Are you going to Yamunotri Temple? This simple guide will show you how to Step-by-Step Guide to Reach Janki Chatti by Road. The path goes through Uttarakhand's beautiful but winding mountains. Every year, thousands of pilgrims start their journey at Janki Chatti, the main starting point for the holy Yamunotri Yatra.
This easy-to-follow road guide will help you get to your destination safely and enjoy every minute of your trip, whether you're coming from Delhi, Mumbai, or any other big city. Step-by-Step Guide to Reach Janki Chatti by Road post read deeply for complete information.
About Janki Chatti (Starting Point of Yamunotri Trek)
Janki Chatti is a small, quiet town in Uttarakhand's Uttarkashi district. It is about 2,650 meters above sea level. It's the main place to start the last 5 km hike to Yamunotri Temple, which is one of the four holy sites in the Char Dham Yatra.
The town is next to the Yamuna River and is surrounded by tall, snowy mountains and green forests. From here, pilgrims can walk, ride a pony, or take a palanquin (palki) to get to the Yamunotri Temple.
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Quick Facts:
- 220 km from Dehradun
- From Haridwar: 245 km
- Delhi is 455 km away.
- 2,650 meters above sea level is the height.
- Uttarakhand, India
The Best Time to Reach to Janki Chatti by road
Because the weather changes a lot during the year, it's important to pick the right time to go to Janki Chatti.
The Best Months to Go
Peak Season: May to June
- Daytime temperature: 15°C to 25°C
- Nice weather and clear roads
- A lot of tourists come here at this time.
- All stores and hotels are open.
After the monsoon, from September to October
- 10°C to 20°C
- Stunning views of the mountains
- Not as many tourists as in the summer
- Weather that is safe and comfortable
Months to Stay Avoid
July to August (Monsoon)
- Strong rain and landslides
- Roads might not be safe or might be closed.
- Driving is hard to see
November through April (Winter)
- Heavy snow makes the roads impassable.
- The temperature drops below freezing.
- Most stores and hotels are closed.
Planning routes from big cities to Janki Chatti
Here are some ways to get to Janki Chatti by car from major Indian cities.
From Delhi to Janki Chatti, which is 455 km away
Route 1: The most popular way is NH334
- Delhi to Muzaffarnagar is 130 km and takes about 2.5 hours.
- Muzaffarnagar to Dehradun: 125 km, or about 2.5 hours
- Dehradun to Vikasnagar: 35 km, or about an hour
- Vikasnagar to Barkot is 65 km and takes about 2 hours.
- Barkot to Janki Chatti is 100 km and takes about 3.5 hours.
Total time spent travelling: about 11 to 12 hours
Route 2: Through Haridwar
- Delhi to Haridwar: 220 km, or about 4 hours
- 55 kilometres from Haridwar to Dehradun, or about 1.5 hours
- After that, take Route 1 from Dehradun to Janki Chatti.
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From Mumbai to Janki Chatti (1,650 km)
Suggested Route:
Mumbai → Nashik → Indore → Gwalior → Agra → Delhi (1,200 km, 18–20 hours)
Next, Delhi to Janki Chatti (455 km, 11–12 hours)
The easier choice is to fly to Dehradun and then drive 220 km to Janki Chatti.
From Kolkata to Janki Chatti (1,450 km)
The best way to go is:
Kolkata to Varanasi to Prayagraj to Lucknow to Bareilly to Haridwar (1,200 km)
Then, from Haridwar to Janki Chatti, it's 245 km.
You can pick the best way to get there based on where you are and how you like to travel!
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A full guide to driving to Janki Chatti
Here's a simple guide to getting from Delhi to Janki Chatti by car.
Part 1: From Delhi to Dehradun
Distance: 255 kilometres
Time: 5–6 hours
Roads: Highways that are wide and smooth
Take NH334 from Delhi to start your trip early in the morning. You will go through Ghaziabad, Meerut, and Muzaffarnagar before you get to Dehradun. The roads are good, and there are lots of places to eat and get petrol along the way.
Good Stops:
- Meerut: Eat breakfast or fill up your car.
- Muzaffarnagar: Take a quick break.
- Roorkee is a historic town with good places to eat.
Part 2: From Dehradun to Barkot
Distance: 100 kilometres
Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Roads: Good roads in the mountains
To avoid traffic, leave Dehradun early. You will drive through Vikasnagar and Purola before you get to Barkot. The road gets hilly here, giving you great views of the valleys and cool mountain air.
