The common Hindu belief says that one must thank almighty in its varied fruitful forms and this is the reason even rivers worshipped in India
. It is a sweet gesture through which devotees express their gratitude towards God for availing optimum water. At Yamunotri one of such sacred rivers River Yamuna emerges in the form of a small streamlet. Situated at an altitude of about 3293 meters in the Garhwal Himalayas, Yamunotri is the seat of River Goddess Yamuna. Its sanctity has been ever escalating since it was added as one of the holy destinations of Chhota Char Dham pilgrimage. Yamunotri Tour is a perfect way to explore the ethereal bliss of Himalayas and to bow the river deity who resides in the sacred shrine of Yamunotri. The tour to Yamunotri performed as a part of the pilgrimage is believed to be of the quality of cleansing the soul of all the sins.
The chief highlights of Yamunotri are the temple dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs of Janki Chatti. The temple constructed on the orders of Maharaja Pratap Shah is perched on the left bank of river Yamuna. Hindus has elevated the river to the stature of divine mother for it has played a significant role in nurturing and developing the surrounding populations.
On your Yamunotri tour packages you will trek up to high altitudes in Himalayas to reach the holy shrine of Goddess Yamuna. Reaching the main temple is a full days journey starting from the towns of Rishikesh, Haridwar or Dehradun and also involves a 13 kilometres of trek. This trek begins at a small town of Hanuman Chatti from where a 6 kilometres of trek amidst lush valleys will take you to Janki Chatti. Keeping in mind the convenience of adult pilgrims and other disabled devotees here the services of horses, palanquin and ponies is also available for the trek.
Setting on the trek from Hanuman Chatti to Yamunotri you will encounter natural splendour at its best. This trek is particularly noticed for its breathtaking vistas and cascading waterfall. Two hot springs are situated at Yamunotri offering rejuvenating bath to the tired devotees at Gauri Kund. The pilgrimage is performed in between the months of May to November after Diwali festival during which the temple remains open at a stretch. The devout devotees can also choose to live here at the temple at the small ashrams and guest houses for a longer stay at the temple close to divinity.
The entire trek of the Yamunotri Tou is very challenging for the elevation is very high and yet the enthusiastic pilgrims manage to scale them with their sheer will and the passion that they have in their heart to see the ultimate abode of their deity. The sacred Char Dham Yatra is believed to be a very sacred entity which should be performed by all Hindus at least once in a lifetime. The visit to Yamunotri is however, not just known for its religious reasons, but now people also visit the region to explore another faade of divinity dissolved in the tranquillity and beauty of Mother Nature.