TrekkingInIndia.com - Yamunotri Trek

Yamunotri Trekking

Yamunotri can be reached from Dehra Dun via Yamuna Bridge & Barkot or from Rishikesh. The latter is the most popular. It is 83 km to Tehri direct or 165 km via Deoprayag. From Tehri drive to Dharasu (37 km). Here the road divides. To the left leads to Barkot & Hanuman Chatti, to the right to Uttarkashi (26 km), Lanka (87 km) & Gangotri (13 km). It is 102 km from Dharasu to Yamunotri. Yamunotri (Altitude 3,291 m), the western most shrine in the region, is dominated by Banderpunch (Altitude 6,361 m). Yamunotri is the source of the river, the twin sister of Yama, the Lord of Death. Anyone who bathes in her waters will be spared a tortuous death. Yamuna is also the daughter of Surya the Sun. To reach the temple you must trek from Hanuman chatti (13 km), the road head. Dodital, literally meaning the Dodi Lake, is at an elevation of 3024 m north of Uttarkashi. Crystal clear waters are surrounded by dense oak woods, pine, deodar and rhododendrons. The lake is full of fish and is known for some rare species like the Himalayan Golden Trout. The forest surrounding the lake is also full of wildlife. It provides an idyllic set up for rest and recreational activities like angling, boating and bird-watching. The trek from Dodital to Hanumanchatti via Darwa Top takes two days, moves on to the upper reaches of the Garhwal Himalayas in Yamunotri, the place where the sacred river Yamuna originates from . High up in the mountains is the Dodital lake- mysterious, alluring, and simply beautiful ! The serene, tranquil surroundings, gurgling streams, crystal clear water, and dense alpine forests make for an ideal retreat. The trek from Dodital to Yamunotri takes you through high altitude grasslands and dense virgin forests. The scenery en-route is really astounding ! Tour Highlights - Haridwar & Rishikesh : The two holy towns of the Hindu's - centres of ' Vedic' learning and Yoga & Meditation. YAMUNOTRI : The source of the river Yamuna and one of the 4 'Dhams' (place of pilgrimage) of Garhwal. MUSSOORIE : Popularly known as the 'Queen of the Hills', this is an important hill station in the Himalayas. Location: Garhwal Himalayas (Uttaranchal) Established In: Hanuman Chatti Best Season: Bandarpunch Peak, Saptarishi Kund Itinerary:- Day01): Delhi-Haridwar - Early morning arrival at Delhi. 0700 hrs departure by Car to Haridwar. Day at leisure to explore this holy town. Visit the 'Aarti' (holy ceremony) performance at the river 'Ghat' at sunset. Overnight in Hotel. Day 02): Haridwar-Kalyani - Drive to the road-head at Kalyani. The drive takes you through the picturesque Garhwal mountains along the Ganges. Camp overnight by the side of river Asi Ganga. Overnight in Tents. Day 03): Kalyani-Dodital - A gradual uphill trek through beautiful landscape of thick forests and steep cliffs brings you to the mysterious Dodital Lake (3307 m) - surrounded by dense forests, it is an ideal place for the nature lover. Overnight in Fo rest Rest House / Tents. Day 04): Dodital - Day at leisure. Day 05): Dodital- Seema-Trek to Seema (16 km) with packed lunch. Overnight in tents. Day 06): Seema- Hanumanchatti- Trek to Hanumanchatti (18 km / 2400 m) with packed lunch. Overnight at Hanumanchatti. Day 07): Hanumanchatti- Yamunotri- Trek to Yamunotri (14 km / 3165 m) with packed lunch. Overnight at Yamunotri. Day 08): Yamunotri- Hanumanchatti- Trek back to Hanumanchatti (14 km) with packed lunch. Overnight at Hanumanchatti. Day 09): Hanumanchatti- Mussoorie- Drive to Mussoorie. Lunch enroute. Overnight Rishikesh. Day 10): Mussoorie- Delhi- Drive Mussoorie- Delhi (230 km). End of trek. Rhodendhron and lots of wild flowers and ferns. The trek will take 3- 4 hrs to reach Deoriatal. Upon arrival at Deoriatal set out the tents for overnight stay.