Key Stops:
- Vikasnagar is the last big town with all the stores and petrol stations.
- Purola: A small town with the basics.
- Barkot is the best place to spend the night.
Part 3: Barkot to Janki Chatti
Distance: 100 km
About 3.5 to 4 hours
Roads: Mountain roads that are narrow and have sharp turns
This is the most exciting and difficult part of the trip. The path goes through Saithi, Gangnani, and Harsil before it gets to Janki Chatti. Be careful and drive slowly here.
Important Places:
- Gangnani: Known for its hot springs, which are great for a short break.
- Harsil: Beautiful views of the valley.
- Bhairon Ghati is a narrow road, so be careful when you drive.
This Step-by-Step Guide to Reach Janki Chatti by Road post guide will help you have a safe, smooth, and beautiful trip to Janki Chatti!
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Road Conditions and Vehicle Requirements by Road
Before you drive to Janki Chatti, you should know this. The Best Cars for the Trip
Recommended Cars:
- Scorpio and XUV500 from Mahindra
- The Toyota Innova Crysta
- Ertiga by Maruti Suzuki
- Ford EcoSport
What Makes These Cars the Best:
- High ground clearance to deal with rough mountain roads
- Powerful engines for driving up steep hills
- Lots of room inside for people and their bags
- Better balance on winding mountain roads
Conditions on the road permits
1. Part of the highway (Delhi to Dehradun)
- Clear signs on smooth four-lane roads
- A lot of petrol stations and places to eat
- Roads with good lighting are safe to drive on at any time of day or night.
2. Mountain Section (from Dehradun to Janki Chatti)
- Most roads are only one lane
- Steep climbs and sharp turns
- Not many chances to safely pass
- Landslides or roadblocks could happen during the monsoon.
Tips for Fuel
Stops for petrol:
- Barkot is the last main fuel stop.
- Emergency fuel: Harsil (very little)
Tip for travellers:
- Fill up your tank at Barkot every time, because there aren't many petrol stations after that.
During the busy travel season, it's a good idea to carry extra petrol if you can.
- You can have a safe and fun road trip to Janki Chatti if you have the right car and a full tank.
- Important Papers and Licenses
This Step-by-Step Guide to Reach Janki Chatti by Road Blog help you to Make sure you have all the right papers for your car and passengers before you leave for Janki Chatti.
Papers for Your Car
- Original RC (Certificate of Registration)
- Insurance Papers That Are Valid
- PUC Certificate (Pollution Under Control)
- Licence to Drive
Passenger Papers
- Proof of identity with a photo (Aadhar, passport, or driver's license)
- Medical Fitness Certificate (recommended for older people)
- Checkpoints and Permits
There is no need for a special permit to drive to Janki Chatti. But you should always have your papers with you because police checkpoints are common.
Main Checkpoints:
- Place to enter Uttarakhand (near Haridwar)
- Entry gate for Uttarkashi district
- Random security checks on the route every now and then
Tip: Put all your papers in one folder so you can easily get to them at checkpoints.
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Places to Stay Along the Route in Janki Chatti
If you plan ahead, it's easy to find a good place to stay while you're in Janki Chatti. Here are some easy places to stay along the way.
Stops for the night(Recommendations)
1. Dehradun (a good place to start if you're coming from a long way away)
- Hotel President: A mid-range hotel with nice rooms and services.
- Lemon Tree Hotel: A high-end hotel close to the city centre.
- FabHotel: A clean and affordable choice.
2. Barkot (a good place to stop for the night)
- GMVN Tourist Rest House: A government-run place to stay with basic amenities.
- Hotel Yamunotri is a local hotel with a restaurant.
- Dharamshalas are cheap, simple places to stay.
Staying in Janki Chatti
Types of Places to Stay:
- Dharamshalas: Basic places for pilgrims to stay.
- Guest Houses: Basic rooms with the comforts you need.
- Tented camps are open during the busy season, which is from May to June.
Tips for Making Reservations
- Make your reservation early in the busy months of May and June.
- Bring a sleeping bag in case the rooms are full.
- The amenities here are basic, so don't expect any luxury.
- If you plan ahead, you'll have a safe and comfortable place to sleep at every stop along the way!
Driving in the Mountains: Safety Tips
It can be fun to drive in the mountains, but you have to be extra careful. This is a simple guide to help you stay safe on your way to Janki Chatti.
