The Complete Guide to Barkot: Top Hotels and Distance to Yamunotri

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.

• Traffic Warning: During May and June (peak Yatra season), this 2-hour drive can take 4 hours because of traffic jams.
• My Tip: Leave Barkot by 4:00 AM sharp. You will reach Janki Chatti early, get parking easily, and finish your Darshan before the afternoon heat.

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.

• Camp Nirvana: This is a tented resort but very luxurious. It feels like you are sleeping in the lap of nature.
• Rigveda Resort (Veda Camp): Located near the river. The sound of the Yamuna river at night is very relaxing.
• Pavani Resort: Great for large families.

2. Budget & Decent Stays

If you are only there to sleep and save money, these are clean options.

• Hotel Shiva: A very old and trusted name in Barkot. Basic rooms but good service.
• GMVN Barkot: This is the government guest house. It is cheap and has the best location, but you must book months in advance.
• Hotel Rautela: Good for solo travelers or small groups.

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:

• Chainsoo: A high-protein dish made from black gram dal. It gives you a lot of energy for the trek.
• Kafuli: A green curry made of spinach and fenugreek. It is very healthy.
• Mandua ki Roti: Bread made from finger millet. Eat this with local ghee/butter.

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:

1. ATM Availability: Barkot is the last reliable place for ATMs. There is an ATM in Janki Chatti, but it often runs out of cash or has network issues. Withdraw cash in Barkot.
2. Petrol Pumps: Fill your tank here. Fuel stations ahead are rare.
3. Network: Jio and Airtel work well in Barkot. As you go towards Yamunotri, BSNL works best.
4. Acclimatization: Do not rush to Yamunotri the moment you arrive. Spend one evening in Barkot. Walk around the market. This helps your body adjust to the height.

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.