Jakhu Temple (Jakhoo Temple)

The basics

Part of the full experience of visiting the Jakhu Temple is getting there, and many travelers opt to take a ride up to the Jakhu Ropeway, a cable car system that connects the temple with the city. Due to the temple's popularity, it’s featured on plenty of Shimla Tours, from more general private sightseeing tours to specific tours that focus on the temple and Hindu spiritual practices.

Things to know before you go

• The Jakhu Temple is a must for practicing Hindu visitors and travelers of all faiths who are interested in spirituality and culture.

• Following Hindu tradition, you’ll need to remove your shoes before entering the temple.

• It’s polite to dress modestly out of respect for local customs, with your shoulders and knees covered.

• Avoid carrying food with you, as it can tempt area monkeys who are known to be skilled pickpockets.

How to get there

There are a couple of ways to get to the temple. The first is to hike up the hill, which takes most people about 45 minutes. To speed up your trip, hop aboard the Jakhu Ropeway, which connects the Ridge in central Shimla to the temple in about 6 minutes.

When to get there

The Jakhu Temple is open daily from morning to evening; arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds. Prayer ceremonies typically take place first thing in the morning and again around sunset. The temple is at its busiest during the annual Hanuman Jayanti celebrations, which typically fall in April and honor the birthday of the deity.

Monkeying around

Whether you head up to the Jakhu Temple via the ropeway or make the trek on foot, you’re likely to encounter some monkeys along the way. Rhesus macaques congregate at the temple and in the woods around it, and are fond of robbing people, particularly those carrying snacks. They’ve even been known to take the glasses right off people’s faces. Fortunately, vendors rent out large sticks that you can use to scare the monkeys away.