How To Reach Yamunotri?

Yamunotri Dham stands as the birthplace of the sacred Yamuna River and welcomes pilgrims as one of four special holy sites in the Chota Char Dham pilgrimage route across Uttarakhand, India. This sacred shrine sits high up in the mountains at 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) in the Garhwal Himalayas within the Uttarkashi district. Thousands of devoted visitors travel to Yamunotri Dham each year to seek blessings and experience a spiritual adventure. This guide shares everything you need to know about how to reach Yamunotri by roads, trains, and helicopters, so your pilgrimage feels smooth and enjoyable.

Planning a spiritual trip to Yamunotri Temple? Wondering how to reach Yamunotri easily and safely? You are not alone. Thousands of pilgrims visit every year. The journey can be tough without proper planning. Don’t worry—we made it easy for you. This guide covers road routes and trekking tips. Everything is in one place. You can also choose our Chardham Yatra by Helicopter to visit Yamunotri in 2026.

Overview of Yamunotri

• Geographic Location: 31.01°N 78.45°E
• State: Uttarakhand
• District: Uttarkashi
• Weather Condition: Cold and snowy
• Temperature: Around 5°C to 15°C
• Altitude: 3,293 meters (10,804 feet)
• Famous For: Pilgrimage, trekking
• Nearest Railway Station: Rishikesh Railway Station
• Nearest Airport: Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
• Best Time to Visit: May to June and September to November
• Opening Date for 2025: 30th April 2025
• Closing Date for 2025: 23rd Oct 2025
• Darshan Timings: 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM

Reaching Yamunotri by Road

You cannot drive your car directly to Yamunotri. The closest place you can reach by road is called Janki Chatti, and from there you must walk for 6 km to arrive at the temple. Let me break down this journey into smaller steps:

From Delhi to Yamunotri

Delhi to Rishikesh

• Distance: 238 km
• Travel Time: 5-6 hours
• Mode of Travel: Bus or Taxi
• Route: You travel on NH334 from Delhi, passing through Ghaziabad, Muzaffarnagar, and Haridwar to reach Rishikesh.

Rishikesh to Barkot

• Distance: 170 km
• Travel Time: 6 hours
• Mode of Travel: Bus or Taxi
• Route: From Rishikesh, you take the path through Narendra Nagar, Chamba, and Tehri to get to Barkot.

Barkot to Janki Chatti

• Distance: 45 km
• Travel Time: 2 hours
• Mode of Travel: Jeep or Taxi
• Route: You travel through Syanachatti, Hanuman Chatti, and Phool Chatti to reach Janki Chatti.

Janki Chatti to Yamunotri

• Distance: 6 km (trek)
• Travel Time: 3 hours
• Mode of Travel: Trek on foot or hire a pony/palanquin

The road journey shows you beautiful views of the Garhwal Himalayas and the rushing waters of the Yamuna River. Many pilgrims stop at Rishikesh or Haridwar to pray before they continue their trip.

Reaching Yamunotri by Train

The closest railway station to Yamunotri is in Rishikesh. From this station, you continue traveling by road to reach the temple.

Delhi to Rishikesh

• Distance: 238 km
• Travel Time: 5-6 hours
• Mode of Travel: Train
• Route: You board a train from New Delhi Railway Station and ride it to Rishikesh Railway Station.

Rishikesh to Barkot

• Distance: 170 km
• Travel Time: 6 hours
• Mode of Travel: Bus or Taxi
• Route: From Rishikesh, you take a bus or taxi through Narendra Nagar, Chamba, and Tehri to arrive at Barkot.

Barkot to Janki Chatti

• Distance: 45 km
• Travel Time: 2 hours
• Mode of Travel: Jeep or Taxi
• Route: You travel through Syanachatti, Hanuman Chatti, and Phool Chatti to reach Janki Chatti.

Janki Chatti to Yamunotri

• Distance: 6 km (trek)
• Travel Time: 3 hours
• Mode of Travel: Trek on foot or hire a pony/palanquin

Reaching Yamunotri by Helicopter

If you want to travel faster and feel more comfortable, you can take a helicopter from Dehradun to Yamunotri. This makes the journey much quicker!

