One of the four sacred dhams of Uttarakhand, and revered in Hindu mythology, Yamunotri is the source of the river Yamuna. The Yamunotri shrine stands on the western flank of the Bandarpunch peak (20,731 ft). The temple is dedicated to Goddess Yamuna. The origin of the river Yamuna is the Champasar Glacier near Yamunotri. Though it is very difficult to reach the exact source of the holy river, pilgrims flock to the shrine which is open from May to November. Legend has it that a sage, Asit Muni, used to reside at this secluded spot. The hot springs here are also an attraction. From Rishikesh, a 220 km journey takes one to Hanuman Chatti where the motorable road ends. The remaining 13 cm to Yamunotri must be covered on foot or on ponies. The trail winds through rugged mountains and dense forests. Porters and palanquins are available on hire.

Yamunotri Temple
The present temple was built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the 19th century. In 1923, the temple was destroyed by an earthquake, but subsequently rebuilt. Here a holy dip in the tank filled by hot springs, and cooking rice in its water are part of the rituals.

Surya Kund
There are a number of thermal springs in the vicinity of Yamunotri. The most important of these, Surya Kund, has a temperature of almost 1900 F. Pilgrims tie rice and potatoes in a cotton cloth, and immerse it in the water to be cooked. 

Divya Shila
A rock pillar, worshipped before entering the Yamunotri temple.

Hanuman Chatti
The confluence of Hanuman Ganga and Yamuna rivers. Trekking route to Dodi Tal starts here. 13 km from Yamunotri

Jankichatti
7 km from Yamunotri, famous for thermal springs

Barkot
An ancient temple site, at a distance of 49 km.