How long is the Yamunotri trek from Janki Chatti?

The Yamunotri trek from Janki Chatti to Yamunotri temple is 6 km one way with a total altitude gain of 641 metres (Janki Chatti 2,650 m to Yamunotri 3,291 m). Time on foot: 2–3 hours ascent (depending on fitness and crowd), 1.5–2 hours descent. The trail is a well-marked mountain path, largely paved with stones in the lower sections and rocky in the upper sections. The trail follows the Yamuna river gorge, crossing the Yamuna over a bridge and climbing steeply in the last 1–2 km before the temple. Total return trek from Janki Chatti: 12 km, 5–6 hours. Plan your day to start no later than 7:30 AM to complete the return trek comfortably before afternoon.

How much does a horse cost for the Yamunotri trek?

Horse/mule hire for the Yamunotri trek 2026: one way (Janki Chatti to Yamunotri): ₹600–₹1,000 per person. Return (Janki Chatti to Yamunotri and back): ₹1,200–₹1,800 per person. The horse stands are clearly organised at Janki Chatti with fixed government rates displayed on boards. Horses wait for you at Yamunotri for the return. Palanquin (palki): ₹1,500–₹3,000 one way (carried by 4 men), return ₹2,500–₹5,000. In peak May season, horse and palanquin bookings at Janki Chatti fill up by 8:00–9:00 AM — book immediately on arrival at Janki Chatti. Tip for horse handlers: ₹50–₹100.

Is the Yamunotri trek difficult?

The Yamunotri trek is graded easy to moderate. The trail is 6 km with 641 m of altitude gain — manageable for most healthy adults. Challenges: (1) Altitude — starting at 2,650 m and reaching 3,291 m. If you have not acclimatised, you may feel short of breath. (2) Trail surface — stone-paved in lower sections but rocky and uneven in upper sections. (3) Crowd congestion in May — the trail can be very slow with large pilgrim groups. (4) Weather — afternoon showers possible in June; slippery in monsoon. A reasonable level of fitness is required — walking 6 km uphill with a 641 m climb. Elderly pilgrims or those with joint/respiratory issues should use horse or palanquin.

Yamunotri Trek 2026 | Janki Chatti to Yamunotri 6 km Guide

Overview

The 6-km Janki Chatti to Yamunotri trek is the defining feature of the Yamunotri Yatra. Unlike the other three Char Dham (which are road-accessible or helicopter-served), every Yamunotri pilgrim must trek — on foot, horse or palanquin. This physical effort gives the arrival at Yamunotri its unique emotional charge: you have earned the darshan.

Detail	Information
Trek start	Janki Chatti (2,650 m)
Trek end	Yamunotri temple (3,291 m)
Distance	6 km one way (12 km return)
Altitude gain	641 m
Duration (on foot)	2–3 hrs up, 1.5–2 hrs down
Difficulty	Easy–Moderate
Horse hire	₹600–₹1,000 one way
Palanquin (palki)	₹1,500–₹3,000 one way
Best start time	6:30–7:00 AM
Helicopter	Not available

Planning

Trail description — Janki Chatti to Yamunotri:
The trail begins at Janki Chatti bridge (registration check point). The first 2 km are the steepest — stone-paved steps climbing above the Yamuna gorge. The trail then eases somewhat through forest (3–4 km section) with several small stream crossings and rest points (chai and snack stalls at 2 km and 4 km marks). The last 1–2 km climb steeply again to the temple complex. The Yamuna gorge is dramatic throughout — white water below, high cliffs above, the sound of the river constant. Total altitude at Yamunotri: 3,291 m — some first-time visitors feel mild breathlessness on the steeper sections.

Horse and palanquin options:
Horse/mule: Booked at the horse stand in Janki Chatti (clearly signposted). Government rate boards displayed. Horse handlers speak basic Hindi/English. One way: ₹600–₹1,000. The horse carries you to a drop-off point near (but not right at) the temple — last 200–300 m is on foot (stone steps). Return horse: same stand at Yamunotri or arrange with your handler to wait.
Palanquin (palki/doli): 4-person team carries you in a chair attached to poles. More expensive but very comfortable. Best for elderly, pregnant women or those with mobility issues. Book at the palanquin stand at Janki Chatti. Ensure the price is agreed before starting.

Travel Tips

Start by 7:00 AM at the latest: The trail becomes congested from 9:00 AM onwards in May–June. An early start gives you a peaceful, cooler trek and a shorter temple queue on arrival. In September, the trail is quieter and a 7:30–8:00 AM start is fine.
Carry your rice and potatoes for the Surya Kund: The jhola (cloth bag) with rice and potatoes should go in your day pack — not in a horse pannier. You'll need it at the temple for the Surya Kund prasad cooking. Buy raw rice and potatoes at Barkot or Janki Chatti before you start.
Waterproof footwear recommended: The trail has multiple stream crossings (stepped bridges) and the surface is wet in the stream sections. Waterproof trekking shoes or trail runners with good grip are ideal. Sandals or chappals are not recommended — too slippery on wet stone.
Ropes available at Surya Kund: Don't worry about bringing long rope for the jhola cooking — hooks and ropes are provided at the Surya Kund by the temple management. Just bring your cloth bag with rice/potatoes.

Accommodation at Trek Base

Janki Chatti: Basic guesthouses and dharamshalas ₹400–₹1,000. Closest to trek start. Limited capacity — fill early in May.
Barkot (13 km from Janki Chatti): GMVN Barkot (₹1,200–₹2,800), private hotels ₹700–₹2,500, ATM. Best base. Drive 30–45 min to Janki Chatti in morning. See hotels guide.

FAQs

How long is the Yamunotri trek from Janki Chatti?: 6 km one way, 641 m ascent, 2,650 m to 3,291 m. 2–3 hrs up on foot, 1.5–2 hrs down. 12 km return total. Start by 7:00 AM to complete comfortably before afternoon. Trail: stone-paved + rocky, follows Yamuna gorge.
How much does a horse cost for the Yamunotri trek?: Horse one way: ₹600–₹1,000. Return: ₹1,200–₹1,800. Palanquin one way: ₹1,500–₹3,000. Government rates at Janki Chatti horse stand. Book immediately on arrival in May (fills by 8–9 AM). Tip the handler ₹50–₹100.
Is the Yamunotri trek difficult?: Easy-to-moderate. 6 km, 641 m gain. Fine for fit adults. Altitude at 3,291 m causes some breathlessness. Crowd congestion in May. Use horse/palanquin if elderly, mobility issues, or respiratory conditions. September: best trail conditions.

Yamunotri Trek — Janki Chatti to Temple