Hotels in Yamunotri

Nestled at 4,421 meters above in the serene Garhwal Himalaya region of Uttarkashi in Uttarakhand, this temple as the name suggests, is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna. Yamunotri is not a temple, it’s a gateway to spiritual enlightenment. This is one of the rare temples dedicated to goddess Yamuna, and also one of the crucial spots in the revered Char Dham Yatra of Uttarakhand.

Surrounded by the majestic Garhwal Himalayas, the temple offers not only spiritual solace but also a magical vibe that soothes the soul. The idol of Goddess Yamuna, carved in black marble, is worshipped by thousands every year. Although the river's source lies at the remote and inaccessible Champasar Glacier, the temple is considered the symbolic origin of the Yamuna River. Originally built by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal and later renovated by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur in the 19th century, the temple stands as a vibrant contrast against the green and brown hues of the surrounding region.

History of the Temple

There are two most popular legends related to the establishment of this temple which are as follows:

Divine Lineage of Goddess Yamuna

• In Hindu mythology, Goddess Yamuna is the daughter of Surya Dev, or sun god, and Saranyu who is the goddess of consciousness and the sister of Yama- The God of Death. This is the reason why the devotees believe that bathing in the sacred Yamuna waters absolves sins and wards off the fear of untimely death.

Devotion of Sage Asit Muni

• According to legend, Asit Muni lived his entire life as a hermit in these regions. Every day as a rule he used to take a bath in both the holy rivers of Ganga as well as Yamuna. When he grew too old to travel, the gods, impressed by his devotion, caused the rivers to flow near his hermitage. It is believed that streams of both rivers still appear near the temple site.

Opening and Closing Dates of Yamunotri Temple

Like the other Char Dham shrines of Uttarakhand, Yamunotri temple remains open for six months and shut for 6 months due to heavy rainfall.

• Opening Dates: Yamunotri Dham opens up on the holy day of Akshaya Tritiya which generally falls in late April or early May.
• Closing Dates: The temple shuts on Bhai Dooj which falls in late October or early November after Diwali.

Winter Abode of the Deity

During the winter time when the temple becomes inaccessible to the pilgrims for Darshan, the idols of the presiding deity are shifted to their winter home in a temple that is located in Kharsali at a distance of just 20 minutes walking distance from the main Dham of Yamunotri. Devotees continue to offer their prayers and rituals to the idol here as a part of their winter Char Dham Yatra.

Accommodation Options in Yamunotri

Luxury Hotels

1- Yamunotri Cottages:

Situated in the pristine region of Janki Chatti, this resort sits majestically against the snowcapped Himalayas and beautiful meadows. Enjoy the Swiss tent experience with well-furnished rooms and scenic views of the Himalayas.

Amenities

• Multi-cuisine vegetarian meals
• Spacious dining area
• Daily mineral water supply
• Laundry service & doctor on call

2- Durga Resort:

Situated in Sayana Chatti in close proximity to the main temple of Yamunotri the resort offers its guests to stay under comfortable situations along with some basic amenities. This is the right choice if you are looking for a comfortable resort close to the temple with panoramic Himalayan views.

Amenities

• Modern rooms with hot/cold water
• Balcony views
• In-house parking
• Room service

3- Yamunotri River Bank Resort:

Located 25 km from the temple, this tranquil resort offers luxury tents and yoga space. This place is perfect for you to just kick back, relax, and even do some yoga activities to achieve some peace of mind.

Amenities

• Visits to nearby villages
• South Indian, Gujarati & Garhwali cuisine
• Private bathrooms with hot/cold water
• Internet access & doctor on call

Budget Hotels

1- Hotel Ganga Yamuna Tourist Complex:

A budget-friendly hotel offering great views and a base for nearby treks. This hotel consists of 27 immaculate rooms and offers some of the most panoramic views of the surroundings.

Amenities

• Clean rooms with hot/cold water
• Comfortable beds with blankets
• Luggage storage
• Trekking base to Dodital & Kharsali

2- Hotel Himdarshan:

Located 138 km from Dehradun, this hotel is ideal for pilgrims en route to Yamunotri. Each room at this hotel comes with a comfortable bed, a spacious wardrobe, and a completely equipped bathroom with toiletries, and running hot and cold water supply.

Amenities

• Vegetarian restaurant
• Car parking
• 24x7 front desk & room service

3- Aditya Palace:

Situated in the holy pilgrimage town of Barkot and close to the main temple of Yamunotri, it is a deluxe budget hotel offering essential amenities at a great price. In order to make your stay comfortable, every bed in the rooms here comes with a warm and cozy set of bedding. The attached washroom here is also neat and hygienic along with 24 hours of running hot and cold water.

Amenities

• Cozy bedding & neat bathrooms
• LCD TVs & doctor on call
• Restaurant & backup power supply

Government Accommodation

1- GMVN Janki Chatti Tourist Rest House:

This budget government rest house serves as the middle point of the trekking journey to Yamunotri and can now be accessed via shared jeeps and cabs. The rooms here are extremely comfortable and are loaded with basic amenities.

Amenities

• Comfortable rooms with hot/cold water
• Nearby sightseeing access
• Vegetarian restaurant
• Doctor on call

2- GMVN Hanuman Chatti:

This government rest house is considered to be a cheap accommodation providing a comfortable stay option to the pilgrims travelling to Yamunotri Dham. This is the perfect choice if you are looking for affordable accommodation offering economy and dormitory options.

Amenities

• Clean rooms & attached bathrooms
• Vegetarian meals
• Room service
• Comfortable bedding

3- GMVN Phool Chatti:

Known for its flower-filled surroundings, this rest house offers peaceful, budget-friendly stays. If you are looking to rejuvenate at the cheapest rates then this is the place for you.

Amenities

• Attached bathrooms with hot/cold water
• Deluxe or dormitory options
• Nearby sightseeing options
• Vegetarian dining

Useful Travel Tips

• Best time to visit: May to early October
• Trek difficulty: Moderate (approx. 6 km trek from Janki Chatti)
• Essentials: Warm clothing, comfortable shoes, basic medicines
• Transport: Dehradun is the nearest railhead; Janki Chatti is the last motorable point.

Conclusion

A visit to Yamunotri Temple is not just a pilgrimage but a journey through scenic beauty where you’ll feel blessed to experience the divine energy. Whether you're a spiritual seeker or a nature lover, Yamunotri offers an experience that is both elevating and unforgettable for your soul.