Yamunotri is the place in Garhwal ranges of Himalayas at an altitude of about 3200 meters; it is the source of Yamuna River. It is located about 30 Kms North of Uttarkashi. Here on the top of Bandar Poonch Parvat is the sacred shrine of Yamunotri which is the source of Yamuna River. The main attraction at Yamunotri is the temple of Goddess Yamuna. 7 Kms away from this spot there is a holy site of Janki Chatti which is the house of many Hot Water springs. The actual source of Yamuna is located at Yamunotri Glacier at 6400 Meters in the Bandar Poonch Peaks of Lower Himalayas. Also below in Kalind Mountain which is at the height of 4500 meters above sea level and the place is frozen throughout the year a glacier named Champasar claims to be the source of Yamuna River. These places are not visited by devotees frequently, as it is not easily approachable; therefore the devotees make their offerings Yamunotri itself. At Yamunotri there are many hot water springs gushing out of the cavities in the mountains. Among others Surya Kund formed of hot water is very famous, a Divya Shila near Surya Kund is worshipped before the main deity of Goddess Yamuna. People cook rice and Potatoes in the hot water of the springs by tying it in a thin cloth and dipping in the water. The cooked rice and Potatoes are then offered to the Goddess. How to Reach: The nearest railhead is Rishikesh and the nearest Airport is Jolly Grant airport Chandigarh. By road you take Rishikesh-Gangotri road and take a diversion at Dharasu. Yamunotri is reachable after a full day?s journey from Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun to Hanuman Chatti the base camp; from here one has to take a 13 Kms trek or a 6 Kms trek from Janki Chatti. One can take facility of Horse ride or Palanquins on payment. The trek will take 5 to 6 hours to reach Yamunotri. Taking bath in Gauri Kund (with water rightly warm to take bath) takes out all the tiredness after trekking.
