YAMNOTRI

The first stopover for the Char Dham Yatra is the westernmost shrine of Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas. Dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. Perched atop a flank of the Bandar Poonch peak (3165 mts. above sea level) and is situated opposite to Gangotri, the shrine attracts devotees In large numbers from May to October. Yamunotri Is the source of the revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champasar Glacier, lying 1 kin ahead of the shrine. at an altitude of 4421 mts. as It is not easily accessible. The source of Yamuna lies about 1 km. ahead at the altitude of about 4421 metres. The approach is extremely difficult. Pilgrims do not frequently visit the source of the river and offer pools at the temple itself. The motorable road to Yamunotri continues till Jankichatti via Sayanachatti, Ranachatti and Hanumanchatti, 50 km. from Barkot. From Jankichatti it is a 5 km. trek to Yamunotri for which ponies, dandies and kandies are also available. Yamunotri finds a special mention in the Hindu mythology. According to a legend, this secluded hilly spot was the home of an ancient sage, Asit Muni. Yamuna is the twin sister of Yama the Lord of Death. It is believed that anyone who bathes in her waters will be spared a torturous death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. Near the temple there are three hot springs. The most important, Surya Kund, is a tank full of boiling water into which rice and potatoes are dipped to be cooked and taken as "prasad". Near the Kund, a rock slab, the "Divya Shila" Is worshipped before puja is offered to the black marble Idol of Yamuna. A bath In the springs is very refreshing after a tedious 13 kms. trek from Hanumanchatti or 5 km. from Janki Chatti. The trek to Yamunotri is spectacular, dominated by a panorama of rugged peaks and dense forests.

• Day:
  1
  Haridwar - Barkot / Rana chatti

  This morning, you depart for Barkot / Rana Chatti. As you drive through Mussoorie, you can visit the famous Kempty Falls on your way & Laksha Graha ( The house of lakha was meant to be a death trap for Pandavas made by Kauravas, since lacquer is highly flammable). On arrival at Barkot / Rana chatti, check-in to your hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax and store your energy for the trek Yatra of Yamunotri the next day. Dinner and Overnight stay at Barkot / Rana chatti.

• Day:
  2
  Barkot / Rana chatti - Yamunotri (5 K.m trek)- Barkot / Rana chatti

  After breakfast, depart for Janki Chatti. Here you will begin the First trek Yatra of Yamunotri (5 Km trek). You have an option of hiring palki or a horse ( At your own cost ) for your trek. The trek passes through lush green valley, a profusion of conifers, rhododendrons, cacti and several species of Himalayan shrubs. Yamunotri (altitude 3,291 m), the western most shrine of the Char Dhams, is snuggled in the Banderpunch range (6,361 m). Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna, the twin sister of Varna, the Lord of Death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. The actual source of the river originates from Champasar Glacier 1 km a head of the shrine, at an altitude of 4,321 mts. On arrival by afternoon in Yamunotri take holy dip in Yamuna River and perform Pooja. Return via the same route back to Barkot / Rana chatti, check in at Hotel. Dinner and Overnight stay at hotel.

• Day:
  3
  Barkot/ Rana chatti -Haridwar

  After breakfast check out from the Barkot hotel and drive to Haridwar, Tour End.