Yamunotri and Gangotri are the two most important sacred places in the Hindu religion, and they are situated in the region of Uttarakhand, India. The distance between Yamunotri and Gangotri is approximately 227 Kilometers by road. The whole journey involves beautiful mountain views and takes several hours in the car, depending on the traffic and road conditions. Yamunotri to Gangotri falls in the Char Dham Yatra, further subdivided as Chota Char Dham Yatra with Kedarnath and Badrinath.
Memorable Journey from Yamunotri to Gangotri
Geographical information and history of both cities
Yamunotri is recognized as the goddess Yamuna’s shrine and the origin of the Yamuna River. Located 3,293 meters (10,804 ft) above sea level in the western part of the Indian state of Uttarakhand, which is part of the Garhwal Himalayas, the temple is surrounded by natural beauty: snow-capped mountains and hot springs.
Gangotri is another important place in the origin of Ganga. Located at a higher altitude of 3,100m, it is devoted to the goddess Ganga. The Gangotri Temple, constructed by Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa at the beginning of the eighteenth century, symbolizes the devotion and faith of the Ganges.
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Distance from Yamunotri to Gangotri
The journey from Yamunotri to Gangotri is not only a scenic but also an adventurous road trip through the majestic landscapes of Uttarakhand, India. Spanning about 227 km, this route provides a wealth of rich cultural and natural spectacles to travelers who are willing to explore the region. In the following article, the author provides all the necessary information on the Yamunotri-Gangotri tour, including the road map, climate, the best time to travel, transport, attraction sites, and tour packages.
By Road
Road travel, especially by car or other vehicles, is the most popular and easily accessible route to get to Gangotri from Yamunotri. The trip involves both hiking and driving. Here is a step-by-step guide
Trek from Yamunotri to Janki Chatti: This is a 6 km trek from Yamunotri to Janki Chatii.
Drive from Janki Chatti to Gangotri: You can hire an Auto/rickshaw/taxi service from Janki Chatti or you can also drive your car to Gangotri. The road is smooth, and there is a clear view of the surrounding environment.
By Air
The Jolly Grant Airport at Dehradun is nearest to both Yamunotri and Gangotri, but the nearest domestic airport is in New Delhi. From the airport, you can take a taxi or take a bus to Yamunotri and, from there, hire a taxi to Gangotri.
By Train
There is no train service between Yamunotri and Gangotri.
| Mode of transportation | Distance in km | Average travel time |
| Car | 227 km | 8-10 hours |
| Bus | 227 km | 10-12 hours |
| Train | Not availlible | No train service between Yamunotri and Gangotri |
| Airplane | 46 km | Nearest airport is Jolly Grant Airport |
Best time for trip to Yamunotri
The best months to visit Yamunotri are May to June and September to November. On average, it is cold all year, so most activities are very difficult during the winter season.
Average temperature in Yamunotri
| Month | Maximum temperature | Minimum temperature |
| January | 2° | -7° |
| February | 5° | -5° |
| March | 6° | -3° |
| April | 10° | 1° |
| May | 14° | 3° |
| June | 18° | 7° |
| July | 17° | 9° |
| August | 17° | 10° |
| September | 16° | 8° |
| October | 13° | 3° |
| November | 10° | 0° |
| December | 6° | -4° |
Best time for trip to Gangotri
The most suitable time to visit Gangotri is typically in May-June and September-November. Nevertheless, the heavy rainfall in this region usually fills the roads with water, making it tough to visit the temple during the monsoon period. Generally, this temple is open for worship from the end of April and closes its doors in the second half of November.
Average temperature in Gangotri
| Month | Maximum temperature | Minimum temperature |
| January (Covered with snow) | -5° | -10° |
| February (Covered with snow) | -3° | –8° |
| March (Covered with snow) | 0° | -5° |
| April | 3° | 0° |
| May | 5° | 0° |
| June | 14° | 5° |
| July | 18° | 10° |
| August | 18° | 10° |
| September | 16° | 8° |
| October | 12° | 5° |
| November | 5° | 0° |
| December (Covered with snow) | -5° | -10° |
Tourist places that come on the way from Yamunotri to Gangotri
The area between these big cities has lots of fun stuff to do for everyone. Check out these popular activities along the way.
- Barkot
- Kharsali
- Hanuman Chatti
- Janki Chatti
- Uttarkashi
- Harsil
- Mukhba
- Nelong Valley
- Kedartal
- Gaumukh
- Tapovan
- Dayara Bugyal
- Dodital
Tourist places in Yamunotri
Kharsali
Kharsali is also the starting point for the trek to the Yamunotri shrines pilgrimage. Several historical shrines, such as the Kharsali Temple for Shiva, are located in the area. These are famous for their beautiful structural designs and sculptural artworks and are sacred shrines to Hindus.
Divya Shila
Divya Shila, another important rock, is located in the town of Yamunotri in the northern Indian state of Uttarakhand. Hindus regard this place as sacred. According to Hindu mythology, Lord Vishnu used Divya Shila to measure the universe. People describe it as a sacred and powerful item that blesses everyone who touches or pays homage to it. There is a small temple of Lord Vishnu at the site of Divya Shila.
Saptarishi Kund
The main attraction is the lake, which is believed to have been created by the seven sages or saptarishis who meditated in the region long ago. The Saptarishi Kund trek is tough and physically demanding, making it ideal for fit people.
Surya Kund in Yamunotri
Yamunotri is also blessed with a natural hot water spring known as Surya Kund is positioned near the temple in the Uttarkashi district of Uttrakhand state of India. It stands at an estimated of 4,421 meters above sea level and it is believed to be a sacred place by the people who live around it. The water of the Surya Kund is hot, and it is said to contain much higher proportion of sulfur and other minerals that are supposed to be beneficial for health.
