Sign in with GoogleYamunotri: Abode of Goddess Yamuna
Yamunotri (3,291m) in the Uttarkashi district is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna — the sister of Yama, lord of death. According to belief, visiting Yamunotri first absolves devotees of the fear of painful death. The temple is open for 6 months from Akshaya Tritiya to Yama Dwitiya (Bhai Dooj).
The base village is Janki Chatti (2,650m), from which a 5.5km trek leads to the temple. The trek passes through beautiful deodar and rhododendron forests. At the temple, pilgrims cook rice and potatoes in the natural hot springs (Surya Kund, 88°C) as a prasad offering — a unique tradition.
Janki Chatti to Yamunotri is only 5.5km (1.5–2 hrs at a medium pace). Most people can comfortably complete it without horses/palanquins. Start early to avoid afternoon showers.
Gangotri: Source of the Holy Ganga
Gangotri (3,048m) is where King Bhagirath prayed for centuries to bring the Ganga from heaven to earth. The temple, built by Amar Singh Thapa of Nepal in the 18th century, stands beside the Bhagirathi River (which becomes Ganga downstream). The actual source of the Ganga is the Gaumukh glacier, 18km further by trek — one of India's great adventure routes.
Gangotri town has several dhabas and guesthouses for overnight stays. The morning aarti (6am) and evening aarti (7:30pm) at the temple are extremely serene.
The Route Between Them
Yamunotri and Gangotri are covered together in the typical Char Dham circuit: Haridwar → Barkot (Yamunotri base) → Yamunotri darshan → Uttarkashi → Gangotri darshan → Guptkashi → Kedarnath → Badrinath → Haridwar. Total: 9 nights / 10 days from Haridwar.
DM Holidays' Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar (9N/10D) covers both Yamunotri and Gangotri as the first two dhams. Starting ₹13,500/person.