Yamunotri Tourism

The towns near Yamunotri have a number of resorts and spas which provide respite from the city life and would rejuvenate you. The peaceful Yamunotri River Bank resort can be visited for relaxation after some trekking activities.

Shangri la Restaurant nearly 32 km from Yamunotri offers continental cuisine much to the liking of the foreign visitors. Although it is advisable to consult a local tour guide and locals about the best place to eat, one can even visit food joints like Himdarshan Hotel, Gopi Kishan Restaurant, and Hotel Rautela etcetera.

The cuisine in and around Yamunotri is predominantly the North Indian and Garhwali cuisine. You can find typical north Indian dishes in restaurants around Yamunotri. The food is mainly vegetarian. What you must taste are the typical Garhwali sweet dishes of Rwatna, Tasmai, Lapsi, Arsa, Kandku. The Bhangjeera Chutey and Jhol (Curry) are very popular and should not be missed.

Nightlife in Yamunotri is full of chants and sounds of temple bells. The region exudes a piercing aura that connects one deeply with the nature and millions of years of pious enchantments. Besides this, there is hardly any active night scene prevalent here. 

Yamunotri has limited number of shops on the way to the Yamunotri temple. The route from Hanuman Chatti has shops selling general food item and items of necessity along with local handicraft products.

Yamunotri is 13 km from Hanuman Chatti and some 6 km from Janki Chatti. The terrain provides for an amazing trek route for the adrenaline lovers and proves to be pleasurable to the eyes of beauty-seekers. From Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri there are two treks. One is along the right bank of the Yamuna River and has a Markandeya Tirth on the way. The other one is on the left bank of the river via Kharsali. It takes five to six hours to reach Yamunotri from this route. The Dodital trek is also famous among trekkers and adventurers.

Yamunotri is 13 km from Hanuman Chatti and some 6 km from Janki Chatti. The terrain provides for an amazing trek route for the adrenaline lovers and proves to be pleasurable to the eyes of beauty-seekers. From Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri there are two treks. One is along the right bank of the Yamuna River and has a Markandeya Tirth on the way. The other one is on the left bank of the river via Kharsali. It takes five to six hours to reach Yamunotri from this route. The Dodital trek is also famous among trekkers and adventurers.

This ancient temple is dedicated to goddess Yamuna and is situated right in the centre of the source of river Yamuna. Origins of the temple are unknown, however, there are two theories which have been propagated; one being that it was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century and the other one gives the credit to Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri, Garhwal. The temple has a gorgeous black marble statue of the goddess Yamuna adorned with silver. It is a 13 km trek from Hanuman Chatti. There’s a rock pillar called Divya Shila where the pilgrims for offer prayers prior to worshipping at the temple.

• Surya Kund & Gauri Kund: Surya Kund and Gauri Kund are the hot water springs located near the Yamunotri temple. While Surya Kund has boiling hot water enough to cook rice & potatoes as offering for prasad at the temple, Gauri Kund has warm water suitable for bathing. It is also believed that the water has healing properties and can cure problems like aches, pains and acne.

• Hanuman Chatti & Janki Chatti: Hanuman Chatti and Janki Chatti are largely the spots from where the Yamunotri trek is marked. Both are known for their picturesque locations and warm water springs.

• Dayara Bugyal & Dodital: Dayara bugyal is a 28 km stretch of green meadows located at a height of 3048 meters above the sea level. The word ‘Bugyal’ in the name means High Meadow in Garhwali. It is also famous for a natural lake called Barnala Tal. Dodital is known as the birth place of Lord Ganesha. The lake is surrounded by a dense cover of deodar and oak trees and is often called mysterious due to its unknown depth

Saptrishi Kund is a natural lake popular as a beautiful sightseeing spot. It is more favored by the adventure seekers, as the trek to the kund is tough and demanding. The Saptrishi Kund is known for the presence of a variety of lotus called Brahma Kamal.

 • Barkot: Barkot is a small town located close to Yamunotri, known for its perfect location to view the peak of Bandar Pooch Parvat and other mountain tops in the region. It is located nearly 50 kilometres away from Yamunotri.

 • Kharsali: Kharsali is a mesmerizing spot close to Janki Chatti known for its oak and conifer trees. It also has its share of thermal springs. The spot also has a Lord Shiva temple which attracts pilgrims and tourists to the place.

Himalayas have abundant natural beauty. However, there are few places you can visit to feel closer to Mother Nature. Govind Pashu Vihar Wildlife Sanctuary which is nearly 32 km from Yamunotri Temple is frequented by tourists wishing to experience the Himalayan wildlife from up close. Lunagad Creek is another spot for nature lover, which offers beautiful scenic views.