Yamunotri | Gangotri
Yamunotri is the first of shrine in Char Dham yatra circuit. Yamunotri is source of revered river Yamuna which originates from the Champassar glacier lying 1 km ahead of the shrine. The shrine is perched atop side of the Bandar Poonch peak (3154 mt above sea level). The main temple is dedidated to Goddess Yamuna. The present temple was built by Maharani Guleria of Jaipur towards end of 19th century. After destroyed by an earthquake once, it has been rebuilt. The pilgrims has to trek 5 km to reach the temple. There are many thermal springs in the vicinity of the temple. The most important of these is Suryakund, which is a tank full of boiling water. Rice can be dipped in water to cook and taken as prasad. Near the kund, a rock slab called Divyashila is worshipped before puja is offered to the black marble idol of Goddess Yamuna. Origin of the shila is not known but this holds a place of reverance in the rituals in and aound Yamunotri since time immemorial.
Hanuman Chatti and Dotital Yamunotri Trek are other important places of interest near Yamunotri
Gangotri is the second of shrine in Char Dham yatra circuit. Gangotri glacier, the second longest glacier of Indian Himalayas, is source of revered river Ganga. It is located at an altitude of 3048 mt. The origin of the river is at Gaumukh which is further 18 km trek from Gangotri. There is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga and the sacred stone “Bhagirath Shila” where King Bhagirath is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva and holy Ganga first descended on earth from heaven. The temple was built in 18th century which is an exquisite 20 ft high structure made of white granite. Gangotri town serves as the starting point of the Gangotri-Gaumukh-Tapovan and Gangotri-Kedartal trekking routes.
Other key places of interest near Gangotri are:
Yamunotri and Gangotri yatra can be covered in 5 days ut actual duration may vary due to customized itinerary as per comfort and needs. The below brief will take you to a overview of the tour to understand how the journey will follow:
