Guide
Yamunotri Yatra 2026
Before the Ganga, before Kedarnath, before Badrinath, there is Yamunotri. The first dham on the clockwise circuit sits at 3,293 metres in the Uttarkashi district, cradled between the Bandarpoonch peaks at the origin of one of India's most sacred rivers.
Yamunotri is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, the daughter of Surya (the Sun God) and sister of Yama (the god of death). A bath in the sacred Yamuna waters is believed to free the devotee from the fear of death and wash away lifelong sins. The temple was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal, and later rebuilt by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century after an earlier structure was destroyed by natural forces.
Unlike Gangotri, Yamunotri cannot be reached by road, the last motorable point is Janki Chatti, from where a 6 km trek through rhododendron forests and mountain streams leads to the shrine.
When Does Yamunotri Open in 2026?
Official 2026 Dates
The opening date is announced on Yamuna Jayanti and aligns with Akshaya Tritiya. For 2026, this falls on 19 April, the same day as Gangotri, marking the official start of the Char Dham Yatra season.
- Opening Date: 19 April 2026, Akshaya Tritiya, start of Char Dham season
- Closing Date: 11 November 2026, Bhai Dooj, deity moves to Kharsali village
- Darshan Timing: 6:30 AM – 7:30 PM, Daily, plan to arrive early morning
- Trek: 6 km (one way), From Janki Chatti, 4–5 hours return
From Janki Chatti to Yamunotri
The Trek
The trek from Janki Chatti (2,370 m) to Yamunotri (3,293 m) is 6 km one way, approximately 4–5 hours up, 2–3 hours down. Ponies, dolis, and kandis are available from prepaid counters at Janki Chatti.
0 km
Start
Janki Chatti (2,370 m)
Last motorable point. Prepaid pony/palki counter here. Start early morning for best conditions.
2 km
Phool Chatti
Gentle start along a cemented trail with railings. A village surrounded by rhododendrons and
wildflowers.
4 km
Hanuman Chatti (2,400 m)
Confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Good rest stop with dhabas and benches.
5.5 km
Steel Bridge
Crosses a Yamuna tributary. Trail bifurcation just ahead, take the main marked path to the temple.
6 km
Top
Yamunotri Temple (3,293 m)
The final 0.5 km is the steepest. You'll hear temple bells before you see the shrine.
Pony, Palki & Kandi Charges (2026)
- Dandi (palanquin, 4 bearers): ₹1,900 one way, Janki Chatti to Yamunotri
- Kandi (basket carrier, 1 bearer): ₹840 one way
- Pony/Mule: ₹640 one way
- Book from the official prepaid counter at Janki Chatti, avoid touts on the trail
- Mobile signal is very weak on trail, only 2G BSNL at Yamunotri. Download offline maps before you start.
Yatra Registration 2026
Mandatory Registration
Registration is compulsory for all Yamunotri pilgrims. The Yatra E-Pass is checked at checkpoints on the route from Haridwar/Rishikesh.
Registration Details
- Official portal: registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (completely free)
- Registration opened: 6 March 2026
- Also via: Tourist Care Uttarakhand app. WhatsApp "Yatra" to +91-8394833833
- Offline counters from 15 April 2026 at Janki Chatti, Barkot, Haridwar, Rishikesh
- Upload Aadhaar, Passport, or Voter ID + photo
- Download QR-coded Yatra E-Pass, carry printed copy (signal is poor on trail)
How to Reach Yamunotri
Getting There
By air
Nearest airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (~210 km from Janki Chatti). From Dehradun, take a taxi or bus to Janki Chatti via Mussoorie and Barkot. Journey takes approximately 7–8 hours.
By train
Nearest railway stations: Haridwar (257 km) and Rishikesh (232 km from Janki Chatti). Shared jeeps and private taxis operate to Janki Chatti from both cities throughout the yatra season.
By Helicopter
Udan Aviation operates helicopter charters from Sahastradhara Helipad, Dehradun to Kharsali Helipad near Yamunotri. From Kharsali, pilgrims continue to the temple by pony, doli, or palki. Advance booking is essential.
When to Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Best
May – June
Clear trails, full facilities, rhododendrons in bloom
Avoid
Jul – Aug
Monsoon, trail gets slippery, landslide risk on road to Janki Chatti
Excellent
Sep – Oct
Post-monsoon, fewer crowds, pristine Himalayan air
"The Yamuna does not merely flow, she descends. From the frozen heights of Champasar Glacier, she arrives as a gift, carrying the prayers of those who walk to meet her."
Yamunotri. Source of the Sacred Yamuna
What to Do at Yamunotri
At the Temple
Surya Kund: The sacred hot spring near the temple reaches temperatures of around 88°C. Devotees traditionally cook rice and potatoes in cloth bags dipped in the kund, this prasad is then offered to Goddess Yamuna and taken home.
Divya Shila: A sacred rock pillar adjacent to the temple. Pilgrims traditionally offer prayers at Divya Shila before entering the temple.
Janki Kund: A natural pool of the Yamuna river near the temple. Many devotees take a holy dip here on the opening day.
Yamunotri Yatra Checklist
- Register at registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in (free, opens 6 March)
- Download offline maps before the trek, mobile signal is very limited at Yamunotri
- Carry printed registration pass, digital may not work without signal
- Start the trek early (before 7 AM) to avoid afternoon weather changes
- Bring small cloth bags if you wish to cook rice/potatoes as prasad in Surya Kund
- Warm layers essential, temperatures drop significantly after 3 PM
- ATMs available at Barkot and Janki Chatti, carry sufficient cash
- Shoes must be removed at the temple entrance