Gangotri and Yamunotri are the originating places of two rivers Ganga and Yamuna respectively. Thus, these two destinations hold a high place in Hinduism. As per Hindu Mythology, Gangotri is a place where King Bhagirath performed penance after which River Ganga came down on the earth. Yamunotri is the place where pilgrims seek the blessings of Yamuna, who is the sister of Yama, the God of death. 

This 06 nights and 07 days tour package of Gangotri Yamunotri Do Dham Yatra takes the spiritual tourists to these two sacred destinations. The major destinations covered are Haridwar, Barkot, Uttarkashi, Hanumanchatti, Yamunotri, Gangotri, Rishikesh, and Harsil. One can also visit Dehradun and Mussorie on the route and enjoy nature's exquisiteness. Trek to Yamunotri will start from Janki Chatti while Gangotri is accessible through driving as well. This tour offers the tourists a great blend of spirituality and nature exploration.

Gangotri, a sacred temple for Hindus, resides in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, elevated at 3,100m. it is Integral to the Char Dham Yatra. Nestled in the pristine Garhwal Himalayas, Gangotri beckons pilgrims and nature enthusiasts alike. This spiritual journey unfolds against a backdrop of majestic peaks and the sacred Bhagirathi River. Here's a comprehensive guide to ensure a fulfilling Gangotri tour experience. Rishikesh and Haridwar serve as the gateway to Gangotri. A scenic road journey takes you through picturesque landscapes. Various transportation options, including buses and taxis, cater to different travel preferences. The journey commences with the revered Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Perched at a lofty altitude, the temple offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Pilgrims seek blessings and witness the aarti, immersing themselves in the divine aura. Explore Bhagirathi Shila, believed to be the spot where King Bhagirath meditated to bring the Ganges to Earth. The nearby Pandava Gufa, associated with the Mahabharata, adds a historical dimension to the pilgrimage.

Weather Considerations and Best Time to Visit

Given its high altitude, Gangotri experiences cool weather even during summer. The ideal time to visit is from May to October, avoiding the harsh winter months. During these months, the weather is relatively pleasant, and the temple is accessible. It is advisable to avoid the winter months, from November to April, due to harsh weather conditions and heavy snowfall, which may hinder travel to the region. Planning your visit during the recommended period ensures a comfortable and safe pilgrimage experience to this sacred Hindu site. Be prepared for temperature variations and carry suitable clothing.

Accommodation and Local Cuisine

Gangotri offers a range of accommodations, from simple guesthouses to comfortable hotels, ensuring a pleasant stay. Delight your taste buds with local Garhwali cuisine, known for its simplicity and nourishing qualities. In conclusion, a Gangotri tour transcends the boundaries of a conventional pilgrimage. It's a soul-stirring expedition, a communion with nature, and a cultural exploration all rolled into one. Whether you seek spiritual solace or an adventure amidst the Himalayas, Gangotri awaits, promising an experience that lingers in your heart long after the journey concludes.

Gangotri Temple is a holy shrine dedicated to the goddess Ganga, situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, India. It is one of the four sacred places known as Char Dham, which includes Yamunotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath, and is visited by thousands of pilgrims every year.

History of Gangotri Temple
The Gangotri Temple is said to be over 300 years old and has a rich history attached to it. It is believed that the temple was built by the Gorkha General Amar Singh Thapa in the 18th century. However, according to Hindu mythology, it is believed that King Bhagirathi meditated here to bring the River Ganges down to earth. Goddess Ganga was pleased with his prayers and descended to earth at Gangotri, where she is worshipped as a deity.

The Architecture of Gangotri Temple
The temple is built in the traditional Himalayan architecture style and is made of white granite stone. The temple complex includes a main shrine, where the idol of the goddess Ganga is placed, and a smaller shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva, who is believed to have caught the river in his hair to break its fall from heaven.
The temple has a beautiful courtyard where devotees can sit and meditate. There is also a sacred hot spring known as Gauri Kund, which is believed to have medicinal properties and is visited by pilgrims for a holy bath before entering the temple.

