Shri Yamunotri Dham

History of Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri is a well-known holy place in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. Yamunotri temple is built at an altitude of about 3,291 meters above sea level. This temple was established by Garhwal King Pradyumna Shah. Later, this temple was also rebuilt from time to time.

It is said that Yamunotri Dham is related to Goddess Yamuna and Suryaputri Yamraj. Mythological stories state that Yamuna is the child of Surya (Sun God) and his wife Sanjna. Yamraj is her brother. It is believed that bathing in the Yamuna river ends the fear of death and brings happiness and peace in life.

Yamunotri Dham also has hot water ponds, which are called "Suryakund" and "Gaurikund". Devotees take bath here and cook potatoes and rice in the hot water of the pond and consume it as prasad. In the Char Dham Yatra, Yamunotri is the first Dham, where thousands of pilgrims visit every year. The natural beauty, snow-capped peaks and the view of the holy Yamuna river make the atmosphere here even more special.

When Yamunotri Dham will Open in 2026

Every year this temple remains closed during the winter season and is reopened when summer arrives.

On 30 April 2026, Yamunotri Dham will open for devotees in 2026. The holy festival of Akshaya Tritiya is also celebrated on this day. In Hinduism, Akshaya Tritiya is known as a very lucky and pure day. On this day, the doors of the temple are opened with prayers, chants, and special worship. In the auspicious time in the morning, the priests open the doors by performing special rituals and the first aarti is performed. After this, darshan starts for the devotees.

After the temple opens, thousands of devotees come here from the country and abroad. People come here to seek blessings of Yamunaji, take bath in the hot water pond and see the beautiful Himalayan view. This journey lasts from May to October. The temple is closed again when winter starts.

When Yamunotri Dham will Close in 2026

Yamunotri Temple opens every year with the season and closes for winter. It is expected that Temple will close on 30 October 2026. This date usually falls on the day of Bhaiya Dooj (Yam Dwitya), which is decided by the Hindu calendar and religious advice.

On this day, a religious closing (total bandh) puja is performed at the temple. After the temple is closed, devotees leave Yamunotri and start returning home. After this, heavy snowfall and severe cold start coming, making the pilgrimage impossible.

In preparation for this closure, the temple committee and priests together make all the arrangements. They send the idol of Lord Yamuna to the winter residence (in Kharsali), where his worship continues.

Best Time to Visit Yamunotri Temple

The Best time to Visit Yamunotri Dham is May to June and September to October.

Summer (May to June)

The summer season is the best time for a comfortable Yamunotri Yatra. Roads remain open and the weather stays pleasant. Devotees can easily go by foot or use horse-mule. This season is considered the best for darshan and traveling.

Winter (November to April)

There is heavy snowfall here in winter and the temperature goes very low. The doors of the temple remain closed and travel is not possible. At this time devotees have to worship Yamunaji located in Kharsali village.

Monsoon (July to August)

There is continuous rain here during monsoon, due to which the roads become slippery and risky. There is also a danger of landslides. It is not safe to travel in this season. Most travelers prefer to travel only after the rain.

How to Reach Yamunotri Dham

There are many ways and means available to reach here.

3. By Road

It is not possible to reach Yamunotri directly by bus or car. The last stop of the road route is Jankichatti. Direct buses and taxis are available from Delhi, Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun till here.

A 6 km long walking route starts from Jankichatti. While going by road, travelers can see the beautiful view of mountains, rivers and valleys.

1. By train

Yamunotri Dham is near Haridwar and Rishikesh railway stations. Direct trains come here from major cities of the country. It is very easy to reach Haridwar from Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur and Varanasi. Since there is no train route connecting Haridwar or Rishikesh to the Dham, travelers need to continue their journey from these stations by bus or taxi.

The distance from Rishikesh to Yamunotri Dham is about 220 km. Beautiful places like Devprayag, Tehri and Barkot come on this route. Rail travel is considered safe and comfortable especially for family and the elderly.

