Yamunotri Dham: Janki Chatti to Mandir Trek, Surya Kund Rice Prasadam & Divya Shila

The Divine Source of River Yamuna

Traditional Char Dham pilgrimage always commences from Yamunotri Dham in Uttarkashi district, paying homage to Goddess Yamuna, daughter of the Sun God Surya and sister of Yama, the God of Death. Perched at 3,291 meters beneath the shadow of Bandarpoonch peak, Yamunotri purifies pilgrims and removes the fear of premature death.

The 6 km Trek from Janki Chatti

Vehicles terminate at Janki Chatti (2,650 m). From here, pilgrims embark on a well-maintained 6-kilometer uphill mountain trek along the scenic gorges of the Kalindi river:

• Walking / Trekking: Takes approximately 3 to 4 hours uphill. The trail is fully paved with safety railings, tea stalls, and rain shelters.
• Ponies / Mules: Available with authorized token receipts at Janki Chatti taxi stand (approx. 2 to 2.5 hours).
• Palkis (Sedan Chairs): Four-person carrying teams provide comfortable transit for seniors and those with knee ailments.
• Helicopter Kharsali: For helicopter guests, Kharsali helipad is located right adjacent to Janki Chatti, where VIP palkis whisk guests directly to the temple.

Sacred Thermal Springs & Cooking Prasadam

One of the most awe-inspiring phenomena at Yamunotri is the presence of boiling geothermal springs emerging from rock fissures right next to freezing river streams:

• Surya Kund: Reaching temperatures up to 88°C (190°F), devotees bundle raw rice or potatoes into clean cotton cloths and dip them into the bubbling water. In 10 minutes, the food is completely cooked and taken home as blessed prasadam.
• Divya Shila: A sacred rock pillar near Surya Kund that is ritually worshipped before stepping inside the main temple of Goddess Yamuna.