Barkot to Yamunotri is not drive. It is paradise of photographer and spiritual pilgrimage that will lead you to heart of Himalayas to origin of divine Yamuna River. Thousands of devotees from all parts of India visit every year from Barkot to Yamunotri to take blessings of ancient Yamunotri Temple, one of four divine temples of Char Dham Yatra.
This little guide book will let you know all about Barkot to Yamunotri — distance, transportation, time and weather, eat, sleep, and sightsee along the way.
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Barkot to Yamunotri—Getting Started
Barkot is a peaceful place (hill station) at Uttarakhand in the Uttarkashi district. It is oxygen plenty, greens, and serene environment. It is the starting point of the trek from where one of the most sought-after treks to Yamunotri Temple begins. One overnight stayed at Barkot and left early morning for Yamunotri.
Barkot to Yamunotri road is a short but nature-encircled ride. The radiant Yamuna River continues flowing along with you, and deodar and pine forests are so high that they are almost touching heaven on the mountains. Birds chirp, and small waterfalls continue flowing along with you.
Barkot to Yamunotri road is a peaceful prayer on wheels for all of us.
Distance between Barkot to Yamunotri and Time Taken
By road, Barkot to Yamunotri is almost 36 kilometers. You can drive or ride on 32 kilometers out of the above-mentioned 36 kilometers to Janki Chatti and the remaining 5 to 6 kilometers have to be covered on pony, palki, or pitthu.
Breakup of plain as per following:
- Barkot to Hanuman Chatti: 32 km by road
- Hanuman Chatti to Janki Chatti: 3 km by shared jeep
- Janki Chatti to Yamunotri Temple: 5–6 km trek
Overall road driving distance from Barkot to Yamunotri approximately 2 hours and extra 2–3 hours trek depending upon your speed.
Route Detail from Barkot to Yamunotri
Road from Yamunotri to Barkot goes through small and scenic Himalayan villages. Road is spiral but good as it goes through hills.
Route is as under:
Barkot → Sayana Chatti → Hanuman Chatti → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri
Green valleys–hill flower on, local tea small, snack, trekking staff shop are on drive time. You will love this road trip if you nature lovers are and will be refreshed.
Barkot to Yamunotri Road Trip
Hill scenery and peaceful road trip from Barkot to Yamunotri. You can just book a jeep, taxi, or car from Barkot. Pilgrims are also available who are coming by government vehicle till Hanuman Chatti or Janki Chatti.
The hilly part is a curve but with every breeze, it presents the hills in a different way. You can also halt at small tea stalls and sip a hot glass of chai and bask in glory.
The motor road leads to Jiji Chatti. Trekking from Barkot to Yamunotri starts here.
Barkot to Yamunotri Trek
The Janki Chatti to Yamunotri is the prettiest walk of all the walks. This is around 5 or 6 km and would take a single person’s 2 or 3 hours to walk to the temple. The trekking is good and well planned.
You have the constant din of Yamuna River with you and soothing waterfalls cascading down hills while strolling. Mountain wind and mountain breeze are refreshing. Water, snack stalls, and prasad shops of temples along the way.
You can even make arrangements to make palkis (porter chairs) and ponies on hire at Janki Chatti. You can even hire a pitthu who will carry small packets or even children as well.
Barkot to Yamunotri trek is half-travel, half-pilgrimage — peaceful, simple, and authentic.
Barkot to Yamunotri Weather and Best Time to Travel
Barkot to Yamunotri weather condition is pleasant all the time, only the fact that it keeps altering so quickly in mountains.
This is a very rough estimate of what it would be like:
- April to June: Pleasant mornings and best time. Clear sun and good for a trek.
- July to September: Monsoon season — landslides at times, so be cautious.
- October to November: Tranquil and serene, ideal for solitude seekers.
- December to March: Temple is not approachable due to snowfalls.
Tourist season from Barkot to Yamunotri is primarily in May and continues until October when temple doors are opened.
