Introduction: The Gateway to Yamunotri If you are planning the Char Dham Yatra, Barkot is a name you will hear often. Situated at 1,220 meters, this small town is not just a stopover; it is the base camp for Yamunotri Dham. Hi, I am Mayank. I have been working in the travel industry for over 5 years (including time at MakeMyTrip), and I have helped thousands of pilgrims plan their Uttarakhand trips. One thing I always tell my guests: Do not rush Yamunotri. Yamunotri is the toughest trek of the four Dhams because it is usually the first one you do, and your body isn’t used to the hills yet. That is why staying in Barkot is so important. It gives you time to rest, breathe fresh air, and prepare for the steep climb ahead. In this Barkot Travel Guide, I will share everything you need—from the exact distance to Yamunotri to the best places to eat local Pahadi food. Barkot to Yamunotri Distance: The Real Travel Time Many people get confused about the distance. They think they can drive straight to the temple. You cannot. The road ends at Janki Chatti, and from there, you must walk or take a pony. Here is the exact breakdown of the journey: Route Segment Distance Travel Mode Time Taken Barkot to Janki Chatti 45–50 km Taxi / Bus 2 to 2.5 Hours Janki Chatti to Yamunotri 6 km Trek / Pony 3 to 4 Hours Total One-Way Trip ~56 km Drive + Trek 6 to 7 Hours Important Note for Drivers: The road from Barkot to Janki Chatti is narrow and curvy. You will pass through small towns like Syanachatti and Hanuman Chatti. Best Hotels in Barkot: Where to Stay? Barkot has changed a lot in the last 5 years. Earlier, there were only basic guest houses. Now, you can find luxury cottages and riverside camps. Here are my top recommendations based on safety, cleanliness, and food quality. 1. Luxury & Comfort (For Families & Seniors) If you want good sleep before the trek, choose these. They have hot water, heaters, and good food. 2. Budget & Decent Stays If you are only there to sleep and save money, these are clean options. Pro Tip: “Hotels in Barkot fill up very fast in May and June. I have seen tourists sleeping in their cars because they didn’t book ahead. Please book at least 2 months before your trip.” Barkot Weather: When to Visit? The weather in Barkot is generally pleasant, but it can get very cold at night. Month Weather Condition Temperature Recommendation Apr – Jun Pleasant & Sunny 15°C to 30°C Best Time for Yatra Jul – Aug Heavy Rain 10°C to 25°C Avoid (Landslide risk) Sep – Nov Cool & Clear Views 5°C to 20°C Great for views Dec – Mar Very Cold 0°C to 12°C Only for winter lovers Note on “Yamunotri Yatra Stay”: Even in summer (May/June), bring a light jacket. Barkot is warm, but once you reach Janki Chatti for the trek, the wind gets cold. Local Food & Hidden Gems (The Local Experience) Most tourists eat Dal Makhani and Paneer at their hotels. But if you want to taste the real Uttarakhand, you should try local dishes. What to Eat: Best Views: Ask your driver to stop at Rarhi Top (between Barkot and Radi). From here, you get a clear view of the Bandarpoonch Peak. It is a massive snow-covered mountain that looks like a monkey’s tail (that is what Bandar-Poonch means!). Essential Travel Tips for Barkot Since I have managed tours here for years, here are some small things that save big trouble: Conclusion Barkot is more than just a halt; it is the start of your spiritual journey. A good night’s sleep here ensures you have the energy for the Yamunotri trek the next day. Whether you are looking for the best hotels in Barkot or checking the Barkot to Yamunotri distance, I hope this guide helps you plan better. Planning your Char Dham Yatra? If you need help with helicopter bookings, luxury hotels, or a complete package from Haridwar or Delhi, feel free to contact Clans Stays. We specialize in customized Uttarakhand tours for families and NRIs. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ Schema) 1. What is the exact distance from Barkot to Yamunotri? You cannot drive all the way to Yamunotri. You drive 45 km from Barkot to Janki Chatti (2 hours), and then trek 6 km to the temple. 2. Which are the best hotels in Barkot for families? For families, Camp Nirvana and Rigveda Resort are great luxury options. Hotel Shiva is a good budget choice. 3. Is it safe to drive from Barkot to Janki Chatti at night? No, avoid driving at night. The roads are narrow, and there are no street lights. Plan your travel between 5 AM and 6 PM. 4. How is the mobile network in Barkot? Barkot has good 4G coverage for Jio and Airtel. However, once you move towards Janki Chatti, the signal becomes weak. 5. Can I find snow in Barkot? Snow in Barkot town is rare in summer. You might see snow in late December or January. However, you can see snow-capped peaks from the town year-round. 6. How many days do I need for Barkot and Yamunotri? You need a minimum of 2 nights. Day 1: Arrive in Barkot and rest. Day 2: Go to Yamunotri, do Darshan, and come back to Barkot. Day 3: Depart.
