Rishikesh to Yamunotri Distance | Best Time to visit ( 2026 Guide)
The Rishikesh to Yamunotri distance is approximately 233 km by road (till Janki Chatti), followed by a short trek to the shrine. Yamunotri is the first stop of the Char Dham Yatra, and traditionally, pilgrims begin their sacred journey from Rishikesh, which is considered the spiritual gateway of Uttarakhand.
Although you can also start from Dehradun or Haridwar, the true pilgrimage atmosphere—ashrams, Ganga ghats, and sacred energy—is best experienced from Rishikesh.
Overview: Distance Between Rishikesh to Yamunotri
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Rishikesh to Yamunotri distance by road: ~233 km
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Total travel time: 6–8 hours (road + trek)
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Last motorable point: Janki Chatti
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Trek distance: 6 km (one way)
The journey is scenic but slow due to winding mountain roads, forest stretches, and steep ascents.
Rishikesh to Yamunotri Distance by Road (Route Details)
Rishikesh → Chamba → Dharasu Bend → Barkot → Hanuman Chatti → Janki Chatti → Yamunotri (trek)
As soon as you leave Rishikesh, the plains give way to the Garhwal Himalayas—pine forests, deodar trees, mountain streams, and cool fresh air make this journey unforgettable.
Yamunotri Trek (Janki Chatti to Yamunotri)
The Yamunotri trek starts from Janki Chatti and is around 6 km long.
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Trek time: 2–3 hours
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate
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Facilities: Benches, water points, tea stalls, resting sheds
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Alternatives: Pony, palanquin (palki)
This well-maintained trek makes Yamunotri accessible even for elderly pilgrims.
Kharsali Village (Winter Home of Yamunotri Priests)
Kharsali is located near Janki Chatti and holds special importance. During winter, when Yamunotri Temple closes due to heavy snowfall, the deity is shifted here. All the priests of Yamunotri Temple reside in Kharsali during this period.
How to Reach Yamunotri
How to Reach Yamunotri from Rishikesh
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Travel by road from Rishikesh to Janki Chatti
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Complete the 6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple
How to Reach Yamunotri from Haridwar
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Haridwar → Rishikesh → Barkot → Janki Chatti
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Haridwar to Barkot distance: ~175 km
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Travel time: ~7 hours
Rishikesh to Yamunotri by Bus
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Route: Rishikesh → Barkot / Hanuman Chatti
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Rishikesh to Yamunotri bus fare: ₹600 – ₹900 (till Barkot/Janki Chatti)
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From Barkot, local jeeps or shared taxis are available
⚠️ There is no direct bus to Yamunotri Temple. You must trek from Janki Chatti.
Rishikesh to Yamunotri Distance by Bus
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Bus distance: ~110 km (till Janki Chatti)
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Travel time: 7–9 hours depending on road conditions
Rishikesh to Yamunotri Taxi Fare
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Small car: ₹5,500 – ₹7,000
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SUV: ₹8,000 – ₹10,000
👉 Taxi fares vary by season and demand.
Rishikesh to Gangotri Taxi Fare (For Reference)
Many pilgrims compare routes:
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Rishikesh to Gangotri taxi fare: ₹9,000 – ₹12,000
Gangotri is farther and has a longer mountain drive than Yamunotri.
Best Time to Visit Yamunotri (2026)
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Best months: May–June, September–October
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Temple closed: November to April (heavy snowfall)
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Avoid: July–August (monsoon, landslides)
Why This Timing Matters
Clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and safe trekking conditions make these months ideal for the Yamunotri Yatra.
Where Is Yamunotri?
Yamunotri is located in the Uttarkashi District of Uttarakhand, at an altitude of 3,293 meters (10,804 ft).
It is the sacred source of the Yamuna River and one of the four shrines of the Char Dham Yatra.
Frequently Asked Questions
Distance between Rishikesh to Yamunotri:
➡️ Approximately 110 km by road + 6 km trek
How to reach Yamunotri easily?
➡️ Road till Janki Chatti + short trek or pony ride
Is Yamunotri suitable for beginners?
➡️ Yes, the trek is well-maintained and beginner-friendly
Final Thoughts
The journey from Rishikesh to Yamunotri is more than just covering distance—it’s a deeply spiritual and scenic experience through the heart of the Himalayas. Whether you travel by bus, taxi, or private vehicle, starting your Char Dham Yatra from Rishikesh adds a special spiritual charm to the pilgrimage.