Scenic Points from Barkot to Yamunotri
There is a road journey from Barkot to Yamunotri through several scenic and serene locations. You may simply stop anywhere and unwind amidst nature.
Hanuman Chatti
Low village where Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers converge. And where the tourist also stops temporarily for the most part.
Janki Chatti
Cousin relative due to its natural hot water springs. Pilgrims bathe here before moving further towards the Yamunotri Temple.
Kharsali Village
Tiny and ancient village close to Yamunotri. Perhaps winter residence of Goddess Yamuna when temple is shut.
Siyana Chatti
Serene spot between apple orchards and wooden bungalows. Ideal destination for photography.
These tiny stops make the Barkot to Yamunotri journey so convenient.
Where to Stay on Barkot to Yamunotri Route
There are ample of guest house, dharamshala, and hotel options from Barkot to Yamunotri. You may opt as per your pocket and preference.
At Barkot
- GMVN Tourist Rest House
- Hotel Devbhoomi
- Hotel Riya Palace
At Janki Chatti
- Yamuna View Guest House
- GMVN Tourist Lodge
At Hanuman Chatti
- Small ashrams and lodges at very cheaper rates
It is better to pre-book your stays there in advance during summer’s yatra period (May–June) because all people go there in summer season.
Barkot to Yamunotri Road Food
Road travel food from Barkot to Yamunotri is simple, hot, and vegetarian-based. Chapati, dal, rice, and tea stalls and dhabas are easily found. Local food like rajma chawal and aloo paratha may be enjoyed.
If one begins early morning from Barkot, breakfast at Barkot, tea at Hanuman Chatti, and lunch on the way between Janki Chatti before trekking may be organized. Take a small bottle of water and some snacks during trekking.
Barkot to Yamunotri Travel Tips
For the journey from Barkot to Yamunotri, simply follow these easy rules:
- Depart early: Depart early morning so that you will not be exhausted by heat and crowd.
- Wear casual shoes: The trekking trail is not even at certain places, so wear casual shoes.
- Bring warm clothes: Weather becomes cold suddenly even in summer.
- Take money: There are scarcely any ATMs nearby.
- Hydrate: Take a bottle of water along with you when you trek.
- Be nature-friendly: Do not litter on the ground or let plastic fall on the trail.
Follow these tips, and your Barkot to Yamunotri tour will be enjoyable and secure.
Myth and Significance of Yamunotri Temple
The prime motivation for trekking from Barkot to Yamunotri is a religious pilgrimage of the sacred Yamunotri Temple, a devout god worshiped by Goddess Yamuna. She is God Sun’s (Surya) daughter and Yama, God of Death’s, sister.
It is also said to cleanse the sin of a human being while taking a swim in Yamuna River and save him from untimely death. Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal constructed it for the first time. It still stands above snow peaks, radiating faith and devotion.
All the pilgrims, while walking along from Barkot to Yamunotri, are feeling really calm and heavenly. He is not having any problem with trekking as he is bringing Kartikeya trekking with him.
Why the Trek from Barkot to Yamunotri is So Special
Temple pilgrimage it is not, but Barkot to Yamunotri. It’s a matter of not hurting nature, laid back, religion-based. Hills, rivulets, and trees in general provide the journey a wheel.
Whatever made you come here, whether spirituality or simply to take a glimpse of the Himalayas, this pilgrimage will soften your heart. You will be greeted by villagers and will have simple mountain food as much as learn how serene is life beneath the shelter of nature.
Conclusion – The Spiritual Road from Barkot to Yamunotri
The peaceful and beautiful 36 km drive and 5 km trek from Barkot to Yamunotri is the most peaceful and exciting day-out in India. It doesn’t lead you to a pilgrimage shrine but to yourself.
The peaceful splashing of the river, snow-white wave view, and soft breeze wash away all your blues. So the next time you go for a Himalaya tour, don’t miss this holy walk.The journey from Barkot to Yamunotri is serene, tranquil, and divine — god’s own creation and nature.