Festivals Celebrated at Gangotri Temple
The temple is open only during the months of May to November due to heavy snowfall in the region during winter. During this time, several festivals are celebrated at the temple, attracting thousands of devotees. Some of the prominent festivals celebrated at the temple include:
Gangotri Festival: This festival is celebrated in the month of May to mark the opening of the temple doors. It is a five-day festival where devotees offer prayers and perform traditional rituals to seek blessings from the goddess.

Ganga Dussehra: This festival is celebrated in June to mark the descent of the River Ganges on Earth. It is believed that on this day, the river Ganges was released from Lord Shiva's hair. Devotees take a holy dip in the Ganges to cleanse their sins.

Diwali: Diwali is celebrated in October/November at the temple. The temple is decorated with lights, and special poojas are performed to seek blessings from the goddess.

Importance of Gangotri Temple
Gangotri Temple is an important pilgrimage site for Hindus as it is believed that a visit to the temple can wash away one's sins and lead to salvation. The temple is located in the midst of the Himalayas, surrounded by scenic beauty and is a popular destination for trekkers and nature enthusiasts.

How to reaach Gangotri Temple?
To reach Gangotri Temple, nestled in the breathtaking Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India, follow these steps:

1. Reach Dehradun or Haridwar: Most journeys to Gangotri begin from either Dehradun or Haridwar. Both cities are well-connected by road, rail, and air. You can choose to travel by train, bus, or flight to reach either Dehradun or Haridwar, depending on your location and preference.

2. Travel to Gangotri by Road: From Dehradun or Haridwar, you'll need to embark on a road journey to Gangotri. Buses, taxis, and private vehicles are available for hire. The road to Gangotri passes through picturesque towns, villages, and lush green valleys, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape along the way.

3. Route from Dehradun: If you're starting from Dehradun, the route to Gangotri will take you through Mussoorie, Barkot, and Uttarkashi before reaching Gangotri. The total distance is approximately 300 kilometers, and the journey usually takes around 10-12 hours, depending on road conditions and traffic.

4. Route from Haridwar: If you're starting from Haridwar, the route to Gangotri will take you through Rishikesh, Uttarkashi, and Harsil before reaching Gangotri. The total distance is around 250 kilometers, and the journey typically takes 8-10 hours.

5. Reach Gangotri Temple: After Driving for few hours, you'll finally reach the majestic Gangotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Ganga. Situated at an altitude of 3,100 meters above sea level, the temple is surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks and offers stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas.

6. Offer Prayers and Seek Blessings: Take some time to offer prayers and seek blessings at Gangotri Temple. Witness the mesmerizing aarti ceremony held in the evening, where devotees gather to offer lamps and prayers to the sacred river Ganga.

Yamunotri Dham

Yamunotri is the source of the Yamuna River and the seat of the Goddess Yamuna in Hinduism. It is situated at an altitude of 3,293 metres (10,804 ft) in the Garhwal Himalayas in District Uttarkashi. It is one of the four sites in Char Dham pilgrimage of Uttarakhand. The sacred shrine of Yamunotri, source of the river Yamuna, is the westernmost shrine in the Garhwal Himalayas, perched atop a flank of Bandar Poonch Parvat. The chief attraction at Yamunotri is the temple devoted to the Goddess Yamuna and the holy thermal springs at Janki Chatti (7 km. Away).

Yamunotri temple lies in the west of Garhwal Himalayas in the Uttarkashi district. It is one of the four temples of Chardham yatra. It is a grand Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Yamuna and is surrounded by the sacred river Yamuna. The idol positioned at Yamunotri temple is made of black marble. The temple is situated at an altitude of 3,291 metres. To reach the temple, one has to undertake a 13km trek from Hanuman Chatti. During this trek, numerous waterfalls can be seen. Yamunotri temple is known for its peaceful and calm surroundings. Yamunotri yatra is considered to be sacred by devotees. According to Hindu mythology, the river Yamunotri is considered home to an ancient saint, Asit muni. Yamunotri Dham is one of the holy places to experience spirituality.