2. By flight

The closest airport to Yamunotri Dham is Jollygrant Airport in Dehradun, located nearly 210 km from there. Flights are available from many cities of the country to here. As soon as you get out of the airport, passengers can go to Yamunotri by taxi or bus.

The air route is considered a time-saving and fast option. Especially those people who have less time can easily start their journey by reaching Dehradun by flight.

4. By Trek

To reach Yamunotri Dham from Jankichatti, one has to cover a 6 km track which is hilly and winding. Travelers can reach by walking, but if the elderly or children want, they can take the facility of horse, mule or palanquin.

A wonderful view of waterfalls, greenery and mountains is seen on the way. This journey makes the devotees experience natural beauty and spiritual peace.

Hotels and Accommodation Facilities near Yamunotri Dham

Accommodation is also easily available for the devotees coming here. Although there are not many hotels very close to the Dham, good accommodation facilities are available at places like Jankichatti, Hanuman Chatti and Barkot.

Jankichatti is about 6 km from Yamunotri Dham. Here small guest houses, dharamshalas and hotels are available. Before the trek, travelers prefer to stay here. Rooms ranging from cheap to normal budget are available here.

Hanuman Chatti is about 13 km from the Dham and here too comfortable hotels and lodges are available. This place is considered very good for staying amidst natural beauty. Here facilities are also available from small food and tea shops.

There are good hotels, resorts and dharamshalas here. Travelers coming with family and groups prefer to stay here.

Ordinary dharamshalas are also available near the Dham, where accommodation is available at very low cost. Also, guest houses of GMVN (Garhwal Mandal Development Corporation) are also available.

Overall, everything from ordinary dharamshalas to comfortable hotels is available for staying near Yamunotri Dham. Travelers can choose hotels or guest houses according to their needs and budget and have a pleasant experience of visiting Maa Yamuna.

Nearest Railway Stations to Yamunotri Dham

This place is nestled in the beautiful valleys of the Himalayas and lakhs of devotees come here every year to visit. To go to Yamunotri Dham, Haridwar and Rishikesh railway stations are best.

The distance from Yamunotri to Haridwar Railway Station is approximately 220 km. It is a large and major railway station. Trains from many parts of India easily come and go here. Rishikesh Railway Station is about 210 km from Yamunotri. It is a small station, but can be easily reached from Delhi and nearby cities.

The journey from the railway station onwards has to be done by road. Jankichatti can be reached by bus, taxi or private vehicle from Haridwar or Rishikesh. There is a distance of about 6 km from here, which can be covered by trekking or horse/palki.

Thus, travelling by train is comfortable and safe. The best options to reach Yamunotri Dham are Haridwar and Rishikesh railway stations.

Places to Visit near Yamunotri Temple

● Janaki Chatti:

Janaki Chatti is a major place near Yamunotri temple. This place is famous for hot water springs and natural beauty. Travelers stay here to rest and start their journey to the temple. The view of greenery and mountains makes this place special.

● Hanuman Chatti:

This place is famous for trekking and natural scenery. The views of snow-capped mountains and river from here look very attractive. Pilgrims also rest here.

● Sarsori Tal:

Sarsori Tal is a lake known for its beauty and calm environment. The blue water here and the greenery spread all around soothes the mind. This place is very suitable for photography and nature lovers.

● Divya Shila:

Divya Shila near Yamunotri Temple is a sacred rock where devotees pray before entering. Devotees worship here before entering the temple. This is a sacred rock, seeing which one attains virtue.

Book Yamunotri Dham Yatra Package With Us

At Yamunotri Dham, experienced guides from YatraChardham.org ensure your journey is safe and comfortable. The package also provides full details about food and travel. It is ideal for both children and senior citizens. With us, you can visit Yamunotri Dham easily without any stress.The package also includes arrangements for holy bath, worship and blessings.Guides are also present during the journey who give information about Yamunotri Dham and its religious significance.