Delhi to Dehradun

• Distance: 202 km
• Travel Time: 1 hour
• Mode of Travel: Airplane to Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun
• Route: You board a flight from Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi and fly to Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun.

Dehradun to Sahastradhara Helipad

• Distance: 30 km
• Travel Time: 57 minutes
• Mode of Travel: Taxi
• Route: You hire a taxi from Jolly Grant Airport and drive to Sahastradhara Helipad.

Sahastradhara to Kharsali

• Distance: 94 km
• Travel Time: 30 minutes
• Mode of Travel: Helicopter
• Route: You board a helicopter from Sahastradhara Helipad and fly to Kharsali Helipad.

Kharsali to Yamunotri

• Distance: 5 km (trek)
• Travel Time: 4 hours
• Mode of Travel: Trek on foot or hire a pony/palanquin

The helicopter ride gives you amazing views of the Himalayan mountains from the sky and takes much less time. This option works really well for older pilgrims and people who don’t have much time to spare.

Detailed Distance Chart for Yamunotri

Best Time to Visit Yamunotri

You can only visit Yamunotri during certain times of the year because the mountains experience very harsh weather. The best times to go are:

• Summer: May to June
• Autumn: September to November

During these months, the weather feels nice and comfortable, making the walk and your whole journey more pleasant. The temple closes during winter when heavy snow falls on the mountains.

Essential Tips for Yamunotri Yatra

• Registration: Sign up for the Yamunotri Yatra ahead of time so you don’t face problems at the last minute.
• Physical Fitness: The walk to Yamunotri demands that you stay in good shape. Practice exercising regularly and get a doctor’s checkup if you need to.
• Clothing: Pack warm clothes no matter what season you visit, because mountain weather changes quickly and stays chilly.
• Medical Kit: Bring a small medical bag with your medicines and first aid supplies. Even though doctors work along the route, having your own supplies helps.
• Footwear: Wear comfortable and sturdy hiking boots that grip well on rocky and rough ground.
• Permits: Get any needed permits and passes before you start your journey. You can find these at registration spots.
• Guides and Porters: Hire local guides and helpers who know the area well and keep you safe.
• Respect Local Customs: Honor the local traditions and ways of the people. Follow what the temple leaders and local officials tell you to do.

Nearby Attractions

The area around Yamunotri Temple has many other wonderful places you can visit:

• Satprishi Kund: This beautiful glacial lake is where the Yamuna River begins.
• Divya Shilla: A holy rock monument near the Yamunotri Temple that people worship before going inside.
• Surya Kund: A hot spring with warm water where visitors cook rice and potatoes to offer at the temple.
• Hanuman Chatti: A place famous for its stunning natural beauty and works as a starting point for hikes to Dodi Tal.
• Barkot: This spot offers amazing views of the Bandarpunch mountains all around you.

FAQs

Can we go to Yamunotri by Car?

No, you cannot drive a car all the way to Yamunotri. Your journey must include hiking from Janki Chatti.

Can I visit Yamunotri throughout the year?

No, you can only visit Yamunotri from May to June and September to November because of the weather.

How long does the Yamunotri Yatra take?

The yatra usually takes about 5 to 7 days when you count travel time and staying there.

Are there any medical facilities along the route?

Yes, you find medical help at places like Barkot, Hanuman Chatti, and Janki Chatti along the way.

Is photography allowed at Yamunotri Temple?

Yes, you can take pictures, but you should respect how sacred the temple is and follow the rules.

Are there any restrictions on the yatra due to religious ceremonies?

Sometimes restrictions come into effect during special religious events. Talk to local officials before you plan your visit.

Conclusion

Taking the Yamunotri Yatra means more than just making a religious journey—you go on an exciting adventure through some of the most stunning mountain views in the Himalayas. You can pick to travel by road, train, or helicopter, and no matter what you choose, the trip to Yamunotri Dham fills you with spiritual meaning and lets you see incredible natural beauty.

When you plan well, prepare carefully, and show respect for local traditions, your yatra becomes unforgettable and deeply rewarding.