Everyone tells you to visit Jakhoo Temple in Shimla. Almost nobody tells you about the monkey that might walk away with your spectacles, or whether the ropeway is worth the money.
I’ve heard enough stories (and seen enough flying sunglasses) to know the real questions. Should you ride or climb? What are the timings and costs? And how do you survive the monkeys? Here’s the complete Jakhoo Temple Shimla guide from The Route Atlas, sorted the way a friend would explain it.
Latest update: This guide reflects the most recently reported ropeway fares, escalator access, temple timings and visitor cautions.
Jakhoo Temple at a Glance
- What it is: An ancient Hanuman temple on Jakhoo Hill, the highest point in Shimla.
- Height: Around 2,455 m (about 8,054 ft) above sea level.
- Distance: Roughly 2.5 km from the Ridge, according to commonly cited figures.
- Entry: Free.
- Time needed: Around 1.5 to 2 hours including the ropeway and temple visit.
- Best time of day: Early morning, ideally on a weekday.
Jakhoo Hanuman Statue Height
The giant statue is the first thing you’ll spot, even from parts of the town below. It stands about 108 feet (around 33 metres) tall and was unveiled in November 2010. Reports put the construction cost at roughly ₹1.5 crore.
It’s often compared with Rio’s Christ the Redeemer, which is around 98 feet. Whether that makes it a “record” depends on whom you ask, but the view of it above the deodars is genuinely impressive.
How to Reach Jakhoo Temple
You have three real choices: ropeway, trek or taxi. Here’s the quick comparison.
| Option | Time (approx.) | Effort | Best for |
| Ropeway | 6 to 10 min ride | Low | Families, seniors, view lovers |
| Trek | 45 min to 1.5 hrs one way | High (steep) | Fitness fans, budget travellers |
| Taxi | Short drive | Very low | Rainy days, elders, tight schedules |
All three start from the Ridge or Mall Road area. A taxi uses the road route, which official information puts at roughly 6 km, while the walking path is shorter but steeper.
Jakhoo Ropeway Ticket Price
The most recently reported adult fare was around ₹265 one-way and ₹490 for a round trip, including GST. Another listing shows base fares of ₹252 one-way and ₹467 round trip (plus 5% GST) for adults. Children aged roughly 3 to 12 pay less, and toddlers under 3 ride free.
Prices get revised, so confirm at the counter. Tickets are sold at the lower station, and third-party booking pages also exist.
My tip: Buy the round trip only if you’re sure you won’t trek down. Many people ride up and walk down through the forest.
Jakhoo Ropeway Timings
The ropeway typically runs from around 9:30 AM until about 5:30 or 6 PM. The ride itself takes roughly 6 to 10 minutes. The lower station is around 500 metres uphill from the Ridge, so wear proper shoes even if you plan to ride.
Is Jakhoo Ropeway Open Today?
Ropeways can pause for maintenance, strong winds, heavy rain or snow. There’s no live status page I could verify, so check at the ticket counter or the ropeway’s own booking channel on the day.
In winter, Jakhoo Hill sees snow in some years, and the first snowfall of one recent season in January 2026 sent visitors flocking to the hill and nearby Kufri. Pretty, but it can mean closures and slippery paths.
Jakhoo Temple Timings
The official Shimla district tourism page lists the temple as open daily from around 7 AM to 8 PM, with no entry fee. Other listings show slightly wider hours, so treat the early morning and early evening limits as flexible.
Aarti timings happen in the morning and evening, and they’re a nice time to visit if you want a calmer experience. Footwear stays outside the temple premises.
Jakhoo Hill Trek Distance
The trail starts near the Ridge, close to Christ Church. Sources vary slightly:
- Distance: Around 2 to 2.5 km one way
- Time: Roughly 45 minutes to 1.5 hours at a relaxed pace
- Elevation gain: Around 250 metres
- Terrain: Steep, shaded forest path with stairs near the top
It’s short but real exercise at altitude, so go slow and carry water. The ridge-to-hill loop recorded on a hiking app comes to around 3.2 km in about 75 minutes.
My tip: Start before 9 AM. The forest is cooler, quieter and kinder to your knees.
Escalators on the Last Stretch
Himachal’s first outdoor escalators opened at the temple in March 2024, built by Schindler India at a reported cost of ₹7.94 crore. Each stretch is around 23 metres long, and the ride takes about 2 to 3 minutes. When they opened, they were free for the time being, with a fare to be decided later.
This helps seniors a lot, but check on the day whether both are running.
Jakhoo Temple Monkeys: What You Need to Know
Let’s be honest, this is why you clicked. The rhesus monkeys here are famous for snatching glasses, phones, caps, bags and prasad. I’ve seen them take things in a blink.
Here’s how to avoid becoming a story:
- Keep spectacles and sunglasses in a zipped bag before you reach the temple area.
- Don’t carry food in your hand. Prasad should go straight into a closed bag.
- Never tease, stare or run. Stay calm and keep moving.
- Avoid dangling items like scarves, hats and loose camera straps.
- Use designated spots if you want to offer food, and follow posted instructions.
- Sticks are available to rent for around ₹10 according to one travel guide, but hold one only as a deterrent. Never hit a monkey.
- Go with kids carefully. Keep them close and let them hold nothing edible.
If a monkey does grab something, don’t chase it. Offering something else rarely works, and chasing escalates the situation.
Security and Practical Updates
In September 2025, an NSG team suggested tighter security at the temple. Travel light, carry a valid ID, and expect possible checks. Avoid big backpacks, since they slow you down and give monkeys more targets.
Where to Eat and Stay Nearby
There’s a small cafe at the top for tea and snacks. For a proper meal, come back down to Mall Road or Middle Bazaar and try Himachali dishes like chana madra, siddu or babru.
Staying near the Ridge or Mall Road makes the ropeway an easy walk. A realistic budget-trip figure is around ₹1,200 to ₹1,800 per person per day, excluding travel to Shimla.
If you’re reaching Shimla from outside, Chandigarh is the practical gateway. The road takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, and the toy train from Kalka makes it a more scenic journey.
Best Plan for a Smooth Visit
- Reach the Ridge by 8:30 AM.
- Take the ropeway up (or trek if you’re fit).
- Visit the temple and statue, and keep your belongings secured.
- Walk down or ride back.
- Finish with chai near Christ Church.
Final Thoughts
Jakhoo is worth it, as long as you respect the monkeys and plan the climb. Ride if you’re short on time, walk if you want the forest, and always zip your bag.
Save this guide for your Shimla trip, and explore more hill-station planning guides on The Route Atlas. Tell us in the comments: did a monkey ever get you at Jakhoo?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the Jakhoo ropeway ticket price?
The most recently reported adult fares were around ₹265 one-way and ₹490 round trip including GST. Children pay less, and prices can change.
2. What are the Jakhoo temple timings?
Official information lists around 7 AM to 8 PM daily with no entry fee. The ropeway usually runs from about 9:30 AM until late afternoon.
3. What is the Jakhoo hill trek distance?
It’s around 2 to 2.5 km one way from the Ridge, taking roughly 45 minutes to 1.5 hours.
4. How tall is the Jakhoo Hanuman statue?
About 108 feet (around 33 metres), unveiled in November 2010.
5. Are the Jakhoo temple monkeys dangerous?
They’re mostly bold and opportunistic rather than violent. Keep food and glasses hidden, stay calm, and never provoke them.