According to legend, Yamunotri was the home of the sage Asit Muni, who lived on the banks of the Yamuna and was known for his devotion to the goddess. The current temple was built by Hindu king Narendra Shah in the 19th century, but the site has been mentioned in ancient Hindu texts as well. In Hindu mythology, Yamuna is considered the daughter of the sun god Surya and sister of Yama, the god of death. She is revered as a symbol of purity and is believed to cleanse the souls of those who bathe in her waters. The temple is surrounded by natural hot springs, and it is customary for pilgrims to take a dip in these waters before visiting the shrine.

The temple and its surroundings hold great religious and spiritual significance for Hindus and attract a large number of pilgrims every year, especially during the annual Char Dham Yatra, which takes place between April and November.

Yamunotri Temple Significance

Yamunotri temple is considered one of the four sacred shrines in India’s Char Dham pilgrimage and holds great religious and spiritual significance for Hindus. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Yamuna, who is revered as a symbol of purity and is believed to cleanse the souls of those who bathe in her waters.

Pilgrims visit Yamunotri temple to offer prayers and seek blessings from the goddess. The temple is surrounded by natural hot springs, and it is customary for pilgrims to take a dip in these waters before visiting the shrine, as it is believed to cleanse the body and mind and bring good health.

Yamunotri temple is also an important site for pilgrimage for those who follow the Vaishnavite tradition, as Yamuna is considered to be an incarnation of the Hindu goddess Radha, who was the consort of Lord Krishna.

In addition to its religious significance, the temple and its surroundings are also known for their scenic beauty and offer a unique blend of nature, spirituality, and culture. The temple and the surrounding area attract a large number of tourists and pilgrims every year, making Yamunotri a popular destination for both spiritual and cultural tourism.

History of Yamunotri Temple
In the 19th century, the ancient Yamunotri temple was built by Maharani Guleria from Rajasthan. There are tales about the Yamunotri temple being constructed by Maharaja Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. Due to extreme weather conditions, the temple has been reconstructed multiple times. The mythological stories related to Yamunotri Dham are mentioned in the legend associated with Asit muni. He used to bathe daily in Ganga and Yamuna rivers. When he grew very old, he could not bathe in the rivers. This was when the Ganga river appeared in front of him. Yamuna river is the daughter of the Sun God and sister to the God of death. Therefore, worshipping Yamuna is believed to please Surya dev and Yama. Yamunotri temple is considered the home of the goddess Yamuna. The temple is the highest temple dedicated to goddess Yamunotri. A dip in the Yamuna river protects from untimely death.

Architecture
Yamunotri temple is made of granite stones. The temple has a garbha griha and mandap where devotees assemble for prayers. The black ebony marble idol is adorned with garlands and placed in the garbha griha. The idol has beautiful carvings on it. The idol of Ganga, made in white stone, is situated beside the idol of Yamuna. A conical shaped tower with red borders builds up the top of the temple. The steps and blocks of the temple are built through the rocks nearby.

Yamuntori Dham and more
Yamunotri temple is open for devotees from May to October. The actual source of the Yamuna river is at an altitude of 4,421 metres. There exist two hot and cold water springs, namely Surya Kund and Gauri Kund. Surya Kund is hot enough to cook food. The view comprises ice glaciers and breezy valleys. The char dham yatra begins at Yamunotri. The devotees dip rice and potatoes in the hot spring, offered as prasad in the Yamunotri temple. The temple is surrounded by small ashrams and guesthouses where devotees can reside free of charge. The morning puja is called mangla aarti, while the evening pooja is known as shayan aarti. 

Festivals celebrated at Yamunotri temple
The festivals of Basant Panchami, Phool Dei and Olgia are celebrated at the Yamunotri temple apart from the other famous festivals. Phool Dei is one of the harvest festivals of Uttarakhand. Olgia is also known as Ghee Sankranti. Both the festivals are related to agriculture and celebrated in anticipation of a good crop in the upcoming season.

Best time to visit Yamunotri temple
The best time to experience the spiritual blessings of the Yamunotri yatra is from April to June. Monsoon season becomes a bit dangerous due to heavy rainfall.

Conclusion
Yamunotri temple witnesses thousands of devotees visit every year. Firm faith and belief in goddess Yamuna attract the masses to visit this sacred place. The ambience and the Yamuna river make it a beautiful spiritual journey in the lap of the Himalayas.