Such is the importance of Yamunotri that is to be visited first among the Char Dhams of Uttarakhand, which include Gangotri, Kedarnath and Badrinath. The other reason of Yamunotri being visited before the other dhams is that the Char Dham Yatra is essentially done from left to right.
Yamunotri at a height of 3235 m in Uttarakhand is not only popular as a pilgrimage but is also a scenic spot as well. Perhaps, that is the reason why it attracts both the pilgrims and those looking for beauty and tranquility in the hills. Yamunotri is the source of river Yamuna and the western most amongst the Chardham in the Himalayas. The shrine of Goddess Yamunotri is perched on the western flank of mighty Banderpunch peaks (6135 m), which are snow covered throughout the year. The temple itself stands on the foothill of Kalinda Parvata close to thermal springs.
Yamunotri is a 14 km trek from Hanumanchatti, which is the last road-head to the shrine. The thermal springs refresh pilgrims before they offer prayers in the shrine. However, the actual source of Yamunotri is a lake, 12 kilometres away named Saptrishi Kund. A difficult guided trek will bring you here. Most pilgrims offer prayers at the shrine itself, since the trek is difficult.
The temple of Yamunotri falls on the left bank and was originally constructed by Maharaj Pratap Shah of Tehri Garhwal. Near the temple are three hot springs. The most important, Surya Kund, is a tank full of boiling water into which rice and potatoes are dipped to be cooked and taken as 'prasad.'