Jakhu Temple Travel Guide

Table of Contents

• Jakhu Temple
• History of Jakhu Temple
• The Statue You Can't Miss (Even If You Try)
• How to reach Jakhu temple?
• The Monkeys of Jakhu: A Friendly (but Firm) Warning
• Inside the Jakhu Temple
• Best time to visit Temple
• Nearby places to visit
• Coda: After Jakhu whats next

If you're reading this, chances are you're either already in Shimla soaking in the crisp mountain air, or you're deep in the planning rabbit hole — either way, you've come to the right place. This guide will take you from the bustling Mall Road all the way up to Shimla's highest point, where the views are panoramic, the air is pure, and your brain will involuntarily go: "I'm the highest in the room."

Timings:

🕒 Jakhu Temple

Day	Timing
Monday	5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Tuesday	5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Wednesday	5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Thursday	5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Friday	5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Saturday	5:00 am to 9:00 pm
Sunday	5:00 am to 9:00 pm

Entry FEE:

It's free😉

Jakhu Temple

Perched at the very top of Jakhu Hill, Shimla's highest peak at approximately 2,455 metres (8,048 feet) above sea level, Jakhu Temple is one of the most visited and revered religious sites in Himachal Pradesh. The temple is dedicated to Lord Hanuman, and according to legend, this very hilltop is where the mighty Hanuman rested while searching for the Sanjeevani herb to save Lakshmana during the events of the Ramayana.

But here's what truly sets Jakhu apart from your average temple visit: it's home to one of the most striking landmarks in all of Shimla — a towering 33-metre (108 feet) statue of Lord Hanuman that is visible from almost every corner of the hill station.

Worm’s eye picture of the Hanuman statue (Credits: @_itsyourvivek_ on Instagram)

History of Jakhu Temple

Mythological Foundations: The hill (Jakhu) and temple are mentioned in the Ramayana epic. It is believed that Lord Hanuman halted here in his search of the Sanjeevani herb to heal Lakshmana. He encountered the sage Yakru on the hill-top and vowed to come back after the war. But Hanuman was detained in the combat against the demon Kalnemi, and could not meet Yakru at once. When Hanuman eventually returned after the battle an idol of him had appeared miraculously on the hill.

In order to worship Hanuman, this idol was surrounded by the Jakhu Temple constructed by the sage Yakru. The same place where Hanuman is claimed to have landed his foot is now a part of the shrine.

Local folklore still exists: the numerous monkeys inhabiting the temple are said to be the descendants of the army of Hanuman. Devotees have contributed to the shrine over the centuries. The existing historic temple building is several centuries old, but it has been renovated and enlarged. Here in 2010, a giant 108-foot statue of Hanuman was unveiled, which is now one of the tallest Hanuman statues in the world. (read the history)

The Statue You Can't Miss (Even If You Try)

If you've scrolled through pictures of Mall Road or The Ridge, you've almost certainly caught a glimpse of the giant statue standing tall above the treeline. This is the Jakhu Hanuman statue, and it is impossible to ignore — and honestly, you won't want to.

Here's a fun bit of trivia to impress your travel companions: the Jakhu Hanuman statue is taller than the Christ the Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. Yes, you read that right. While Christ the Redeemer stands at about 30 metres, the Jakhu statue rises to 33 metres. Not bad for a hilltop temple, eh?

Much like the Eiffel Tower seems to follow you around every street in Paris (a feeling anyone who's watched the film Queen will immediately relate to), the Jakhu statue has a similar quality in Shimla.

Except unlike Rani's frantic attempts to escape the Eiffel Tower, here the reaction is the opposite: the moment you spot the statue from Mall Road or The Ridge, something pulls you toward it. You want to go up. And you should.

How to reach Jakhu? Hike or Cable Car?

The temple is approximately 2 kilometres from the Ridge, and there are two distinct ways to get there.

1. Jakhu via Taxi

You can book a taxi with us😉

2. Hike Up Jakhu Hill

For those who love a good walk and would rather save their money for a hot cup of chai at the top, the hike is absolutely doable. The trail winds through a dense forest of Deodar and oak trees and takes roughly 45 minutes to an hour at a comfortable pace. The path is relatively well-marked, the air is refreshing, and the forest cover makes for a pleasant walk even on warmer days.

Pro tip for hikers: Start early in the morning, ideally before 7 AM, to catch the sunrise and beat the crowds. The early morning light filtering through the forest is something else entirely, and you'll have the path largely to yourself.

