The Shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri and the road bifurcates and goes to Yamunotri from Dharasu, a place between Rishikesh-Uttarkashi. Yamunotri can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot. Situated at an elevation of 3235 metres above sea level, the shrine of Yamunotri is one of the ‘char dhams’ of Uttarakhand. The source of Yamuna lies about 1 km ahead at the altitude of about 4421 metres. The approach is extremely difficult and pilgrims therefore offer puja (prayers) at  the temple  itself. There  are  hot  springs  close  to the

temple; a bath in them is very invigorating especially after a tedious 13 kms trek from Hanumanchatti or 5 kms from Janki Chatti.

Upon reaching Yamunotri, stop at Divya Shila, a rock pillar worshipped before entering the Yamunotri Temple. On the left bank of the River Yamuna lies the Yamunotri Temple built by Maharani Gularia of Jaipur in the last decade of the 19th Century and dedicated to the River. In 1923, the Temple was destroyed in an earthquake but the idols were spared. It was rebuilt and damaged again by heavy snow and rain in 1982. This temple houses a silver idol bedecked with garlands, believed to be of Yamuna, and an image of her brother Yama.

Close by, there are a number of thermal springs, which flow into numerous pools. The most important and sacred of these is the Surya Kund, used to prepare the prasad or holy offerings to the deity. The prasad, an offering of rice and potatoes is tied in the cloth bags and dipped in the water of the pool. The water is so hot that the prasad gets cooked within no time. The Surya Kund, a thermal spring, is famous for its remedial properties. The temperature here is as high as 190°F. The pool is named after Surya or the sun god, the father of Yamuna.