About Barkot
Barkot is a small Himalayan town in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, located at the confluence of the Yamuna and Tons rivers at about 1,220 metres elevation. It serves as a major overnight halt and base for pilgrims travelling to Yamunotri, the source of the Yamuna and part of the Char Dham Yatra. Surrounded by apple orchards, snow-capped peaks and dense forests, it is known for its scenic setting and tranquil environment.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a quiet mountain town set along the Yamuna River with views of Bandarpoonch peak, apple orchards and forested slopes. The town has a compact market area with hotels, guesthouses, restaurants and shops catering to pilgrims and tourists. Visitors can explore riverside walks, viewpoints, and use Barkot as a base for day trips to Yamunotri, Kharsali and nearby villages. The atmosphere is calm and pilgrimage-oriented with basic tourist infrastructure.
Key highlights
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Important overnight base and gateway for Yamunotri Yatra on the Char Dham route
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Located at the confluence of Yamuna and Tons rivers with Himalayan views including Bandarpoonch peak
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Surrounded by apple orchards, deodar forests and terraced hillsides
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Access point for trek to Yamunotri Temple via Janki Chatti and Hanuman Chatti
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Scenic riverside setting at approximately 1,220 metres elevation
History of Barkot
Barkot has historically been a trading and resting settlement on the traditional pilgrimage route to Yamunotri in the Garhwal Himalayas. Its development as a town is closely linked to its role as a staging point for pilgrims and travellers heading into the upper Yamuna valley.
Culture & Context
Barkot holds cultural importance as a gateway town for the Yamunotri pilgrimage, one of the Char Dham sites revered in Hindu tradition. The town serves pilgrims visiting Yamunotri Temple and nearby Kharsali, home to the winter abode of Goddess Yamuna, and reflects Garhwali mountain culture and hospitality.
Route
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