You can start the trek from The Mall, Shimla, reach the Jakhu temple at around 12 noon, and enjoy the Famous Jakhu Bhandara.

3. The Jakhu Cable Car (Jakhu Ropeway)

If walking isn't your thing or you'd rather arrive fresh and energized, the Jakhu ropeway is a great option. The cable car offers sweeping aerial views of Shimla on the way up, making the ride itself a worthy experience. The ropeway typically operates from 9:30 AM onwards, so factor that into your plans if you're hoping to catch the sunrise or the morning puja at the temple.

Tickets are priced reasonably, and the ride takes just a few minutes, but those minutes offer some of the best views you'll get of the entire city below.

Quick verdict: Hike up if you're an early riser and want the full experience. Take the cable car if you're visiting later in the day or want a different kind of thrill.

Category	Round Trip Price	One Way Price	Notes
Adult	₹470	₹250	-
Child (3–12 years)	₹400	₹200	-
Child (Below 3 years)	Free	Free	No ticket required
General Info	Tickets available at the venue and online. Gondola capacity: 6 people. The station includes snacks and washroom facilities. Located ~500m from The Ridge.

The Monkeys of Jakhu: A Friendly (but Firm) Warning

No guide to Jakhu Temple would be complete without a serious word about the monkeys. Jakhu Hill is home to a large population of rhesus macaques, and while they may look absolutely adorable with their fluffy and curious faces, do not let their charm fool you.

These are not the gentle, photo-friendly monkeys you might be imagining. Think less Punch from those famous Japanese monkey videos and more seasoned pickpockets with no regard for your personal belongings. They are notorious for snatching food, grabbing sunglasses right off your face, and making off with mobile phones. There have been enough incidents that locals take it as a matter of fact.

• Do not carry open food or snacks.
• Keep your sunglasses, phones, and loose items secured.
• Do not make eye contact or try to feed them.
• If one approaches you, stay calm and don't run.

Sticks are sometimes available near the temple entrance that you can carry as a gentle deterrent. Be sure not to be violent towards them though; remember, you’re in their territory, not the other way around.

Once you know what to expect, it's less stressful and honestly adds a memorable (if slightly chaotic) dimension to the experience. Just be prepared.

Inside the Jakhu Temple Premises

Once you make it to the top, and trust us, it is worth every step, the temple premises greet you with a sense of calm that contrasts beautifully with the journey up (as P.B. Shelley would say, “If winter comes, can spring be far behind?”). The main temple structure is modest and ancient, its origins said to date back thousands of years. The atmosphere during puja is deeply spiritual, with the sound of bells and chanting filling the thin mountain air.

The giant Hanuman statue dominates the skyline and offers a surreal backdrop for photographs. Walking around the premises, you get unobstructed 360-degree views of Shimla: the toy train winding through the hills in the distance, the colonial architecture of the town below, and on a clear day, the snow-capped peaks of the higher Himalayas on the horizon.

Take your time here. Sit down, breathe it in. It's the kind of view that makes you realise why people have been making the trip up this hill for centuries. And, if you’re something of a romantic, it might make you think of how miniscule your dilemmas are compared to the grandeur of mountains and the greater scheme of things.

Best Time to Visit Jakhu Temple

Early morning is, without question, the best time to visit Jakhu Temple in Shimla.

Here's why:

• The crowds are minimal in the early hours.
• The light is golden and cinematic.
• The monkeys tend to be less aggressive.
• You'll catch a Himalayan sunrise.

Attending the morning aarti (prayer ceremony) at the temple at sunrise is a profoundly peaceful experience, the kind you don't easily forget.

Visiting early also has a very practical advantage: it frees up the rest of your day to explore the rest of Shimla. The Mall Road, The Ridge, Lakkar Bazaar, Christ Church: Shimla has no shortage of things to do.

Best months to visit Shimla and Jakhu: March to June offer pleasant weather...

Nearby places after temple visit:

Cafe under the Tree:

It is a very beautiful cafe just situated under the Jakhu Temple.

Rothney Castle

Rothney Castle has a big historic significance in Indian History...

Coda: After Jakhu, what’s next?

Once you've soaked in the views, done your darshan, and successfully outmanoeuvred the monkeys...

Jakhu Temple isn't just a religious site; it is a full experience...

So whether you're already in Shimla looking up at that giant statue, wondering how to get there, or planning your trip from your living room, make Jakhu a priority. You won't regret it.