Yamunotri, one of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Uttarakhand, is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Thousands of devotees visit the holy shrine every year to seek blessings and experience divine peace. If you are planning a journey, here is a complete guide on how to reach Yamunotri from Rishikesh, along with temple timings, aarti details, and nearby travel conveniences.
How to Reach Yamunotri from Rishikesh
From Rishikesh, Yamunotri is around 220 km by road. You can travel by bus, shared taxi, or private cab. The journey takes you via Dehradun – Barkot – Janki Chatti, the last motorable point. From Janki Chatti, a 6 km trek leads to the Yamunotri Temple.
By Bus: Buses are available from Rishikesh bus station to Barkot or Hanuman Chatti.
By Train: The nearest railway station is Dehradun Railway Station (175 km from Yamunotri). From there, taxis and buses are available.
By Air: The nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport, Dehradun (200 km from Yamunotri).
Yamunotri Temple Timings
pening Time: 6:00 AM
Closing Time: 8:00 PM
Aarti Timings: Morning Aarti at 6:30 AM, Evening Aarti at 7:00 PM.
The temple remains open from April/May (Akshaya Tritiya) to Diwali and remains closed during heavy snowfall in winter.
Local Convenience and Nearby Travel Options
At Janki Chatti, pilgrims can hire ponies, palkis (palanquins), or mules for the uphill trek. Local shops provide trekking sticks, snacks, and warm clothes. Nearby places like Hanuman Chatti, Barkot, and Kharsali village are worth exploring for their scenic beauty.
Goddess Worship at Yamunotri
The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, revered as the daughter of Surya (the Sun God) and sister of Yama (the God of Death). Worshipping Yamuna here is believed to grant long life, prosperity, and protection from untimely death.