Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and the throne to the Goddess of the same name. It is also one of the four Char Dhams and is a place of significant religious importance, located at an elevation of 3293 metres above sea level. There are numerous outdoor and religious activities to satisfy the throngs of tourists that visit year around. However, during the winter months the city stays closed to the public due to the extreme weather. These our top picks for the best tourist places to visit in Yamunotri.

The temple is found in the Western Garhwal Himalayas perched at a whopping 3293 metres. It is the first spot on the Chota Char Dham Yatra and was built by the Maharani of Jaipur way back in the 19^th century. The temple can be reached, only via a 13 km trek from Hanuman Chatti. Thousands of pilgrims flock to this temple from May to October, making it the main tourist spot in the area.

Surya Kund is a significant thermal spring located next to the Yamunotri Temple. The spring gets its name from Surya, who is said to be the father of Yamuna. The water temperature is as high as 88°C. Pilgrims dip a cloth bag of rice and potatoes mixed with salt into the water and then offer it to the deity as “prasad”. It is surrounded by the snow-capped Himalayas.

Located about 6 km from Yamunotri, this place is often referred to as the home of Goddess Yamuna when the Yamunotri Temple is shut due to extreme winter conditions. It is a favourite picnic spot for tourists as it is surrounded by natural springs and beautiful waterfalls. It is situated 2675 metres above sea level.

About 10 km away from Yamunotri, at a height of 4421 metres Saptarishi Kund is one of the best spots for trekking in the Himalayas. However the journey is tricky and it is advisable to use the help of an experienced guide as the trekking surface is made of ice. The glacier is said to be the spot where the Yamuna originates. Intriguingly, this lake is a natural source for quality blue sapphire.

This pass is another hidden gem in the area for trekkers. It is relatively unexplored and is situated at a massive height of 4800 meters, connecting Yamunotri with the Har Ki Dun Valley. The trek to Bali Pass is known to be moderately difficult and a guide is a necessity for novice trekkers.

Surrounded by mountains on all sides, this small village is located on the India-China border. At an elevation of 2650 metres, the village is famed for its multiple hot thermal springs that are frequented by tourist and pilgrims from the months of May to October. This is now the new, closer spot to travel to Yamunotri from as opposed to Hanuman Chatti.

This is a small village on the road to Yamunotri. It used to act as the base point for the trek up to the Yamunotri temple till a new road was just built through Janki Chatti, closer to the destination. Amongst the many noteworthy temples in the village is the one dedicated to Hanuman.

A small town on the banks of the Yamuna, Barkot is a favourite tourist spot for families and young couples. It is surrounded by the Himalayas on all sides and presents many exciting opportunities for trekking and water rafting. The apple orchards, gushing river and lovely landscape makes this a paradise for visitors.