Quick answer: Yamunotri and Gangotri are the two western dhams of the Uttarakhand Char Dham, both in Uttarkashi district. Yamunotri (about 3,293 m) needs a 5–6 km walk, pony or palki from Janki Chatti; Gangotri (about 3,100 m) is reachable by road. Together they take 5 to 6 days from Dehradun or Haridwar. Both usually open on Akshaya Tritiya (about 9 May in 2027, not yet announced) and close around Diwali.
Updated for the 2027 yatra season (facts checked October 2026)
Traditionally the Char Dham yatra begins in the west, at the source of the Yamuna, then moves to the Ganga at Gangotri before turning east to Kedarnath and Badrinath. Many families also do Yamunotri and Gangotri on their own, as a shorter yatra or to complete the Char Dham after an earlier Kedarnath–Badrinath visit. This guide covers both dhams in detail: the rituals at each, the route and distances, how many days to keep, the Yamunotri walk, the Gaumukh option, and what changed in 2026.
When do Gangotri and Yamunotri open and close?
Both temples open on or around Akshaya Tritiya and close for winter around Diwali: Gangotri on Annakut (Govardhan Puja), Yamunotri on Bhai Dooj. In winter, Ganga Maa’s doli is taken to Mukhba village and Yamuna Maa’s to Kharsali, where puja continues.
| Dham | 2026 opening | 2026 closing | Winter seat | 2027 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Yamunotri | 19 April 2026 | 11 November 2026 (Bhai Dooj), as announced | Kharsali (Khushimath) | Not yet announced; Akshaya Tritiya is about 9 May 2027 |
| Gangotri | 19 April 2026 | 10 November 2026 (Annakut), 12:05 pm, as announced | Mukhba (Mukhimath) | Not yet announced; muhurat fixed in spring |
Because Akshaya Tritiya falls about three weeks later in 2027 than in 2026, the season for both dhams is likely to start later. See our Yatra Calendar 2027, which we update as dates are announced.
Yamunotri Dham: significance and rituals
Yamunotri is the shrine of Yamuna Maa, near the glacial source of the river below Bandarpunch peak. In the Puranas, Yamuna is the daughter of Surya and the sister of Yama, the lord of death; devotees believe that bathing in her waters and taking her darshan frees one from the fear of an untimely death. The present temple dates to the 19th century and has been rebuilt more than once after damage from weather.
- Surya Kund: a boiling hot spring beside the temple. Yatris tie rice or potatoes in a cloth and cook them in the water, then take them home as prasad.
- Divya Shila: a rock pillar worshipped before entering the temple.
- Jamuna Bai Kund: a warm-water kund where yatris bathe before darshan.
The Yamunotri walk from Janki Chatti
The road ends at Janki Chatti, about 45 km beyond Barkot. From here a paved path climbs about 5 to 6 km to the temple. Fit walkers take 2.5 to 3.5 hours up and about 2 hours down. Ponies, palkis (doli) and pithus (baskets carried by porters) are available from registered counters, with rates fixed by the local administration. The path is narrow in places and gets very congested in May and June, with ponies and walkers sharing it, so start by 6 am. A ropeway from Kharsali has been planned under the government’s Parvatmala programme but was not operating in 2026.
Gangotri Dham: significance and rituals
Gangotri is where, by tradition, King Bhagiratha performed penance to bring the Ganga down from heaven to free the souls of his ancestors, and where Shiva received her in his matted locks. The river here is called the Bhagirathi. The white granite temple was built in the early 19th century, traditionally credited to the Gorkha commander Amar Singh Thapa.
- Snan and Gangajal: yatris take a dip or sprinkle water at the ghats (the water is icy and fast; hold the chains) and fill cans of Gangajal to take home.
- Bhagirath Shila: the rock where Bhagiratha is believed to have meditated, near the temple.
- Evening Ganga aarti: held at the temple ghat; a peaceful end to the day.
- Bhairon Ghati: the Bhairav temple about 10 km before Gangotri, where many stop for darshan on the way, as Bhairav is the guardian of the dham.
Gaumukh, the source of the Bhagirathi
The actual snout of the Gangotri glacier, Gaumukh, is about 18 km beyond the temple, inside Gangotri National Park. It is a proper high-altitude trek, usually done in 2 to 3 days with a night at Bhojbasa. A permit is compulsory: in 2026 the park allowed a maximum of 150 visitors a day on the Gaumukh–Tapovan trail, with permits issued online and at the Uttarkashi forest office, and an entry fee reported at about Rs 150 for Indians. The park closes in winter. Gaumukh is not suitable for elderly yatris or anyone unfit.
A change at Gangotri in 2026
In January 2026 the Shri Gangotri Temple Committee resolved to restrict entry at Gangotri Dham and at Mukhba, the winter seat, to Hindus. The Badrinath–Kedarnath Temple Committee said it would consider a similar proposal for its temples. Check the current position before travelling if anyone in your group is affected.