Uttarkashi: The Best Stop for Char Dham Yatra and Temples
By Mayank (Clans Stays) (Ex-MMT, 5 Years Experience in Travel) Hello friends! If you are planning your Char Dham Yatra, especially to Gangotri, you will likely stop in a town called Uttarkashi. Many people think Uttarkashi is just a place to sleep for one night. But let me tell you, it is much more than that. I have been sending clients here for 5 years, and they always tell me, “Mayank, we wish we stayed one more day in Uttarkashi!” It is called the “Kashi of the North” because it is just like Varanasi (Kashi). It has the same holy river flowing north and a famous Lord Shiva temple. In this blog, I will tell you the best places to visit in Uttarkashi, where to eat, and where to stay. Let’s start! Why is Uttarkashi Important for Char Dham Yatra? Before we talk about sightseeing, you must know why this town is so important for your trip. Mayank’s Tip: Always fill your petrol tank here. After Uttarkashi, petrol pumps are very rare! Top Places to Visit in Uttarkashi Here are the simple and beautiful places you must see. You don’t need a lot of time—you can see most of these in half a day. 1. Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi This is the heart of the town. Just like the famous temple in Varanasi, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is very old and very powerful. 2. Shakti Temple (The Big Trident) Right in front of the Vishwanath temple, there is a small temple called Shakti Temple. 3. Maneri Dam If you drive about 15 km towards Gangotri, you will see a beautiful blue lake. This is the Maneri Dam. 4. Nehru Institute of Mountaineering (NIM) If you love adventure or have kids, you must visit NIM. It is India’s best school for climbing mountains. 5. Gangnani Hot Springs (Rishikund) This is about 45 km from Uttarkashi, on the way to Gangotri. Best Places to Eat (Local Food) You will find many small shops (Dhabas) in Uttarkashi. But if you want good food, try these: Where to Stay? (Hotels in Uttarkashi) Finding a clean room can be hard in May and June (peak season). Here is my honest advice on Hotels in Uttarkashi: Type of Stay Recommendation Why choose this? Government Guest House GMVN Tourist Bungalow Very big rooms, safe, and right near the river. Book early! Ashrams Birla Dharamshala Very cheap, clean, and near the temple. Good for families. Comfort Hotels Hotel Shivlinga / 5 Elements If you want luxury and good service. Homestays Clans Stays Partner Homes We have tie-ups with local homes for a real village feel. 3 Important Tips from a Local Expert (Me) Conclusion Uttarkashi is not just a stopover; it is a beautiful part of your Char Dham Yatra. Whether you want to pray at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Uttarkashi, see the magic Trishul, or just sit by the river, you will love it here. If you need a safe taxi, a clean hotel, or a helicopter ticket, just message me. At Clans Stays, we treat you like family, not just clients. Planning a trip to Uttarakhand? Contact Clans Stays today for the best rates and safe drivers! FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) 1. How far is Uttarkashi from Rishikesh? It is about 170 km. It takes 6 to 7 hours to drive because it is a hill road. 2. Can I visit Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttarkashi at night? The temple usually closes around 8:30 PM or 9:00 PM. The best time is evening Aarti at 6:30 PM. 3. Is it safe to drive to Uttarkashi in the rain? Monsoon (July-August) can be tricky due to landslides. Always check the weather forecast. May, June, September, and October are the safest months. 4. What is the best time to visit Uttarkashi? The best time is from April to June (pleasant summer) and September to November (clear views). 5. Are there ATMs in Uttarkashi? Yes, Uttarkashi is a big town and has many ATMs (SBI, PNB, HDFC). But carry cash for your journey ahead to Gangotri. 6. Can I see snow in Uttarkashi? In the main town, snow is rare. But if you go to nearby places like Harsil or Radi Top in winter (January-February), you will find lots of snow.
