Yamunotri

Yamunotri is the temple devoted to goddess Yamuna, point of paramount religious importance for Hindus and an essential pilgrimage. And the holy thermal springs is at Jankichatti (6 km. Away). The Shrine of Yamunotri, source of river Yamuna is situated in the direction opposite to Gangotri , can also be visited via Mussoorie and Barkot.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Yamunotri Altitude : 3,235 mts.

Climate : Summer: Cool during the day and cold at night.

Winter : Snow-bound touching sub-zero.

Clothing : Summer-Light woollens, Winter- Heavy woollens.

In the traditional Char-Dham Yatra this is the western most shrine of the Himalayas dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, it is perched top flank of the Bandar-Punch Peak 3165m & is situated opposite GANGOTRI-HILLS.Yamuna or Yamuna"utri" is the source of the sacred river Yamuna originate from the champasar glacier lying 1kms ahead of the shrine at an altitude of 4142m Pilgrims usually do not visit the source as it is not easily accessible.

During Yatra (Summer and Winter) season,Yamunotri invites hordes of tourists as well as pilgrims from across the globe. The sacred place finds its mention and has an important place in the Hindu mythology. Hindus believe that it is the site where resided the ancient sage named Asit Muni. Hot springs closely located from Yamunotri are a must-see for every visitor. The hot water of the springs is also used by devotees to prepare rice and potatoes to be offered at the Yamunotri shrine.

Not only with devotees and pilgrims, Yamunotri also invites an equal number of trekking enthusiasts from all over. A trekking tour to Yamunotri is wonderfully complemented by picturesque scenery including rugged peaks, gurgling streams and dense alpine forests. Trekkers can first undertake a journey to Hanumanchatti and then they can set off on a 13-km-long trek up to the pilgrimage site of Yamunotri. The trekking route from Dodital to Yamunotri is much popular with adventure seekers.

Radi Top & Ganga Valley

Radi top is the highest point from where one side is the Yamuna Valley whereas on the other side starts the Ganga Valley. The thick Devdar forest is of great attraction to all.

Ludheshwar Temple is near to Radi Top. Radi top is the Point where Snow Fall is the Highest , Barkot.

A Clear View of the Yamuna Valley can be seen Apart from this a beautiful place knowns as "Bundar Peak"
Devbhoomi Famous Flower - Burans
Ganga Valley is about 1 Hrs. distance from Radi Top.

Barkot, Paunti bridge & Paunti Bhaderkali Mandir

Barkot is situated at an elevation of 1,219mts above sea level in Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand state. Barkot is a popular destination of northeast region of Uttarakhand state. Barkot is located 49kms from the sacred Yamunotri Dham. Barkot is visited by nature lovers and adventurers throughout the year. From April to November the place is visited by millions of tourists as the sacred Yamunotri Dham is very nearby to this place. Snowfall during winters changes this picturesque hamlet to a heavenly paradise.
Devoties can go to the Paunti bridge to feel the first hand experience of river Yamuna. A temple dedicated to Lord Shiva is of great attraction. Trecking to Paunti bridge reach to Village Paunti for Bhaderkali Mata Temple for darshan.

Gangani Dhara or Ban Ganga

Gangani Dhara or Ban Ganga is one of the famous water fall near lakhamandal (Barnigad). The water of Gangani Dhara is Same as well as river Ganga Water. Before Going to Lakhamandal need to take a bath in gangani dhara and carry water for pouring on a Shivling.

Lakhamandal

Lakhamandal is an ancient Hindu temple, situated in Dehradun district in the state of Uttarakhand. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. This temple is popular among the Shakti Cult, who believe that a visit to this temple shrine will end their misfortunes. Lakhamandal, having a historical as well as mythological significance. It figures prominently in the annals of Mahabharata. Legend has it that the Kaurvas made a shelter house and conspired to burn the Pandavas alive here. Lakhmandal is situated on the bank of Yamuna It contains temples dedicated to Diva, The five pandava brothers, Parasuram and Kedar. In order to burn the Pandavas, the Kauravas had built their 'Laksha Grah' (house of lac). The two remarkable well executed figures in stone of Arjuna and the other of Bhima are available in the village.

Mahasu Devta Temple

Mahasu Devta Temple (Hindi: महासू देवता मंदिर,हनोल),(Garhwali: महासू देवता मंदिर,हनोल)
is located on the Tuini-Mori road at Hanol. The temple is dedicated to Mahasu Devta. Lord Mahasu is the chief deity of this area and is worshiped in Mahasu Devta Temple by the people of Hanol and nearby villages. It is the ancient temple of Mahasu Devta built in the 9th century. The temple was constructed in Huna architectural style initially but, over the ages, acquired a mixed style. It is included in the Archaeological Survey of India list of ancient temple in Dehradun circle, Uttarakhand. Mahasu Devta Temple is on the eastern bank of Tons River (Tamas) at Hanol. Hanol is1429 mts above sea level is 60 kms from Barkot. Their are four Mahasu Brothers (Char Mahasu) were Botha, Vasik, Pavasi and Chalda.

Temple of Botha is the main Mahasu Devta Temple which is located in Hanol.Mahasu Devta appears in quadruple form as the four brothers. The legend tells when Krishna disappeared at the end of DwaparYuga the pandavas followed him. They cross the River Tons. Yudhishtra was fascinated by the beauty of place and asked Vishwakarma to build a temple here and stay with Draupadi for nine days. The place subsequently came to known as Hanol, after the name of Huna Bhatt. Mahasu Devta or Lord Mahasu ( The super power of Lord Shiva) is regarded as God Of Justice and his decision was belived to be acceptable by the people and local rulers.

Purola

Purola is quaint little town situated at an elevation of 1,524mts. above sea level in north-west region of Uttarkashi district. It is popularly known as the gateway to Har-ki-Doon and Hanol (Tons River Valley) as it is situated on its way. The Tons River is Famous for Rafting. It is the largest town situated near to Har-ki-Doon (Valley of Flowers). Purola is surrounded by lush green mountains and Govind Wildlife Sanctuary. The picturesque views and serene environs of makes Purola an ideal destination to rejuvenate. Purola is untouched by the rapid development of the hill stations and is a quaint little place.

Other Tourist Places Near Barkot

Barkot Gangani(Ganga Kund) & Kharadi Waterfall
Ganga Kund is situated near the banks of Yamuna River.
Ganga Kund is about 6-7kms from Barkot.