrine turns into a hub of religious activities as hundreds of thousands of pilgrims visit here to seek the blessings of the goddess