Yamunotri Temple
The temple is located at an altitude of about 3,291 meters above sea level; thus, one can only get there by bisecting the distance of 6 km from Janki Chatti, the nearest recognizable point on the map. The trek is quite challenging and involves steep climbs and narrow paths, but the scenic beauty of the surroundings makes it a worthwhile journey. Moreover, Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal made the temple of stone in the 19th century.
Tourist places in Gangotri
Bhojbasa
Bhojbasa is a beautiful place surrounded by steep cliffs and hills at an altitude of 12,500 feet. It is around 14 km from the town of Gangotri. This trek goes through a steep region and the Bhagirathi River.
Gangnani
Gangnani is a small travel destination 46 km away from Uttarkashi on the Garhwal Himalayas en route to Gangotri. It is a perfect place, especially for those who want to find a quiet place to pray or meditate. This being the perfect location for meditation, Gangnani is also an excellent place for lovers of nature who are tracing the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. The mountains of Gangnani are stunning, and Gangotri surrounds the place.
Gangotri Temple
It’s a religious site and part of the four Chota Char Dham Yatra. Located in Uttarakhand at a height of 3,100 m, the Gangotri Temple is dedicated to Goddess Ganga. The River Ganga, also known as Ganges, is a Holy river in India, and Goddess Ganga symbolizes the water of this river. The comparatively calm and colourless Sulaad temple is surrounded by Deodar, pines, and the Greater Himalayan ranges.
Bhaironghati
Bhaironghati is a small village in the mountains of northern India, where the Jadh Ganga and Bhagirathi rivers converge. It is in the state of Uttarakhand, in the district of Uttarkashi.
Harsil
Harsil is one of the most beautiful and least explored villages in Uttarakhand state in India. It has immense potential for promoting itself as a tourist destination for people who are interested in spending their vacations in search of peace in the lap of nature in the Himalayas. It stands at an altitude of 2620 meters above sea level and is located on the right bank of the Bhagirathi river. Local residents have popularized this small village in recent years among fans of active tourism and admirers of nature.
Surya Kund Gangotri
Surya Kund is another important and religious place in and around Gangotri temple, located in the Uttarkashi district in the northern state of Uttarakhand. People visiting Gangotri temple as a part of a pilgrimage also bathe in Surya Kund waterfall, which is believed to be a divine place to worship the Sun god.
Gangotri Glacier
Gangotri glacier is another beautiful glacier in the Garhwal Himalayas, which are located in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state of India. This glacier starts from the northern face of the Chaukhamba mountain range. It is one of the largest sources of the Ganga River and is the largest glacier in the Himalayas, with a size of approximately 27 cubic km.
Gangotri Glacier is one of the many beautiful glaciers in the Himalayan range and the main source of one of the largest rivers in India- Ganges. It measures about 30 km in length, and 4 km in width.
Accommodation options in Yamunotri
| Hotels | Rating | Charges per night |
| Blessings Resort Yamunotri | Good | $55 + $11 tax |
| SS Atithi Sevalayaa Yamunotri | Good | $23 + $5 tax |
| Hotel Namami Gange | Good | $36 + $7 tax |
| Tirath Niwas by StayApart | Very Good | $48 + $11 tax |
| Hotel Santosh | Average | $54 + $23 tax |
| Hotel Durga Resort | Very Good | $41 + $10 tax |
| Rudraksh Homestay | Good | $25 + $6 tax |
| Himalayan Stay Lodges Yamunotri-Vandana | Very Good | $39 + $8 tax |
| HOTEL RIYA RESIDENCY | Average | $29 + $7 tax |
| The Pahadi Homestay | – | $19 + $4 tax |
Accommodation options in Gangotri
| Hotels | Rating | Charges per night |
| HOTEL MANISHA | Excellent | $28 + $7 tax |
| Golden heritage dharali | Excellent | $26 + $6 tax |
| Prakriti The Retreat | Excellent | $50 + $10 tax |
| Awana Cottages | Excellent | $72 + $16 tax |
| Heritage Home, Harshil | Excellent | $27 + $7 tax |
| Laxminarayan homestay | Good | $28 + $6 tax |
| Ganga River View | Good | $40 + $9 tax |
| HIMALAYA SADAN | Good | $29 + $7 tax |
| Hotel Shwetambara | Average | $41 + $9 tax |
| Mountain Village Stay | Good | $45 + $9 tax |
| Bhagirathi Sadan | Average | $36 + $8 tax |
| Narayan Palace | Good | $61 + $14 tax |
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People May Ask
1. How far is Yamunotri to Gangotri?
Yamunotri and Gangotri are 227 km away if you drive between the two cities.
2. What is the best time to visit Yamunotri?
The best months to visit Yamunotri are May to June and September to November.
3. What is the best time to visit Gangotri?
The most suitable time to visit Gangotri is in May- June and September–November.
4. Can I take a bus from Yamunotri to Gangotri?
Yes, bus service is available.
5. What is the height of the Gangotri temple?
Gangotri temple is 3,100 m high.
Bottom Lines
The distance between Yamunotri and Gangotri is a sacred trip through the spiritual soul of the Indian Himalayas. Starting with Yamunotri, the source of Yamuna, the pilgrims immediately experience the pleasant background of a green valley and pollution-free clear water. They go further towards Gangotri, the source of the holy river Ganges, passing through eye-appealing, beautiful villages and thick forests that represent the natural beauty of this state, Uttarakhand.