Check Your Vehicle Before You Start
Before you leave, check to see that your car is in good shape. Look at these things:
- Brakes: They need to work smoothly.
- Tires: Check the air pressure and the condition.
- Keep the engine oil and coolant full.
- Battery: It needs to be fully charged.
- Check to see that all the lights and indicators work.
Tips for Driving in the Mountains
Driving Up Hill:
- To keep your car powerful, use lower gears.
- Don't speed up or hit the gas pedal too hard.
- Keep a safe distance from other cars.
- Instead of always pressing the brake, use engine braking.
Driving Downhill:
- Stay in a lower gear to have more control.
- Don't keep braking all the time to keep your brakes from breaking.
- Stay at a steady and slow speed.
- Before making a sharp or blind turn, honk gently.
- Be Prepared for Emergencies
Have an emergency kit with you:
First aid kit:
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Phone numbers that are important
- A basic tool kit and a tow rope
- Reflective triangles to keep you safe at night
Stay in Touch:
- Charge your phone
- Bring power banks
- Keep the numbers for the police and hospitals in your area.
Tip: Keep your cool, drive slowly, and enjoy the beautiful mountain views in safety!
What to Bring on Your Janki Chatti Trip by Road
Bringing the right things will make your trip to Janki Chatti safe, easy, and fun. Here's a short list of things to bring.
Basic Clothing
For All Seasons:
- Sweaters and jackets that are warm
- Shoes that are comfortable for hiking
- An umbrella or a raincoat
- Another set of clothes
- A hat and socks made of wool
New things for the season:
- In the summer, wear light cotton clothes, a sun hat, and sunglasses.
- Winter: Heavy wool clothes, gloves, and thermal wear
Things You Need to Travel
Food and Water:
- 3 to 4 litres of water to drink for each person
- Snacks and energy bars that are dry
- Drugs for motion sickness
- Glucose powder or packets of ORS
Electronics and Navigation:
- A GPS device or maps that you can use without the internet on your phone
- Mobile phone charger for cars
- Camera with more batteries
- Whistle for emergencies
First Aid Kit
Basic medicine:
- Paracetamol for a headache or fever
- Stomach problems? Take digestive tablets.
- Pills for altitude sickness
- Cream that kills germs for cuts
- For small cuts, use band-aids and gauze.
Tip: Bring only what you need and be smart about it. The weather in the mountains can change quickly!
Getting Around Janki Chatti by Road
When you get to Janki Chatti, you'll have to drive the last few kilometres to Yamunotri Temple. These are the easy ways to get there.
Trekking (the most popular choice)
- Distance: 5 km away
- Time: 2 to 3 hours (one way)
- Moderate uphill walk is hard.
- Price: Free
This is the most common way to get to the temple. The walk is beautiful, with views of streams and mountains.
Ride a pony
- Price: ₹1,500–₹2,000 per person for a round trip
- One way takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
- Reservations: Janki Chatti has them
- Maximum weight: 80 kg per person
- If you don't want to walk the whole way, a pony ride is a great option.
Palanquin (Doli) Service
- Price: ₹3,000 to ₹4,000 per person for a round trip
- Time: 2 to 2.5 hours each way
- Best for: Older people and people who can't walk far
- Booking: It's best to book ahead of time.
- This is the most comfortable way to get to the temple, with trained porters carrying it.
Other Services in the Area
Porters (Coolies):
- You can pay ₹200–₹300 per bag to have someone carry it for you.
- Very useful for long hikes or heavy bags.
Local Guides:
- Charge between ₹500 and ₹800 a day
- Help you find your way and give you information about the temple
- Good for people who are coming for the first time
Tip: Pick the option that makes you feel good and healthy. The journey is just as beautiful as the destination!
Conclusion - Janki Chatti by Road
This easy Step-by-Step Guide to Reach Janki Chatti by Road post guide will make your trip to Janki Chatti safe, simple, and full of great memories. Driving from big cities to the mountains requires careful planning, a vehicle that has been thoroughly checked, and some care while driving in the mountains. Keep in mind to drive slowly, be aware of your surroundings, and respect the mountain roads.
The road to Janki Chatti has amazing views of the Himalayas and lets you enjoy the beauty of Uttarakhand. The trip can be hard at times, but the peace and spiritual feeling at the end make it all worth it. Epic Yatra also offers a Do Dham Yatra Package by Helicopter for a quick, luxurious trip to Kedarnath and Badrinath with VIP darshan and stunning aerial views.