About Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti is a small Himalayan hamlet in Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, situated at about 2,650 metres elevation. It is the last motorable point on the road to Yamunotri and serves as the base camp for the Yamunotri Dham pilgrimage, part of the Char Dham Yatra. Visitors stop here for accommodation, food and pony services before undertaking the 5-6 km trek to Yamunotri Temple at the source of the Yamuna River.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a small mountain settlement with basic guesthouses, dhabas, small shops and a parking area at the end of the motorable road. The surroundings are Himalayan valleys and forested slopes along the Yamuna River. From Janki Chatti, a paved and partly steep 5-6 km trekking trail leads to Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund and Divya Shila. Ponies, palkis and porters are available for the trek. The area is active only during the Yatra season from May to November.
Key highlights
- 01
Last motorable point and base camp for the Yamunotri trek (5-6 km to Yamunotri Temple)
- 02
Starting point for pony, palki and porter services to Yamunotri Dham
- 03
Gateway to Yamunotri Temple, Surya Kund hot spring and Divya Shila
- 04
Himalayan valley setting on the banks of the Yamuna River at ~2,650 metres
- 05
Basic pilgrim facilities including parking, accommodation, food stalls and shops
History of Janki Chatti
Janki Chatti developed as the road-head settlement serving the Yamunotri pilgrimage, one of the four sites of the Char Dham Yatra. Yamunotri, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna and located at the source of the Yamuna River, has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries and the hamlet has historically provided shelter and services to pilgrims undertaking the trek.
Culture & Context
The hamlet holds significance as the base camp for Yamunotri Dham, revered as the origin of the Yamuna River and one of the Char Dhams sacred in Hindu tradition. During the Yatra season it functions as a gathering point for pilgrims, with nearby Kharsali village associated with winter worship when Yamunotri Temple is closed due to snow.
Route
| By air |
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