India is known for its diversity. There are different religions in India and each religion has its own belief and faith. In Hinduism people go on a spiritual journey called ‘Char Dham Yatra’ to wash off their sins and attain spirituality. This Char Dham Yatra consists of 4 places viz. Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri. All these 4 places are located in the state of Uttarakhand in the Gharwal Himalayas. Most people start their journey from Yamunotri after Gangotri , followed by Kedarnath and end at Badrinath.
In this article we will know more about the Gangotri and Yamunotri Yatra.
Where is Gangotri and Yamunotri located?
Many pilgrims start their journey from Yamunotri. Yamunotri is the place of origin of Yamuna river located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the Char Dham places where thousands of devotees visit every year. It is located high on Gharwal Himalayas at an altitude of approximately 3293 meters. The sacred temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna.
Gangotri is a town located in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. The temple and town is situated on the bank of Bhagirathi river. The sacred temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga and it is believed that here Goddess Ganga first appeared on the earth.
When to visit?
As both the Char Dham sites are located high on the mountains one should not visit them in monsoon as there are high chances of landslides and heavy rains. Hence, to avoid such natural calamities one should visit the temple from the month of May to July and September to October.
In the month of May to July the weather is sunny with cold nights and September to October the place is less overcrowded. The temple opens in the month of May and closes on the second day of diwali which is mostly in November. The temple gets closed in the month of November due to heavy snowfall which affects the visibility.
How to reach Gangotri and Yamunotri?
The easiest and most affordable way to Gangotri is by road. The state government buses run from Delhi, Haridwar, Uttarkashi, Rishikesh to Gangotri. Private buses are also available. The nearest railway station to Gangotri is Rishikesh and after that you can reach Gangotri by bus or any private vehicle. Gangotri is directly connected by road so there is no need for trekking.
Yamunotri is not directly connected to the road. So pilgrims have to reach Janki Chatti and after that they have to trek for about 6 km to reach Yamunotri temple. To reach Janki Chatti first we have to reach Rishikesh then Barkot and after that Janki Chatti. The nearest railway station to Yamunotri is Rishikesh and after that continue by road.
The nearest airport for both destinations is Jolly Grant Airport in Dehradun and after that one has to continue by the road. Helicopter services are also available depending on the climate.
Yatra Guidelines related to Yamunotri and Gangotri
Before starting your pilgrimage journey you should get registered. The registration is compulsory and free of cost. You can get registered through Uttarakhand tourism portal or offline through help desk in Rishikesh, Haridwar, Barkot or Uttarkashi. The registration is for the safety of pilgrims and to manage the crowd. For registration you will need a passport size photo and any valid I’d. Sometimes forest permits are also required for trekking.
Safety Guidelines
The Yamunotri and Gangotri are located in the Himalayas therefore one should take care of the following things.
- Carry a first aid box.
- Carry a water bottle.
- Take a rest, whenever required.
- Keep tracking the weather.
- Patients with heart disease, asthma etc. should consult with their doctor, before starting the journey.
- Keep some cash with you.
- Avoid trekking in monsoons.
- Know the helpline number.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yamunotri and Gangotri
1.How much is the distance between Gangotri and Yamunotri?
The distance between Gangotri and Yamunotri is roughly between 220 to 230 kilometers via road.
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Is an accommodation facility available?
Yes, you will find hotels, lodges, dharmashala etc in Gangotri, Barkot, Janki Chatti and in nearby villages.
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What time do the temples open for pilgrims?
The temple opens around 6 in the morning and closes around 9 p.m. The timings may vary by seasons.
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Is it safe for senior citizens to visit Gangotri and Yamunotri?
Many senior citizens visit Gangotri and Yamunotri safely. More precautions should be taken by them to avoid any mishap.
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Which is easier to reach, Gangotri or Yamunotri?
Gangotri is more easy to reach as compared to Yamunotri as Gangotri is directly connected through road and Yamunotri is quite difficult as one has to trek for 6 kms from Janki Ghati.
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How much is the distance between Janki Ghati and Yamunotri?
The distance between Janki Ghati and Yamunotri is around 5-6 kms one way in the mountains.
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How many days are enough to cover Gangotri and Yamunotri together?
Maximum 4 to 5 days are enough to cover both Gangotri and Yamunotri together.
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What kind of clothes should I carry when travelling to Gangotri and Yamunotri?
Carry warm clothes as much as possible. As both Gangotri and Yamunotri are located in the Himalayas there is always cold weather.
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Can we visit Gangotri and Yamunotri in winters?
In winters the temples get closed due to heavy snowfall which affects the visibility. Therefore we cannot visit these temples in winters.
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Is registration compulsory for Char Dham Yatra?
Yes, the registration is compulsory for Char Dham Yatra for the safety of pilgrims.
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Are helicopter services available to reach Gangotri and Yamunotri?
Yes, helicopter services are available depending on the weather and are costlier.
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What is the best time to visit Gangotri and Yamunotri?
The best months to visit Gangotri and Yamunotri are May, June, July, September and October.
