Yamunotri Height From Sea Level – Altitude, Geography & Travel Guide

Yamunotri Height From Sea Level – Yamunotri is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India — famous as the source of the Yamuna River and the first stop on the traditional Char Dham Yatra in Uttarakhand. Its height from sea level affects climate, trekking difficulty, and spiritual significance, making it essential for pilgrims and travelers alike to understand. In this comprehensive article, we explore Yamunotri elevation, geography, weather, trek routes, and more. Visit My Uttarakhand+1

What Is Yamunotri Height From Sea Level?

Yamunotri — the town around the Yamunotri Temple — sits at an average altitude of approximately 3,293 meters (10,804 feet) above sea level in the Garhwal Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India. Visit My Uttarakhand+1

This high-altitude location places it among the higher pilgrimage sites in India, and it is characterized by cool summers, snowy winters, and rugged Himalayan terrain. uttarakhandtourism.net

Geography & Location

Yamunotri is situated in the Uttarkashi district of Uttarakhand, northern India, in the Garhwal Himalayas. It lies approximately 30 km north of Uttarkashi town, perched on a hillside overlooking deep valleys and mountain ridges.

The city is part of the revered Char Dham pilgrimage circuit, which includes Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath — four of Hinduism’s most sacred destinations. uttarakhandtourism.net

Why Yamunotri Elevation Matters

The height from sea level influences virtually every aspect of Yamunotri Altitude:

Climate & Weather

At around 3,293 m, temperatures remain cool year-round:

• Summers (May–June): Mild with temperatures often between 10°C and 20°C. The India Tourism

• Monsoon (Jul–Sep): Frequent rain and cloud cover, attractive for greenery but potentially slippery trails. The India Tourism

• Winters (Oct–Apr): Cold with heavy snowfall, often closing the shrine and a significant portion of the trek route. uttarakhandtourism.net

The high elevation also means reduced oxygen levels and cooler nights compared with lower-altitude plains. Visit My Uttarakhand

Yamunotri Temple – Spiritual and Physical Elevation

The Yamunotri Temple, dedicated to Goddess Yamuna, is the heart of the pilgrimage. It is located near the town and rests at approximately 3,291 m above sea level. Wikipedia

Despite the temple’s presence at this high elevation, the true origin of the Yamuna River lies further up the valley — at the Champasar Glacier, near the Kalind Mountain at roughly 4,421 m above sea level. uttarakhand-tourism.com+1

Most pilgrims complete the Yatra at the temple itself due to the difficult terrain leading to the actual source. uttarakhand-tourism.com

Elevation Range Around Yamunotri

This range demonstrates the dramatic elevation changes within the Yamunotri region — from the town and temple up toward glacier peaks that feed the mighty Yamuna River. uttarakhand-tourism.com

How Elevation Affects Trekking & Pilgrimage

Yamunotri is not accessible by direct road; pilgrims must trek from base points like Janki Chatti or Hanuman Chatti — the latter requiring a 13 km mountain trek to reach the temple. Wikipedia

The moderate elevation of around 3,293 m means that trekkers should be acclimatized and prepared for steep paths, narrow trails, and cold winds. uttarakhandtourism.net

This elevation can lead to mild altitude effects such as shortness of breath or fatigue for visitors coming from low-lying regions; acclimatization and proper gear are essential. The India Tourism

Climate by Season at High Elevation

• Summer: Pleasant daytime temperatures and cool nights make it a peak season for Char Dham Yatra pilgrims. The India Tourism

• Monsoon: Attractive for landscape photography and green valleys, but trails can become slippery. The India Tourism

• Winter: Snowfall closes the temple and pilgrimage routes; heavy snowfall covers the region. uttarakhandtourism.net

Pilgrims typically undertake the Yatra between May and October, avoiding winter closures due to snow. uttarakhandtourism.net

Yamunotri’s Geography & Landscape

Located in the western Garhwal Himalayas, Yamunotri’s elevation gives it striking landscapes of snow-capped peaks, deep valleys, and glacial streams flowing down to form the headwaters of the Yamuna River. The India Tourism

Two important natural features near the temple include Surya Kund (a hot spring where potatoes are boiled in volcanic heat) and Gauri Kund (a tepid bathing spring). uttarakhand-tourism.com

These phenomena occur due to geothermal activity influenced by high Himalayan geology and elevation. uttarakhand-tourism.com

Religious Significance and Utility of Elevation

Yamunotri’s elevation is part of its spiritual identity:

• The height signifies closeness to the divine in Hindu belief, with shrines traditionally built on elevated ground. uttarakhandtourism.net

• The Yamuna River — emerging from glacial heights — symbolizes purity and life, shaping rituals and pilgrimages upstream and downstream. The India Tourism

• The high altitude combined with natural beauty contributes to introspective journeys for many devotees on the Char Dham Yatra. uttarakhandtourism.net

Quick Facts – Yamunotri Height From Sea Level

✔ Yamunotri town (temple) lies at approximately 3,293 m (10,804 ft) above sea level. Visit My Uttarakhand
✔ Actual source of the Yamuna River lies farther up near the Champasar Glacier at about 4,421 m (14,505 ft). uttarakhand-tourism.com
✔ Part of Char Dham pilgrimage circuit in Uttarakhand. uttarakhandtourism.net
✔ Surrounded by Himalayan peaks like Bandarpunch, adding to dramatic elevation shifts. The India Tourism

How to Reach High-Altitude Yamunotri

By Road:

Travelers first reach base points such as Hanuman Chatti or Janki Chatti by road from Uttarakashi. Wikipedia

By Trek:

From these base points, pilgrims trek up the slopes to reach the temple at high elevation — earning spiritual merit with each upward step. Wikipedia

Due to elevation and rugged terrain, authorized horses and palkis (palanquins) are often available for part of the journey. Wikipedia

Best Time to Visit by Elevation Experience

Conclusion

Understanding Yamunotri height from sea level (≈3,293 m) reveals why this sacred Himalayan destination offers such a unique blend of spiritual depth, challenging terrain, and breathtaking natural beauty. Whether you are a pilgrim on the Char Dham Yatra or an adventure traveler seeking Himalayan heights, Yamunotri elevation and landscape define its timeless allure.

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