How to reach Yamunotri and Gangotri
| Stretch | Approx. distance | Approx. time | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dehradun – Barkot (via Mussoorie, Kempty) | About 140 km | 5 to 6 hours | Shortest approach to Yamunotri |
| Haridwar/Rishikesh – Barkot (via Chamba) | About 200 to 210 km | 7 to 8 hours | Full day; start early |
| Barkot – Janki Chatti | About 45 km | 2 hours | Road is vulnerable to slides in monsoon |
| Janki Chatti – Yamunotri | 5 to 6 km on foot | 2.5 to 3.5 hours up | Pony, palki or pithu available |
| Barkot – Uttarkashi | About 85 km | 3.5 to 4 hours | Via Brahmkhal and Dharasu |
| Uttarkashi – Gangotri | About 100 km | 4 hours | Via Gangnani hot springs and Harsil |
| Uttarkashi – Rishikesh / Dehradun | About 170 to 180 km | 6 to 7 hours | Return route |
Private vehicles generally do not run on these hill roads between 10 pm and 4 am during the yatra. The nearest airport is Jolly Grant, Dehradun; the nearest railheads are Dehradun, Rishikesh and Haridwar. Helicopter Char Dham services from Dehradun usually land near Kharsali for Yamunotri and at Harsil for Gangotri.
How many days for Yamunotri and Gangotri?
| Day | Plan (from Dehradun) | Night |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dehradun to Barkot via Mussoorie and Kempty | Barkot |
| 2 | Drive to Janki Chatti; walk or ride to Yamunotri; darshan, Surya Kund; return | Barkot |
| 3 | Barkot to Uttarkashi; Kashi Vishwanath temple, Uttarkashi | Uttarkashi |
| 4 | Uttarkashi to Gangotri via Gangnani and Bhairon Ghati; darshan; return or stay at Harsil | Uttarkashi or Harsil |
| 5 | Return to Dehradun, Rishikesh or Haridwar | Home or onward |
| 6 | Buffer day for landslides or rest | As needed |
From Haridwar add about half a day to the first leg. From Delhi, add one day each way. If you want all four dhams, plan 10 to 12 days; our Do Dham vs Char Dham guide helps you decide.
Registration, weather and what to carry
- Registration: compulsory and free on the Uttarakhand government’s portal (registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in) or app, for every yatri. It is checked at Barkot and on the Gangotri road. See our Char Dham registration guide.
- Weather: May and June days are pleasant (roughly 10 to 20°C at the dhams) with cold nights. July and August bring landslides, especially between Barkot and Janki Chatti and beyond Uttarkashi. Mid-September to October has the clearest skies. Our best time for Char Dham guide gives month-by-month detail.
- Carry: warm layers, rain jacket, good walking shoes, a torch, medicines, a small towel and change of clothes for the snan, and a sealed can for Gangajal.
- For elders: book a palki in advance at the Yamunotri counter, keep the Yamunotri day free of other plans, and avoid the Gangotri snan if the person feels the cold badly; sprinkling the water is enough.
How we can help
Yamunotri and Gangotri are part of our Char Dham Yatra from Haridwar and Char Dham Yatra from Delhi by Road, and of the Char Dham Yatra by Helicopter from Dehradun for those who cannot manage long drives. If you only want the two western dhams, ask us and we will plan it from our Dehradun base. See all options under Char Dham yatras. Use the enquiry form on this page or call/WhatsApp us (numbers on our Contact page).
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Yamunotri trek?
The walk from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri temple is about 5 to 6 km one way on a paved, fairly steep path. Most fit adults take 2.5 to 3.5 hours to climb and about 2 hours to come down. Ponies, palkis and pithus are available from registered counters at Janki Chatti for those who cannot walk.
Can you reach Gangotri temple by road?
Yes. A motorable road runs right up to Gangotri, about 100 km from Uttarkashi, and the temple is a short walk from the parking area. That makes Gangotri, with Badrinath, one of the two easiest dhams to reach. Only Gaumukh, the glacier source 18 km further, needs a trek and a national park permit.
When will Gangotri and Yamunotri open in 2027?
The 2027 dates have not been announced. Both dhams traditionally open on Akshaya Tritiya, which falls around 9 May 2027 according to the panchang. The exact muhurat is fixed by the temple committees and priests in spring. In 2026, both opened on 19 April.
How many days are needed for Yamunotri and Gangotri?
Plan five days from Dehradun, or five to six from Haridwar or Rishikesh, including one full day for the Yamunotri walk and one for Gangotri. Keep one extra day as a buffer for landslides, especially in the monsoon. From Delhi, add a day at each end for travel.
Is registration required for Yamunotri and Gangotri?
Yes. The Uttarakhand government’s Char Dham registration is compulsory and free for every yatri, including children. Register online on registrationandtouristcare.uk.gov.in or the official app, or at registration counters in Haridwar, Rishikesh and other points. Carry the registration letter and the ID you used.
What is the significance of Surya Kund at Yamunotri?
Surya Kund is a natural hot spring next to Yamunotri temple, hot enough to cook food. By custom, yatris tie rice or potatoes in a muslin cloth, dip it in the spring until cooked, and offer it to Yamuna Maa. The cooked rice or potatoes are then taken home as prasad for family members.
Can senior citizens do the Yamunotri yatra?
Yes, many do, usually by palki or pony for the 5 to 6 km stretch. The difficulty is the crowding and altitude rather than the distance. Start early, book a palki at the official counter, keep warm clothes and medicines handy, and consult a doctor beforehand if there are heart or breathing problems.
Do I need a permit for Gaumukh?
Yes. Gaumukh lies in Gangotri National Park, and a permit is mandatory. In 2026 entry on the Gaumukh–Tapovan trail was limited to 150 people a day, with permits available online and at the forest office in Uttarkashi, and a fee reported at about Rs 150 for Indian citizens. The park closes in winter.