Yamunotri is the first stop on the traditional Char Dham clockwise circuit. The temple itself sits at 3,291 metres, but all roads end at Janki Chatti (2,650m), from where a 6km mountain trek is the only way to reach the shrine on foot. This guide covers every option — by road, by helicopter, and the trek itself — so you can plan based on your group's age, fitness, and budget.
Road Route — Haridwar to Janki Chatti
The standard road route from Haridwar to Janki Chatti covers approximately 250km and takes 7–8 hours. The route follows: Haridwar → Rishikesh → Narendranagar → Chamba → Barkot → Hanuman Chatti → Janki Chatti. The road from Barkot onwards runs alongside the Yamuna River through deep gorges — it's narrow and winding in places, but has been significantly improved in recent years. Our drivers know every turn.
The Trek — Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple
The 6km mountain trail from Janki Chatti to the Yamunotri temple climbs 641 metres in elevation. The path passes through pine and rhododendron forests alongside the Yamuna River, with several chai stops and rest points along the way. Most reasonably fit adults complete it in 2.5–3 hours. If you're taking elderly family members or have knee problems, ponies and doli (palanquin) services are available from Janki Chatti at fixed government-regulated rates.
Helicopter to Yamunotri (Kharsali Helipad)
Helicopter service to Yamunotri lands at Kharsali Helipad, which is about 1km from the temple. From Kharsali, you still walk approximately 1km (or take a doli). Helicopters operate from Dehradun's Sahastradhara Helipad. All tickets must be booked via the official IRCTC heliyatra portal — do not pay any agent for "helicopter tickets" as scams are widespread in this space. The helicopter option is particularly recommended for elderly pilgrims or those with cardiac conditions.
Nearest Airport and Railway Station
Include Yamunotri in Your Char Dham Yatra
We handle all transportation, pony arrangements, and hotel bookings — you focus on the pilgrimage.