The Yamunotri Temple is a beautiful place to explore, a guest post that holds special religious significance for Hindu devotees. It is a sacred and holy place known among Hindu pilgrims to seek blessings. This is the first Dham of the sacred Char Dham Yatra. Built of granite stones, this temple is also an architectural masterpiece. Pilgrims feel refreshed and pure, their hearts filled with peace and tranquility as they seek blessings at the Yamunotri shrine. Yamunotri Dham has many beautiful and famous places apart from the Yamunotri shrine which you should not miss on your trip to Yamunotri. This religious destination has many local sightseeing spots to explore in and around Yamunotri. Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund, Janki Chatti, Kharsali, Shani Dev Temple, Hanuman Chatti, Divyashila, and Badkot are famous places in Yamunotri that you can visit.
Below are the top 8 places to visit in and around Yamunotri on your Char Dham trip. Check out the article and plan you’re itinerary accordingly.
Top 8 Best Places to Visit in Yamunotri:
Divya Shila:
Also known as the ‘Slab of Divine Light’, Divya Shila is a holy stone located outside the main Yamunotri temple. This is a must-visit place in Yamunotri on your trip. It is considered a ritual among devotees to first worship the Divya Shila and then enter the main sanctum. Prasad is also offered in the Divya Shila; you can take it in the temple premises. Divya Shila can be reached via the same route as Yamunotri Dham.
Shani Dev Temple:
Shani Dev Temple is the oldest Shani dev temple located in Kharsali, Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand. You can consider visiting this place on your Yamunotri tour as it is one of the most popular places in Yamunotri Dham. Shani dev temple is known as the winter abode of goddess Yamuna, km from Jankichatti. This temple is the first one you visit after starting their Char Dham Yatra. It has religious significance among Hindu devotees as it is believed that this temple was built by the Pandava brothers.
Kharsali:
Kharsali is the winter abode of Goddess Yamuna. It is also known as Math Khushi and visiting this place is one of the best things to do on your Yamunotri trip. This lovely little village is a scenic beauty that will bless your eyes. Offering amazing scenic views, this place is a must-visit. This place is also home to the oldest Shani Dev temple in the country.
Barkot:
Barkot is a beautiful hill station near Yamunotri where people stop on your Char Dham Yatra. This hill station is the last central town in Uttarkashi and is a must-visit place. You can take in the soothing view of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers flowing through the city. If you like exciting adventures, you should take part in adventure activities like trekking and white water rafting here. The icing on the cake is the mesmerizing views of Bandarpoonch Mountain.
Surya Kund:
Surya Kund is a hot water spring in the Yamunotri shrine. This kind has a special significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed that one who consumes Prasad cooked in the hot water of this kunda will fulfill his desires. Moreover, the snow-capped Kalindi range surrounding this holy kund makes the entire atmosphere sacred and divine.
Hanuman Chatti:
Exploring the Hanuman Chatti is one of the best things to do on your Yamunotri trip. Located at a distance of 13 km from Dham, it is a popular tourist spot among tourists. You can trek to Yamunotri, Darwa Top, and Dodi Tal from here. Apart from this, you can visit the famous attraction of this place, the Hanuman Temple. You can also plan to book your stay here as this place has some good stay options.
Yamunotri Temple:
Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, Yamunotri Temple is a famous place that is one of the dreams of the famous Char Dham Yatra. Located at a height of 3,291 meters and in the beautiful Western Garhwal Himalayas, this temple is a scenic beauty. The spiritual and religious vibes of this place will fill your heart with peace and comfort. The fascinating views around this temple will leave you stunned. From May to November in a year, you can seek the blessings of Goddess Yamuna here. The temple is open for devotees from 6 in the morning to 8 in the evening.
Janki Chatti:
Janki Chatti is the starting point of the holy Yamunotri Trek. From here starts the trek to Yamunotri Dham which can be completed in 3 hours. It is also famous for its thermal springs. Pilgrims begin their journey here after a sacred spring bath. Pilgrims love this place immensely as one can also find reasonable accommodation in hotels, lodges, and ashrams here at Janki Chatti at an affordable price.